Kemie Iko, Stanford GSB MBA Class of 2022
Age: 28
Hometown: Fairfax, VA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Harvard College, History & Literature major, African and African American Studies minor
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 6 years in Financial Services as an Institutional Sales & Relationship Manager
Why business school? Why now?
Prior to business school, I’d spent 6 years on the same team, working for the same company. I eventually realized that I preferred the strategic projects that would pop up sporadically over my core work of procuring new business for the firm. I decided to pivot from Sales to Strategy & Development, which led me to apply to business school. I also wanted to give myself the opportunity to be a student again and focus on my personal development.
Why Stanford GSB? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I’m fighting everything in me not to say it was about the “vibe,” but the energy of the Stanford GSB community really did catch my attention. There’s an emphasis on collaboration and interpersonal dynamics, which was important to me.
The spirit of Silicon Valley and the GSB’s emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship also factored in. In spite of living in SF for the past 5 years, I’ve had limited exposure to tech startups, and I want to correct that. I’m interested in the role of technology in promoting financial inclusion, and there are some cool companies in the neighborhood who are making strides in the FinTech space.
Last, my undergraduate degree was in an interdisciplinary field, so the variety of teaching methods and flexibility of the GSB curriculum really appealed to me.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
I commit to bringing a lot of myself to every engagement, which usually means indulging in a few jokes in the classroom or in meetings. I think we need a little humor as we seek to change lives, organizations, and the world.
I also think my background in sales and relationship management is a differentiator. It seems to be an underrepresented professional background in business school and I’m looking forward to sharing what I’ve learned with my classmates.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I had a random series of jobs in high school and college that didn’t make it onto my B-school resume. To name a few, I worked at Cold Stone Creamery, officiated youth lacrosse games, proctored practice college entrance exams, and interned at the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau.
Post-MBA career interests?
At a high level, I want to build or grow a company that empowers more people to achieve financial security. I’d like to see myself in a strategic role at a WealthTech company. I’m also interested in management consulting to get a broader sense of the types of challenges I might be asked to address as part of an in-house strategy team.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Take the time you need to figure out which programs excite you the most. In my experience, the application process was time- and energy-consuming. You’re going to want a clear sense of your priorities before you get in too deep. Quality over quantity, as they say.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
If I had to do it again, I would have engaged my friends and family for help earlier in my writing process. The application is an important opportunity for reflection, but it does not have to be a solitary process! I didn’t seek feedback from my network until I had drafts ready, and there are many earlier opportunities to get your people involved. I realize now that it would have been a huge help to talk things through with another person instead of going back and forth with myself in the corner of a coffee shop. Remember working in coffee shops?!
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I know I’m not alone when I say that I would have skipped the GMAT if I could. Coffee and Kit Kat bars got me through test prep and the exam. It’s not poetry, but it’s the truth.
What is your initial impression of Stanford GSB’s students/culture/community?
I immediately noticed that the GSB community is incredibly mission-driven. There is a broad range of backgrounds and interests in each class, but there’s a shared desire to find an authentic way to have a positive impact on the world. I’m looking forward to seeing what we accomplish. I hope we’ll hold each other accountable.
One thing you have learned about Stanford GSB that has surprised you?
I was surprised to see how active GSB students are on Slack and WhatsApp. The consistent activity was overwhelming at first, but the messaging platforms have been crucial resources, even prior to move-in. You can use the channels or group chats to find a tennis partner, borrow sugar from a neighbor, or share your thoughts on a lecture. There are definitely moments where I have to shut down the apps and take a break, but it’s nice to know where I can find some chatter and wisdom when needed.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Other than COVID-19, racial injustice, and the election? I worry about striking the right balance between leaning into my strengths and exploring new interests while I’m at the GSB.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited to register for my first elective courses in the Winter. The first quarter is dedicated to core requirements, so electives are still something to look forward to. I’m learning a lot from my core classes, but I am eager to take more ownership of my coursework and explore the areas that mean the most to me.
