Kudzai Chikwamba, Boston Carroll MBA Class of 2025
Age: 34
Hometown: Harare, Zimbabwe
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Pretoria, BSc Biotechnology
Graduate Degree Major: MS Biotechnology, Brandeis University
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): 9 years, drug discovery and early-stage drug development in biotech startups.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I was fortunate to have worked on great teams working to make a positive difference in people’s lives by developing new therapies for autoimmune diseases and cancer. My career was moving in a good direction and I enjoyed the work, but I felt the need to do more. I decided to pursue an MBA so I could build a foundation of business concepts that are important in the biotech industry and that would help me make more of an impact beyond the technical level.
Why did you choose Boston Carroll? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
CSOM is known for its strong network, especially in the Boston area where my home is and it was important to me to have a strong local network for post-MBA life. Even before starting my program, I was able to connect with several alumni who offered great insight. CSOM’s small class size seemed ideal for making life-long connections with people who aspire to make change and reflect the school’s values of learning and living in service for others.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the BC Carroll School of Management Class of 2025?
Having grown up in three different countries, I have a global mindset that allows me to share southern African and American perspectives.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I used to herd cattle with my cousins as kids back home in Zimbabwe. Back then, it was a boring task but looking back, we had a lot of fun, although we would lose some of the cows from time to time, much to my grandfather’s chagrin.
Post-MBA career interests:
General consulting or healthcare consulting to experience solving a broad range of problems and to learn business concepts in a real-life setting.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Take the time to speak to alumni, current students, and teachers by attending school events. This provided a picture of which MBA program I saw myself in.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Reading online forums where students post their application profiles – it was not helpful. The MBA application journey is one of self-discovery and while learning from others’ experiences is helpful to select the right program, it is important not to let outside forces affect you negatively.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The fear of leaving a good career to pursue school was present during the application process, especially being in my 30s and applying to an MBA program. Having a support system in my family and partner was helpful in reassuring me that investing in my education was the right choice, I am so grateful for them. Also, focusing on how the MBA was going to help me achieve my goals and learn to embrace the challenge.
What is your initial impression of the Boston Carroll students/culture/community?
Boston College has a strong sense of spirit and my peers in CSOM embody this, showing compassion to one another in addition to bringing diverse experiences and intelligence.
What is one thing you have learned about Boston Carroll that has surprised you?
The professors are relatable. They help drive for a collegial atmosphere and put an emphasis on making sure that all voices and perspectives are heard.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Readjusting to school life after having been out of school for so long. What is a mid-term again?
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Learning in a formal setting subjects I have never done before, including marketing, strategy, and programming in R as part of a data analytics course.
