Doyin Amao, Rotman MBA Class of 2025
Age: 29
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Covenant University, Accounting Major
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Head of Innovation & Digital Transformation, Chapel Hill Denham, 7 years of experience in Digital Transformation and Management Consulting
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Working as a multi-disciplined professional with over 7 years of experience in product management, project management, innovation management, customer experience management, UI/ UX Design, consulting, and finance, I wanted to transition into a career that will help consolidate all my experiences, grow, and emerge as a leader in the true sense that facilitates solutions to business problems and help create value.
Why did you choose Toronto Rotman? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Rotman because of its reputation for academic excellence, its commitment to diversity and inclusion, its global perspective, strong industry connections, experiential learning opportunities, innovative curriculum, and the vibrant city of Toronto itself. I believe that attending Rotman will provide me with a well-rounded and enriching educational experience that aligns perfectly with my academic and career aspirations.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
I have had an in-depth experience in entrepreneurship having run several businesses in my home country before coming to Rotman, I am able to contribute to my class by sharing various aspects of running a business and help inspire future entrepreneurs.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I have a goal to visit 40 countries by age 40. I have visited 12 so far.
Post-MBA career interests:
I plan to pursue roles in technology and consulting.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process? Be my authentic self when writing my ‘Spike Factor’ essay. I dug deep to ensure that my unique personality and achievements were presented clearly.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have written my GRE earlier in the year so I could put in my application in good time as opposed to submitting so close to the deadline and worrying that I had not done enough because I am a perfectionist
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
There is no part I would have skipped in the process. Every stage contributed to me becoming more certain that this is where I wanted to be. It was such a smooth process when compared with other applications I completed.
What is your initial impression of the Toronto Rotman students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the Rotman School of Management students, culture, and community is one of diversity, collaboration, academic excellence, inclusivity, innovation, and a strong sense of purpose. I am excited to further engage with and contribute to this vibrant community as I continue my academic journey at Rotman.
What is one thing you have learned about Toronto Rotman that has surprised you?
One thing that has pleasantly surprised me about Rotman is the school’s deep commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. While I expected a strong focus on academic excellence and a robust curriculum, I was pleasantly surprised by the extent to which Rotman supports students in pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors and thinking creatively.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am most anxious about networking within my industry but the good thing about Rotman is they provide you with all the support you need to be successful at it, so my anxiety has reduced significantly.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year? I’m most excited about meeting new people and learning about their diverse cultures