Chiazo Ezekannagha, Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2025
Chiazo Ezekannagha, Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2025Age: 32
Hometown: Montgomery, AL
Undergraduate Institution and Major: United States Military Academy, Systems Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Field Artillery Officer and Signal Officer, U.S. Army, 9+ Years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
In 2020, my wife became pregnant with our first child. At the time, we were only spending occasional weekends together because we were stationed at two different Army posts. Soon after COVID appeared, we were restricted from seeing each other for months, and I missed out on doctors’ appointments and supporting my pregnant wife. The Army eventually moved me to El Paso before the birth of my daughter. We loved the military and everything it provided for us, but we realized we wanted to transition from military service and provide a more stable life for our children. I chose to pursue an MBA because I wanted to develop the skills needed to be successful in business and start making those connections in the corporate world.
Why did you choose Texas McCombs School of Business? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
After living in El Paso for two and a half years, I knew I wanted to make Texas my home. As one of the fastest-growing states that loves supporting and honoring veterans, my wife and I wanted to stay here long-term. With my wife attending Texas Law, McCombs was the perfect place to establish ourselves as Texans.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
Having a wife who is at law school while also raising two kids is a feat. I want to be an example to my classmates and others showing that it is possible to raise kids while both parents are going back to school to accomplish their goals and make a better world for our children.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application: I come from a semi-military family. My two older brothers and older sister all graduated from service academies and some are still serving.
Post-MBA career interests:
Corporate Finance or Consulting
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Reach out to students and ask them for advice. The process can be daunting and intimidating, but reaching out to ask questions is the best way to wane off any fears or anxiety.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Narrow the search down in the number of schools I applied to. I applied to 11 schools which was a long process that took a lot of energy. When you add the interviews, it was even more of a daunting process.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GRE. It took me many late nights, time and effort, and numerous retests to achieve a score that gave me pride.
What is your initial impression of the Texas McCombs students/culture/community?
Everybody is collaborative and helpful. When completing homework and assignments, I am able to get help from my classmates outside my study group who will block out time to help and want to see me succeed.
Second years are always willing to help me, whether in the classroom or for recruiting or networking. If you have an issue or questions, fellow students will try to help or connect you with a knowledgeable person on the subject. I experienced this when I initially was interested in investment banking. I immediately was connected with a current student who could tell me about their experience in recruiting and day-to-day internship activities.
What is one thing you have learned about Texas McCombs that has surprised you?
The numerous McCombs+ projects available to students each year. There is a wide array of companies, from startups to established businesses, that have real-world problems they are trusting students to advise them on. The projects are a great way to get some experience before any internship or just learn something new.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I was most anxious about recruiting and networking. Coming from the military, networking is not essential to transition between jobs. You are told your next assignment and job, so learning the science of networking to achieve an internship made me anxious. McCombs does a great job with giving you access to communication coaches to learn how to tell your story and assist with career switchers.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Attending Texas football tailgates and football games. I was raised watching SEC football, being born and raised in the South, so naturally, I am a big football fan. I’m excited to cheer on the Longhorns and for their move to the SEC next year!
