Sonia Edet, Johns Hopkins Carey MBA Class of 2025
Sonia Edet, Johns Hopkins Carey MBA Class of 2025Age: 29
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Lagos, Nigeria. Major: Physical Therapy
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Physical therapist, Rehab Counselor. 8 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I had been considering pivoting from full-time Healthcare practice into Small Business Consulting and Acquisitions. Practicing Physical therapy in my country Nigeria for some time before immigrating to the United States, I had no formal education in business-related fields. The desire to go into Business consulting has grown really strong as I intend to offer consulting services to small businesses that are failing to thrive with the hopes of giving back to the community as well.
I was sure that an MBA was just what I needed to effectively make this switch as I would be able to harness the quantitative and qualitative skills necessary to take my career to the next level.
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins Carey? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
For the longest time, I have always desired to attend Johns Hopkins University. It has been my dream school, and in fact, this was the only school I applied to for an MBA.
Carey’s Values stood out to me, particularly the dedication to Unwavering Humanity. I am passionate about people. I want to see people thrive. From my physical therapy practice days even to where I am now. It meant a lot to me that the school I desired to attend was also emphatic about people.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
The FTMBA 2025 class consists of very diverse, intellectual and amazing humans. We have people from different walks of life. Although, I believe I may be the only one in my class who is a physical therapist and also interested in small business consulting particularly. I also have some experience with the city of Baltimore, as I have lived here for some time.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love weightlifting, sightseeing and cooking. I consider myself really good at cooking Nigerian delicacies, and I am not afraid to experiment with whatever I can find in my kitchen.
Post-MBA career interests:
Small business consulting, Personal branding, Non-profit.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One thing I would definitely do again is be myself. Being as authentic as possible whilst writing my essays and even in the interviews, I believe, helped me a lot.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Honestly, I don’t think I would change or do anything differently. Every step and decision has led me here and I am very grateful for the opportunity.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have applied earlier. I applied somewhat late, and I was unable to take the GMAT/GRE. I waived it but it’s a part of the process I would have loved to take part in.
What is your initial impression of the Carey students/culture/community?
Intentionality. Every person I have come in contact with at Carey, especially the members of Staff and Faculty, are very intentional about what they do, and they radiate the fact that they genuinely want to see you make it. I have enjoyed my experience so far. People are accessible and willing to share information about anything that will point you in the direction of your dreams.
What is one thing you have learned about Carey that has surprised you?
I was surprised to learn that I was going to be assigned a career coach whom I have access to for Life! For me, that was very unique and intriguing. Also, the foundations orientation week was very well thought out and planned. Every single activity was designed to motivate, challenge, educate, and prepare us for our lives as Carey Business students and even after! I appreciate the effort truly that went into it.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am anxious about being able to perform well as I understand that Business school can be very challenging, and I hope to give it my best. It has been a minute since I was in school as a full-time student.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am really excited about the new people and connections that I am forming. Being introverted in nature, it does take a lot of effort for me to come out of that shell, and this is giving me the opportunity to get better at networking and building lifetime relationships.
