Sabrina Yegela, London Business School’s MBA Class of 2025
Sabrina Yegela, London Business School’s MBA Class of 2025Age: 32
Hometown: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Dartmouth College, Economics and Studio Art Double Major.
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): I’ve had an eclectic and wonderful 10 years in Impact Consulting (Moving Windmills Project), Entrepreneurship (Bantu Vegan), Diplomacy (Swedish Embassy), Marketing (Karimjee Jivanjee Group), Business Development (Nafasi Art Space), and Banking (CRDB Plc Treasury).
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After launching Bantu Vegan and investing in our family farm for years, I’m a strong advocate for the power of social enterprises in community development. In Tanzania, where 85% of our population relies on agriculture, enhancing this sector’s impact on our socio-economic growth is vital. Partnering with organizations like the Moving Windmills Project in Malawi, I’m working to amplify our efforts for long-term success. I’ve decided to attend business school to hone my business skills, connect with like-minded individuals, and build a robust network of social impact enthusiasts.
Why did you choose LBS? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
LBS’s mission to profoundly influence the business world while making a positive impact on society resonates deeply with my personal aspirations. The school’s outstanding reputation combined with its strong commitment to values and impact align perfectly with my own values and life purpose. The remarkable diversity among the student body, and the inclusive ethos evident in my interactions with LBS staff as well as the scholarship that I as awarded through the Laidlaw Women’s Leadership Fund, affirmed that it’s an institution that truly practices what it preaches. Knowing that I’ll be part of this community, embarking on my growth journey in the heart of London, one of the world’s premier business hubs, solidified my decision to join LBS.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the London Business School Class of 2025?
I have a unique blend of skills and experiences; with my background in consulting, entrepreneurial ventures, and international relations, I bring a multifaceted perspective to problem-solving and a demonstrated ability to navigate complex challenges. My commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching community, promises to create a positive impact that extends far beyond graduation.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I am accidentally funny. I once won an open mic stand-up comedy event, which I had signed up for last minute as a personal challenge to myself for public speaking. Now, the challenge is to figure out how to be funny on purpose!
Post-MBA career interests:
Ultimately, I’m driven to excel in a career that demands resilience, creativity, and a global perspective. I want to work in a dynamic and client-focused environment where I can leverage my analytical and problem-solving skills to drive innovative solutions for a diverse range of challenges. Whether it’s in consulting, technology, or entrepreneurship, my post-MBA career interests are rooted in contributing to projects and organizations that value growth, strong communication, and ethical conduct.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
1000% embrace your most authentic self. Not only is your most authentic self (K)enough, but also this process is an amazing opportunity to reflect on your journey, all the ups and the downs. It’s a chance to celebrate your personal growth and address areas where improvement is necessary. By doing this, you affirm yourself a little more with each draft of your applications.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Start early, and whatever date you’re thinking of, start earlier than that. And as for the GMAT and/or GRE, do a practice test first to get a baseline, and then start studying for it, not the other way round. Prioritize practice and speed.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I regret fixating for longer than I should have on achieving a perfect GMAT score to prove my worth for business school, despite strong GRE practice test results; instead, I found relief by adopting a more holistic perspective of my abilities and potential contributions to LBS.
What is your initial impression of the LBS students/culture/community?
Incredibly impressive, diverse, ambitious, values-driven, open-minded, and welcoming. I’ve been here a couple of weeks now and I don’t see this impression changing any time soon (and I include administration, advisory teams, and alumni in this too).
What is one thing you have learned about LBS that has surprised you?
The extraordinary level of effort dedicated to individual academic, personal, and career development, all highly tailored to meet each student’s unique needs. It’s impressive how every tool, resource, and support system is readily available, underlining the institution’s strong commitment to ensuring every student’s holistic success.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I want to do everything, everywhere, and all at once. But I’m determined to balance my priorities so that I can excel, connect, intern, and even explore London, without burning out.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Getting to know my cohort and making new connections. There are at least 70 nationalities represented by my cohort, but beyond that, everyone I’ve met has had such rich lived experiences; I think I will learn an incredible amount from my peers (and from London!) this year.
