Rembert Uriah Ford, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School MBA Class of 2025
Rembert Uriah Ford, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School MBA Class of 2025Age: 25
Hometown: Henderson, North Carolina
Undergraduate Institution and Major: UNC-Chapel Hill: Public Policy Major, Spanish for the Medical Professions Minor
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): NC CARES Coordinator at Franklin-Vance-Warren Opportunity, Inc., a non-profit, and Research Assistant at the Biomedical/Biotechnical Research Institute at North Carolina Central University
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After working in both the non-profit space and within a biomedical research center, I knew I wanted a career where I could have positive impacts on community health and work towards addressing health inequalities. I began working right when the COVID-19 pandemic began. When I saw how hard COVID hit my hometown I wanted to have a positive impact on people’s health. I knew that I wanted to have a higher-level role that would touch a greater number of people. An MBA would not only allow me to network with individuals from within the world of healthcare, but that it would expose me to different industries and job opportunities that could help me reach my goal.
Why did you choose UNC Kenan-Flagler? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
UNC was my dream school growing up and I was fortunate and blessed to attend Carolina for my undergraduate studies. I knew that I wanted to pursue the healthcare concentration. Research Triangle Park (RTP) is only miles away from campus. The opportunity to connect and network with professionals in RTP was a huge factor in coming to UNC Kenan-Flagler. I knew that I wanted to get a mentor in the field so that I could learn about different verticals of the healthcare industry. When looking into different MBA programs I considered going to other schools to broaden my network base and to experience a new region. But when I came to UNC Kenan-Flagler for experience weekend, my love for UNC was reignited!
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
I think that I add a lot of value by wanting to get to know everyone. I really love to learn about new cultures and peoples. Our class this year has 37 different countries represented, so I have taken advantage of our diverse class to learn about my colleagues’ various cultures and backgrounds. I also try my best to be a listening ear for people. Pursuing an MBA can be tough at times and its always helpful to have someone who is experiencing similar things to listen and talk things out.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love to travel and I am a huge foodie!
Post-MBA career interests:
Post MBA, I would like to continue within the healthcare field. My work in the Biomedical Research Institute piqued my interest in health disparities and health equity within the United States. I would like to have a career where I know that I am contributing towards alleviating these societal afflictions.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I applied to as many schools as I could and took the time to speak with alumni from every school. It was an invaluable experience to connect with as many people as possible and to learn about other MBA programs around the country. I will admit it made my days a lot busier, but now I have contacts from schools around the country! Even though you must choose just one to attend, intimately knowing about other programs will always be beneficial.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have scheduled my time out better. There were a few instances where I had to rush to get some things done during the application process. Working at the same time as applying for multiple MBA Programs can get hectic. I wish I had kept a better calendar of all the due dates and forms that had to be turned in on specific days. I did not miss anything, but it would have alleviated some stress.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I can’t think of anything that I would have skipped. The process was rigorous, but I learned a lot about myself along the way. Every essay I wrote, every interview I prepped for, and every night I spent reading through different schools’ websites were all worth it and go me to where I am today.
What is your initial impression of the UNC Kenan-Flagler students/culture/community?
Everyone at UNC Kenan-Flagler is extremely nice and supportive. From the MBA Program Office to the second-year students, everyone has taken a vested interest in me as a person and truly want to see me be successful in the program. The UNC Kenan-Flagler community truly feels like a family. I feel like I can walk up to anyone that I see and spark a genuine conversation.
What is one thing you have learned about UNC Kenan-Flagler that has surprised you?
I have learned that everyone’s story is different. We have athletes, nurses, parents, world travelers, fighter pilots, and so many more amazing experiences represented in our class this year. We are all here to pursue the same goal, and we appreciate our differences. There is no linear path to UNC Kenan-Flagler, but once you’re here you’re welcomed with open arms.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am anxious about managing my time wisely. There are so many things scheduled outside of class that I want to make the most of. I must get into a rhythm and find the most efficient way to stay on top of my classwork while balancing recruiting and a social life. Once I find my groove, my anxiety will subside.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am very excited to learn more about the healthcare field. I will admit that before getting to UNC Kenan-Flagler, I did not consciously realize that there are so many different career opportunities within healthcare. I am excited to figure out which one I am the most passionate about and to find where I see myself beginning my career. I know that I want to have a positive impact on the lives of others, and I am excited to learn about all the ways I could potentially do that.
