Real Humans of the Washington University Olin MBA Class of 2025

Opeyemi Aro, Washington University Olin’s MBA Class of 2025

Age: 38
Hometown: Ondo, Nigeria
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Ilorin, Accounting
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Finance Lead, Sidmach Technologies, 10+

Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?  
I am one of the lucky few who rose rapidly to lead the finance department of an organization. While this was a big shoe to fill, I was able to push myself to perform and exceed expectations. Working in Finance, I found myself gravitating towards strategic responsibilities, influencing enterprise-wide initiatives while keeping abreast of market forces on business performance, taking the required proactive steps, and still being able to lead my team that deftly handled the day-to-day finance functions. Thinking ahead, I envisioned that to, indeed, have sustained success in my career, it is imperative that I explore platforms that could provide broader perspectives into strategy, international exposure to business and operations management, insights to navigating the defining moments in leadership, and access to a network of resources to be well prepared for the ever-evolving role of technology and its impact on business. 

Why did you choose Washington Olin? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
One of the factors that influenced my decision to join Olin is the robustness of its global immersion program. The program is structured to offer three courses on three continents, and students are tasked to solve real business challenges that are tailored to activities in the global marketplace. It gives a full understanding of how culture impacts business globally. It is a first-hand experience of the international market with practical applications of the interplay of market and non-market forces. Striking a balance of these factors makes so much difference in the real business world.

What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the WashU Olin MBA Class of 2025?
I think my most differentiating contribution to the class is my unique perspective to leverage my work experience. Having worked for about a decade, I can tie the dots and identify, with ease, the alignment of organization components to class case studies and course materials, and effectively communicate and collaborate with my colleagues.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love learning about the universe (cosmos). I have lost count of documentaries by notable astrophysicists I have watched to understand it, yet there is just so much yet uncovered or discovered. It seems infinite!  The great astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson, summarized the mystery saying, “As the area of our knowledge grows, so too does the perimeter of our ignorance”. In summary, the more we think we know about the universe, the more oblivious we are.

Post-MBA career interests:
I am passionate about working on an accelerated path as a strategic finance professional through the leadership development program of a Fortune 500 company.

Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Networking and connecting with the Olin faculty, alumni, and other school representatives would top my list.

–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I wish I had networked with students/alumni of Olin earlier. I would have made the decision to enroll in the school years ago.

–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If only I could skip the visa process, I would. It was quite stressful securing a suitable interview date. The initial date available was December 2023, 6 months after my program commencement date. I had to reach out to the US embassy for a possible date change, but they advised that I keep checking the portal for possible new interview date slots. Applicants are generally restricted to only 3 times a day, the portal locks you out on the fourth attempt. I reached out to new Olin MBA admits, and I was introduced to a social media group with over 200 members who were also actively looking for suitable dates. We all agreed to a rotational shift to check the portal every 5 minutes in an organized way so that no one gets locked out. My phone screen time rose astronomically due to the 5-minute update activities in the group. Thankfully, the resilience paid off. I secured a better date and the waiting phase was over.

What is your initial impression of the Washington Olin students/culture/community?
The students are amazing and always willing to support each other. They have special reception packages for incoming students. I remember I was paired with an outgoing MBA student for a volunteer airport pickup upon my entry to Missouri. This culture breeds an endearing experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. The communities/Clubs exude empathy and inclusiveness in their dealings. All the members of the Olin faculty, clubs, and communities are personable and always seek ways to make students succeed. The school understands how to leverage the power of diversity to improve learning outcomes and student experience. 

What is one thing you have learned about Washington Olin that has surprised you?
I learnt that the school is renowned for entrepreneurship. As a student, my fall semester made it increasingly clearer why the school is ranked No. 1 in Entrepreneurship by Poets and Quants. Its unique approach to entrepreneurship is engraved in its structured programs, platforms, and extensive resources that are available to all students. Entrepreneurship is a culture and one of the core pillars of the school.  

What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I wasn’t certain of what the study routine would be and how quickly I could integrate with the new environment. 

What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Knowing that there are extensive available platforms and resources to leverage for growth gives me the most excitement.