Michael Akpawu, MIT Sloan MBA Class of 2025
Michael Akpawu, MIT Sloan MBA Class of 2025Age: 30
Hometown: Accra, Ghana
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Ashesi University, Business Administration
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Private Equity Analyst, Green Eight Capital, 2 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
This was how the MBA dream all began: I have had about 5 years of combined work experience in portfolio management, equity research, investment banking, and now in private equity, which is where I see my career progression. Of all these experiences, I believe that private equity is one of the only fields that discovers and supports new businesses, innovation, and empowers entrepreneurs to realize their dreams while also having the potential to create jobs. As someone who has been a beneficiary of a full scholarship, which gave me the opportunity to become a first-generation college student, it has always been ingrained in my heart and mind to give back. I want to give back on a broader scale and I believe that private equity is the way for me to realize my potential as an impact investor.
To realize this dream, I have networked extensively with mentors and career advisors, both locally and internationally, and through these interactions, I have learned that I need all the strategies of finance and consulting that an MBA program offers. Those who inspire me and are making the biggest waves in the private equity industry all have MBAs, so I understand that the MBA is probably the missing piece in the puzzle.
Lastly, I feel that the timing is perfect, with a perfect age (I will be 30 while pursuing my MBA). The current macroeconomic challenges Ghana is facing, such as an IMF bailout due to unsustainable debt levels, high inflation, currency depreciation, and a lack of credit system, have reinforced the need for me to advance my career, innovate, and transfer the skills I would acquire to drive growth in the private sector in Ghana, which has always been my long-term ambition. I have no doubt that all these variables and pieces make the timing right and perfect for me.
Why did you choose MIT Sloan? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The key part of MIT Sloan’s MBA program that led me to choose Sloan is its strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and Action Learning Labs. For me, this was particularly important because action learning provides me with the enviable opportunity to tackle real-world problems faced by some of the world’s largest corporations. Moreover, MIT Sloan’s collaborative and close-knit community appealed to me, aligning with my quest to forge strong and lasting networks.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
My most valuable contribution that I will bring to the Class of 2025 is my high level of positive energy and enthusiasm, global-mindedness, inclusive mindset, and a contagious smile that will continue to light up my colleagues as we navigate the intensity of the MBA program. Additionally, I bring effective communication skills and a commitment to fostering a positive, collaborative, and engaging learning environment. Lastly, I am an avid soccer fan and an active member of the MIT Soccer team, looking forward to helping the team win more accolades. These qualities, combined with my diverse experiences, will contribute to the overall richness and success of our academic journey at MIT Sloan.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I am not picky when it comes to food. Anything goes!
Post-MBA career interests:
Investment banking, private equity
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Make sure all my application materials are ready and apply as early as possible and continue to network, network, and network!
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would prefer to apply to at least three MBA programs in the US that I am interested in, in order to reduce anxiety and emotional stress during decision rounds.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Looking back, I probably would have avoided too many reviews of my application essays, as it can be quite challenging and stressful trying to “please everybody” based on the feedback received. Eventually, I narrowed my list of “editors” down to a desired level and ultimately had to make the final call and own the process when I encountered conflicting feedback.
What is your initial impression of the MIT Sloan students/culture/community?
Collaborative, humble, and supportive. The genuine camaraderie and people-first culture within the community stood out and reinforced my positive impressions.
What is one thing you have learned about MIT Sloan that has surprised you?
One thing that has surprised me the most at MIT Sloan is that people come from very smart and amazing backgrounds but have very low egos. The community is more welcoming than I thought!
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am definitely anxious about adjusting to the intensity of the academic program at Sloan after spending over 5 years away from the classroom. To make matters even more interesting, I am super anxious about the winter weather, as this will be my first full winter away from Ghana in the US. Here’s to hoping my winter wardrobe is up for the challenge!
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am excited about the opportunity to make new friends, meet people from diverse backgrounds, share the same classroom with the smartest individuals in Boston, and, more importantly, create lasting memories through travel and shared experiences.
