Christian E. Onuoha, IU Kelley MBA Class of 2026
Age: 33
Hometown: Boston, MA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Boston College, Carroll School of Management – Major: Management; Concentrations: Accounting and Marketing
Pre-MBA Work Experience Santander Bank — Governance and Policy Project Manager (2 years), Global Corporate & Investment Bank Credit Associate (3 years); Northeastern University — Assistant Director of Finance and Administration for Student Activities (2 years); Meta Platforms, Inc. – Revenue Operations Credit Manager (nearly 3 years)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
My decision to attend Business School was driven by 3 main factors:
- At this point in my career journey, I desired to elevate my career and have more decision-making opportunities to impact strategic goals.
- With a background in finance, I wanted to expand my skill sets in other disciplines to explore solving strategic business problems while marrying my passions for sports, fitness and wellness.
- Lastly, I also looked to further my leadership skills to be an effective manager that not only achieves business goals, but also develops other leaders.
Why did you choose Indiana Kelley? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The strength of the program was the initial draw. As a top 20 business school, I knew I would receive a rich, robust educational experience. Kelley is also renowned for its marketing curriculum & placement in both marketing & consulting roles. With my functional interest intersecting both marketing and strategy, the alignment with future goals made Kelley a good fit. The Academies are also unique to Kelley and set you up for success with landing and performing well at an internship. There are six academies that are integrated into the curriculum and provide hands-on experience and learning about your specific discipline as well as related industry exposure. As someone who’s pivoting, this was very valuable.
Kelley has relatively smaller MBA class sizes when compared to other top schools which lends to the familial and close-knit culture. At Kelley, the culture is very inclusive and collaborative which really resonated with me because I value building community amongst peers. The level of interaction and engagement between students, faculty and administration shined through in a very unique way. It presented the type of learning environment that I felt would be supportive and enable me to grow both intellectually and professionally.
Lastly, the cost of an MBA is a considerable investment. I was fortunate to be admitted as a Consortium Fellow, alleviating much of my financial concern. Furthermore, it affirmed that Kelley was invested in me and was committed to helping me achieve my future goals
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
With a decade of experience in various global roles within finance, I developed analytical skills that have made me adept at understanding “the why behind the numbers”. This allows me to probe for real-world applications of our learning material. Through my co-professional experiences, I’ve also led many cross-disciplinary teams, from serving on a Board of Directors to leading community organizations aimed at driving social impact. These experiences enable me to bring a balanced perspective that encompasses enterprise and social consciousness. Lastly, as a teammate, I’m intentional about making my teammates feel seen, creating psychological safety, and identifying opportunities for their strengths to shine.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I have a love for music (particularly Neo-Soul and Rhythm & Blues). I used to sing in an acapella group, so I try to catch live vocalists whenever I can. It’s a plus that Indiana University has one of the top music programs and schools for the performing arts in the Jacobs School of Music.
Post-MBA career interests:
I’m interested in pursuing Corporate Strategy, Brand Management, and Product Management. As someone with a customer-centric and product-focused mindset, I aim to leverage my analytical skills to strategically provide solutions that create value for customers. My industry interests are aligned with my passions for fitness, wellness, and social impact.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would definitely refine my list of schools, then visit as many schools as possible, and connect with current students. Having an intentional list of schools that aligned with my goals and what I wanted allowed my research to be more targeted. The current students are the pulse of the program. They are great resources for getting a true feel for the culture, recruiting landscape, signature events and unique experiences specific to each school.
What is one thing you would change or do differently?
One thing I would do differently is start essay writing earlier. It can be daunting to write about your experiences in the best way, however, no one can help until you take the first steps. There’s a lot to write and revise, so a step forward, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction.
What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I think each part of the process is important so I wouldn’t have skipped any. My least favorite was engaging with GRE test prep materials for several months. However, if you can find sufficient alternatives to demonstrate academic readiness, speak with admissions counselors and current students about what options are available.
What is your initial impression of the Indiana Kelley students/culture/community?
The Kelley community has been incredibly warm and supportive. It may sound cliche but my classmates and faculty are genuinely interested in learning about one another and helping each other with even the smallest gestures. Whether it’s giving someone a ride, or printing a document, “Kelleys” lend a helping hand wherever they can.
What is one thing you have learned about Indiana Kelley that has surprised you?
I’m pleasantly surprised by the amount of support and the level of preparation we have for recruiting. The support extends throughout our program with Graduate Career Services, Peer & Alumni Mentoring, Coaching, Academies and Clubs.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I’m most anxious about managing my time and energy. Balancing the demands of coursework, networking, extracurricular activities, and family can be a challenge. Staying organized, communicating and focusing on a few days at a time has been helpful thus far.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited to forge new bonds with my classmates and faculty during Kelley-specific events like Kelley 500. I’m also really excited for the global experiences and consulting projects offered through GLOBASE.
