Kakpindi Jamiru, Rochester Simon Business School MBA Class of 2026
Age: 33
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Purdue University, Aviation Management
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Mainly work in tech leadership roles for 10 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After a decade in operational roles at startups, I realized I needed more than just on-the-job learning to advance my career. I was constantly scrambling for answers, learning out of necessity. That’s when I decided it was time to take a deliberate step forward. Attending Simon Business School felt like the right move to deepen my understanding of business and finance in a structured, academic environment, instead of just hustling for the next piece of knowledge.
Why did you choose Rochester Simon? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Simon felt different right from the start. From the moment I applied, their responses were quick, and whenever I had questions, they were more than ready to help. I was excited to get back to school after being away for a decade. I knew I needed a small class size to create that intimate and challenging environment, and Simon was perfect for that. I was also looking for a program that could fill the gap in my background—especially in finance—which was a missing piece for me. Simon’s strong finance program brought everything together.
But the real game-changer was when I visited the campus. It just felt like home. The people I met, especially in the mock class, gave me that sense of belonging. On top of all that, the ROI of attending Simon made it a no-brainer. It offered everything I was looking for—small class sizes, an exceptional finance curriculum, and a strong community—at a price point that wasn’t overwhelming. It was the perfect fit in every sense, both personally and financially.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I think my most valuable contribution to the Class of 2026 is the diverse experience I bring from working across several industries, including healthcare, aviation, and fintech. In addition, having moved back to Sierra Leone in 2019 after living in the US for over 20 years, I’ve gained a deep understanding of how emerging markets influence global operations. These unique experiences give me a different perspective, which I’m excited to bring to class discussions. I believe this ability to navigate issues from multiple viewpoints will be a significant asset to my classmates.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’m really into rice farming. When I moved back to Sierra Leone in 2019, I discovered just how wide the gap was between locally grown rice and the rice being imported—both in terms of availability and the impact it had on prices for everyday people. It didn’t sit right with me that such a staple of our diet was coming from outside the country. So, I started looking into rice farming, determined to be part of the solution.
Now, I’ve got a few acres in my village of Pendembu, where I work alongside my cousins. It’s become a family project, making sure we’ve got the right seeds and equipment to get a harvest each year. It’s not just about growing rice; it’s about playing our part in reducing reliance on imports and creating more locally produced food. We’re not looking to feed the whole country just yet but knowing that our little corner of Sierra Leone is contributing to something bigger makes every harvest that much more meaningful. Plus, the lessons I’ve learned from getting my hands dirty in the fields have been invaluable—patience, persistence, and the importance of community effort. We’re hoping to keep building on that foundation, one harvest at a time.
Post-MBA career interests:
One of the main reasons I pursued my MBA was to pivot into the finance space. My primary goal is to transition into investment banking, where I can work with companies and industries that drive large-scale growth and innovation. I’m particularly excited about joining an investment banking group that focuses on infrastructure or other key sectors that play a role in shaping the global economy. This path will allow me to leverage my business skills and contribute to high-impact projects that create value on a larger scale.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One thing I would absolutely do again is visit the campus as much as possible. There’s a huge difference between reading about a school or talking to someone on the phone and actually being there—seeing the campus, sitting in on a class, and really getting a feel for the environment. Those visits helped me visualize myself attending and gave me a much clearer sense of whether the school was the right fit.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I honestly wouldn’t change a thing. I feel like I ended up exactly where I needed to be, with a support system and a cohort that was a great cultural fit. Everything fell into place, so there’s not much I would do differently.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I honestly don’t think I would have skipped any part of the process. Every piece—school interviews, the GMAT, and campus visits—played an important role in helping me figure out where I needed to be. Each step served a purpose in my journey of finding the right school. What got me through it all was knowing that every challenge was bringing me closer to the best fit for my goals.
What is your initial impression of the Rochester Simon MBA students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the Simon students and community was incredibly positive. Everyone I reached out to, whether alumni or current students, was quick to respond and eager to share their experiences at Simon and why they succeeded. There’s this really tight-knit, small community that stands out because everyone is ready to help each other succeed. The connections feel more meaningful since there are fewer of us, making it easier to find support and understanding.
When you talk to Simon alumni, they not only share their experiences but really understand where you’re coming from, which makes it easier for them to help contribute to your success. I also felt that, from day one, the admissions staff and everyone on campus—including academic staff, Benet Career Center staff, and the diversity and inclusion team—knew exactly who I was and what my goals were post-MBA. They were always ready to support me whenever I had questions, even if they didn’t have the answer themselves.
It felt like everyone at Simon had a shared energy and mission to help each other grow and succeed. It reminded me of family—like my uncle, who knew me before I even started school. We all fit perfectly into Simon’s legacy of lifting each other up and embodying the spirit of learning, growing, and thriving together.
What is one thing you have learned about Simon that has surprised you?
One thing that has surprised me about Simon is how everything turned out to be exactly as advertised. Often, what you read or hear about a program can feel like a marketing pitch, and reality doesn’t always match up. But at Simon, what was promised is exactly what I experienced. The small class sizes, the strong sense of community, and the personal attention—all of it lined up with my expectations. It was a pleasant surprise to find that everything I was told about Simon truly came to life, and I’m really grateful for that.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I think the thing I was most anxious about was the class rigor. After being out of school for 10 years, I was nervous about getting back into the routine of assignments, group work, and just being in a classroom setting again. It was a big shift, and I wasn’t sure how quickly I’d adapt. But so far, it’s been going great—I’ve managed to keep all A’s!
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m really excited about being part of the Simon School Venture Fund. Coming from a more traditional background, it’s going to be awesome to be in a community filled with people who have such diverse and unique experiences across different sectors. The idea of collaborating with others, tossing around ideas, and learning from folks who might approach problems differently than I would—that’s what I’m most looking forward to. Plus, the chance to take those ideas further, maybe even working with a venture fund to bring something real to life, is huge.
