Samuel Ogbonna, UGA Terry MBA Class of 2026
Age: 27
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Undergraduate Institution and Major: KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana – Electrical & Electronics Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Senior Product Manager, Anheuser Busch InBev, 4 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
In the past three years, I’ve progressed from specializing in artificial intelligence and software development to taking on leadership roles in digital transformation and innovation management. This career shift exposed me to a wide array of business challenges, from scaling digital solutions to driving strategic initiatives across diverse industries.
As my responsibilities expanded, I recognized the need to deepen my understanding of areas like strategy, operations, and business leadership. After careful research, I realized that pursuing an MBA was the most effective way to enhance my skillset and accelerate my career trajectory.
Why did you choose UGA Terry? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I was fortunate to be admitted to eight MBA programs across the United States, but UGA Terry stood out as the obvious choice. The small class size was particularly appealing to me as an international student, as it fosters a close-knit environment where I can build strong relationships with my peers and professors.
Additionally, the emphasis on experiential learning was a significant factor. I wanted a program where I could immediately apply classroom concepts to real-world challenges, and Terry offers ample opportunities to do just that. Finally, the exceptional return on investment (ROI) of the program solidified my decision, making it one of the best choices for both personal and professional growth.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the University of Georgia Terry MBA Class of 2026?
My most valuable contribution to the Class of 2026 is the combination of my diverse professional experience and my strong sense of community. These qualities enable me to engage with my cohort in meaningful ways, from active participation in student organizations to supporting classmates through case prep, interview practice, and tutoring.
I’m committed to fostering an environment where everyone thrives, and my goal is to ensure that the class is stronger and more cohesive because of my presence. By contributing both professionally and personally, I hope to help my peers grow alongside me.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love to cook, and one of the things I was most excited about in coming to the U.S. for my MBA is the access to ingredients that weren’t readily available to me in Africa—things like truffle oil, certain cheeses, and a wider variety of spices.
Since arriving, I’ve enjoyed experimenting with dishes like seafood paella and homemade ravioli. America’s global food culture has given me the chance to explore new flavors and techniques, which has been both exciting and delicious!
Post-MBA career interests:
Upon completing my MBA, I am eager to transition into the consulting industry, and I am thrilled to share that I will be interning at Bain & Company next summer. My enthusiasm for problem-solving has always driven my career path—it’s what led me into the realms of tech and innovation. I believe consulting presents a unique opportunity to tackle a diverse array of challenges across multiple industries, allowing for continuous growth and learning.
In addition to consulting, I am passionate about my startup, ExamRocket. I am excited to witness its growth over the next few years and to explore how it can make a meaningful impact in the EdTech industry.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One aspect I would absolutely repeat is networking—engaging with student ambassadors, alumni, and admissions representatives. This interaction provides invaluable insights into a school’s culture that extend far beyond what you can glean from websites and brochures.
Understanding the kind of people you will be sharing experiences with over the next two years is crucial. For me, one of the primary reasons I chose Terry was the warmth and welcoming nature of everyone I encountered within the organization. They are the kind of individuals I am genuinely excited to share classes with and tackle challenges alongside.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
If I could change one thing, it would be to start my preparation earlier. I made the final decision to pursue my MBA at the end of the Round 1 season, which meant I had to work diligently to prepare a strong application before the Round 2 deadline.
I was fortunate to succeed despite the time constraints, but I would advise anyone considering this journey to give themselves ample time to truly put their best foot forward.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could skip one part of the process, it would definitely be essay writing. As a bit of a perfectionist, I found myself spending an excessive amount of time editing and rewriting to ensure my essays were as compelling as possible.
What really helped me get through this challenge was collaborating with a network of other MBA applicants and current students. Their external feedback provided me with a more objective perspective and valuable insights from others who had also navigated the process.
What is your initial impression of the UGA Terry students/culture/community?
I absolutely love Terry! From the moment I walked into orientation, I felt a strong sense of belonging. My experience here has been incredibly rewarding, thanks to the diverse and talented cohort of students who prioritize collaboration over competition.
I’ve also appreciated the accessibility of the faculty, who consistently go above and beyond to support their students’ success. Overall, Terry is a fantastic place to be, and I’m thoroughly enjoying every moment of my journey here.
What is one thing you have learned about UGA Terry that has surprised you?
One thing that has truly surprised me is the strength of the UGA alumni network. I had read about it and experienced it to some extent before coming here, but I’ve found it to be an invaluable resource in navigating both the MBA experience and the recruitment process.
The culture of “paying it forward” is deeply ingrained here, and those values resonate with Terry graduates long after they leave UGA. It’s inspiring to see how alumni are committed to supporting each other and fostering connections.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I find myself most anxious about managing all the competing responsibilities that come with being an MBA student. Balancing intensive coursework, the internship search, and involvement in student organizations can feel quite overwhelming at times.
Fortunately, the Terry team does an excellent job of providing support when things start to get hectic, which helps ease some of that anxiety.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m super excited about all the new experiences waiting for me this year! In just two months here, I’ve already hit five states. I’ve checked out the White House and the WWII monument in D.C., rode in a Waymo cab in San Francisco, and dove into the amazing food scene in Atlanta. I can’t wait to rack up even more adventures before the year wraps up!
