“Embrace change, embrace it uncomfortably,” says Cedrick Agorbia-Atta, a recent Indiana Kelley MBA graduate who spent seven years in investment banking before becoming a business planner at Microsoft. His diverse experiences with dynamic and global business projects are only part of his rich perspective on personal and professional growth, and, quite simply, success. Read on for more of his advice and journey to and through a Microsoft internship and Kelley MBA in this edition of Real Humans: Alumni.
Cedrick Agorbia-Atta, Indiana Kelley MBA ’23, Business Planner at Microsoft
Age: 34
Hometown: Accra, Ghana
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Finance, University of Ghana
Graduate Business School, Graduation Year and Concentration: Indiana Kelley School of Business, 2023, Business Analytics
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Senior Associate, Bora Capital Advisors, 7 years, Investment Banking
Post-MBA Work Experience: Business Planner, Microsoft, 2 years, Technology
Why did you choose to attend business school?
I decided to do an MBA for three reasons – switch careers into tech, retool my skillset to tackle complex global problems and expand my professional network.
Why Indiana Kelley? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
My decision to attend the Kelley School of Business was driven by 3 key reasons. One, the people and the closely knit nature of the program. Second, its distinctive, customizable curriculum and immersive learning experience. The Kelley MBA program is structured to provide flexibility and choice, enabling students to develop a diverse skill set essential for future leadership roles. From Me, Inc. and industry-focused academies to hands-on global experiences and leadership development opportunities, I recognized that it offered the ideal environment to propel my career forward. Lastly, pursuing an MBA is a significant commitment, and I sought a program that not only holds a strong reputation, but also delivers measurable career impact. Kelley’s proven ROI, coupled with its personalized approach to professional development, assured me that it was the right choice to achieve my goals.
What about your MBA experience prepared you for your current career?
The Kelley MBA provided invaluable preparation for my career, particularly through consulting opportunities with top global companies. I tackled complex business challenges for leading healthcare equipment manufacturers, a global engine producer, and a multinational medical and sustainability firm. These experiences sharpened my problem-solving skills and connected me with industry leaders.
Equally impactful was the Kelley network. Engaging with peers from diverse backgrounds enriched my perspective and prepared me to excel in a dynamic, global work environment.
What was your internship during business school? How did that inform your post-MBA career choice?
My MBA internship was at Microsoft, gaining the opportunity to work on critical emerging technology projects and influencing key go-to-market strategies. My experience reinforced my passion for technology and solving complex problems and provided a strong foundation for future success in the industry.
Why did you choose your current company? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to work?
With my background in finance, I developed a strong interest in financial services risk management, data governance, and cybersecurity. AI and Machine Learning are revolutionizing financial transactions, enhancing security, and redefining industry standards. Microsoft’s leadership in these areas made it the ideal place for me to deepen my expertise in emerging technologies while solving these complex global business challenges.
Beyond its innovation, Microsoft’s culture—rooted in empathy and a growth mindset—resonated deeply with me. I wanted to work in an environment that not only valued my contributions but also fostered continuous learning and professional growth, ensuring I could evolve alongside the rapidly changing technology landscape.
Advice to current MBA students:
—One thing you would absolutely do again as part of the job search?
I kept an open mind when exploring industries and roles. Business school provides access to diverse opportunities, and flexibility increases your chances of securing a job—especially in today’s competitive market. If you’re about to start your MBA, avoid fixating on a specific industry or title. Diversify your recruiting efforts and apply early, as job opportunities rarely come twice, and deadlines are merely suggestions.
Also, to prepare for my interviews, I relied heavily on practice with classmates, second-years, alum and career coaches – I was relentless with my mock interviews. I also did these with current employees of the company to better understand the company’s interview expectations and align my approach. These practice sessions helped me simulate real interviews, refine my responses, and stay accountable throughout the process.
Lastly, be enthusiastic during interviews, create connections with interviewers, and don’t forget to send your thank-you notes after interviews or chats!
—One thing you would change or do differently as part of the job search?
Prioritize networking efforts. While networking is more beneficial in some industries like consulting and investment banking, its impact diminishes in high-volume industries like big tech. In these cases, prioritizing very early application with a tailored resume would yield better results. These days, there are AI tools that can be leveraged to align one’s experience closely with job descriptions to get your resume noticed. This focused approach maximizes efficiency and results in competitive application processes.
—Were there any surprises regarding your current employer’s recruiting process?
Not really. But a lesson I learned was to maintain consistent communication with recruiters throughout the hiring process. I would have missed an opportunity to do a final round interview if I didn’t follow up with the recruiter.
–What piece of advice do you wish you had been given during your MBA?
Embrace change, embrace it uncomfortably. I wish I had done more of the things I wasn’t the best at during my MBA. For you, this could be public speaking, leading teams and projects, creating connections, taking up leadership roles. The MBA is a bridge to start of the next stage of your life – use it to become a better version of you. Think about what you like, what you care about, what you’re motivated by, and find ways of incorporating these into your experience. Don’t be too fixated on getting a perfect GPA – of course, you need to pass your classes, but what matters the most is walking out of the experience a better person with a reliable network and a JOB! (if that’s your goal)
