I came to the Full-time MBA at Smith School of Business because ...

I chose the Smith MBA because of three main reasons: its strong reputation in Canada, which was especially important to me as someone transitioning from Africa; its team-based approach and emphasis on experiential learning; and its 12-month structure, which enables fast-paced development without compromising the quality of career outcomes.

What stood out most during my engagement with Smith was the warmth of the administration team. The experience was highly personalized and unlike what I had encountered elsewhere. It reflected the kind of leadership, values and culture I hope to be identified with.

If I could go back one year, I would advise myself to face my fears head-on and continue taking calculated risks. I have come to realize that growth often comes from challenging myself in new ways. Now, I am pursuing opportunities I once hesitated to take on, embracing discomfort, stretching myself and learning through the process.

My advice to applicants is to do your research and begin engaging early. Tell your story authentically, as the Smith community is genuinely interested in knowing how they can support your success.

My goal is to sharpen my judgment and strategic decision-making as I transition into a leadership role in finance. I also hope to leverage Smith MBA’s experiential learning model and extensive network to build the knowledge and relationships needed for a successful career in investing or consulting. I remain open and curious, and I look forward to the program surprising me in meaningful ways.

• Hometown: Lagos
• Country of Origin: Nigeria
• Prior Industry: Development Finance
• Career Focus: Finance