After working in corporate law, Gbenoba Idah (McCombs, ‘20) went to Austin, Texas to begin his MBA studies at the University of Texas-Austin McCombs MBA program. In this interview, Gbenoba shares why he chose to attend UT-McCombs, why the school’s culture of diversity and inclusion is so important, and how the resources, programs, and experiences at McCombs have made his MBA experience worthwhile and meaningful.
MBASchooled: What were the big questions you considered as you made your decision about which school to attend?
The three big questions that I asked prior to making the decision to attend McCombs were:
1) What’s the school’s culture, reputation, and connection to its alumni network?
2) Do the school’s career services and curriculum help propel career switchers or just career enhancers? And most importantly,
3) Does the school show a commitment to diversity and inclusion, in addition to gender parity in the student body? (ex: Does it invest and support programs including Consortium, MLT, Jumpstart, and Forte Foundation?)
MBASchooled: What characteristics were important to you in selecting the right MBA school?
The challenge of picking the right MBA program is difficult and introspective, but with that said, the easiest decision for me was when I decided to come to McCombs! During my search, I was looking for a collaborative community, school, and city where I could jumpstart a career switch, expand my professional network, and improve my leadership skills.
McCombs provides a commitment to diversity and inclusion, access to all major industries and employers in Austin (from consulting and tech companies to energy and VC/PE firms), rigorous career services classes and career coaching to help facilitate a career switch, and both informal and formal leadership opportunities.
MBASchooled: Why did you choose McCombs?
Texas McCombs’ commitment to racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic diversity was the primary factor that led me to pick McCombs. Whether I visited with McCombs students, staff, faculty, or alumni in Austin or smaller events in Los Angeles, everyone at Texas McCombs is fully committed to an inclusive environment for students from all walks of life. McCombs’ commitment is evident in its mission, programming, activities, networks, classes, breadth of student organizations, and in its class profile year after year.
MBASchooled: What resources, programs or information were helpful to you in making your decision?
I spent an inordinate amount of time researching various MBA programs on USNews, Poets & Quants, and others websites similar to MBASchooled. I attended outside programs discussed at MBA events, such as Consortium, MBA JumpStart, and MLT. In addition to those resources and programs, I found current students and alumni to be extremely helpful in gathering information about the culture, community, and class curriculum.
Finally, I built relationships with student affairs, career services, and staff at my target schools through multiple campus visits, and this enabled me to better understand the companies and cities that schools had strong connections with, as well as strong alumni presence. I also carefully considered their focus areas moving forward.
MBASchooled: What did you like/appreciate about the academic experience at McCombs?
I most appreciated the faculty at McCombs. They are all truly exceptional and care deeply about each and every student both in and out of the classroom. For example, Professor John Doggett challenges McCombs students to be at their best during each and every class period. I would encourage all current, incoming, and prospective students to take or sit-in on one of Doggett’s classes.
In his class, you (even prospective students) should be prepared to push the boundaries of your ability to use data to address problems facing companies today, as well as to best position yourself to compete and lead in any industry post-MBA.
MBASchooled: What were some of the best aspects of McCombs, outside of the classroom?
McCombs Homecoming. If you have never visited The University of Texas at Austin, take the time to go to Austin during Homecoming. Whether or not you are a football fan or even decide to attend the game or not, it is an amazing experience where alumni from across the world come back to connect, network, share their experiences with current students. They all bring their families to experience the power and excitement of the UT network in Austin.
MBASchooled: When talking to other students, what should prospective students ask about or find out?
When talking to other students, prospective students should ask about extracurricular and fellowship programs available to students. For example, while visiting McCombs I learned about the opportunity to bid on and participate in its MBA+ program, which is a fall or spring semester internship opportunity for major consulting firms across virtually every industry. Additionally, I applied for and participated in Venture Fellows (venturefellows.com), which is a student-run fellowship for those interested in Venture Capital (VC) or Private Equity. I interned 20 hours a week at Brand Foundry Ventures, a leading early-stage consumer VC for one calendar year.
At Brand Foundry, I worked with portfolio companies, institutional investors, private investors, and entrepreneurs on various projects, and I learned from two amazing VCs, Andrew C. Mitchell and Wesley Gottesman.
MBASchooled: What about the culture and classmates stood out to you about McCombs?
The culture at McCombs is inclusive, welcoming, and thoughtful. As the Co-VP of Male Allyship for the Graduate Women in Business (GWiB), I had the wonderful opportunity to work with my Co-VP, Emma Blumstein, and launch a series of events, including Gender Games Trivia, small group guided fishbowl talks, gender equity case discussions led by McCombs faculty, and speaker series. We also provided participants with swag (Lady Boss + Team Lady Boss t-shirts).
Backed by Assistant Dean Tina Mabley, the MBA Student Affairs team, the GWiB board, and the entire McCombs community, we were able to help build bridges, engage students from all backgrounds, and drive the conversation forward about gender equity, from the classroom to the board room. It was truly the highlight of my time at McCombs, and I am forever grateful for Emma, GWiB, and all the people at McCombs who helped build a more inclusive community.
MBASchooled: What advice do you have for those who are evaluating where they want to attend business school?
You should take the time to develop, refine, internalize, and practice your story as to why you want to get your MBA. From day one when you visit schools, as you interact with current students, alumni, and admissions, you must be able to concisely articulate your story with confidence and clarity.
For More Insights on How to Prepare for Business School, Check out our Admitted MBA Students Guide