Abisade Folarin, UGA Terry MBA Class of 2025
Age: 26
Hometown: Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Undergraduate Institution and Major:
BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Lagos in Nigeria and a Double Master degree in Marine Engineering and Sustainability from the University of Napoli II and University of A Coruna from Italy and Spain respectively.
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years):
4 years of experience in Project Management at ExxonMobil, Ariosh Ltd, and CT Ingenieros
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
My decision to pursue an MBA was driven by three key factors.
First, it was a gateway to accelerate the achievement of my career goals. I am passionate about revolutionizing the educational system in Africa through innovation, and an MBA was going to equip me with the requisite business skills needed to thrive in this space.
Second, my pursuit of a comprehensive business education stemmed from my technical background in engineering, both at undergraduate and graduate levels. With my long-term ambition to set up an EdTech organization, an MBA was going to offer me a holistic business acumen that will significantly enhance my knowledge in diverse business disciplines.
Lastly, it was an opportunity to learn and network with diverse classmates with unique industry and cultural backgrounds. I knew business school was a great opportunity to retool my skillset by unlearning and relearning as I explore different perspectives, and life experiences.
Why did you choose UGA Terry? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose to pursue my MBA at Terry for three special reasons.
First, the robust curriculum offered by Terry aligned perfectly with my career goals. The unique blend of the dual MBA and MS in Business Analytics STEM degree was going to facilitate a smooth transition from my technical background to a more business-focused career in business and analytics. In today’s technological revolution, being analytically savvy cannot be emphasized enough. I knew with Terry’s dual degree program I get to build skills in SQL, Python, and Tableau, which I believe will complement my prospects in consulting.
Second, Terry’s emphasis on experiential learning greatly appealed to me. I found the Leadership Fellow program and International residency a great opportunity to build my consulting skills by working with Non-profits and other profit-making businesses abroad to diversify my skillset and global business acumen.
Finally, the warmth and support of the tight-knit Terry community also influenced my decision. Throughout the application process, my interactions with the Adcom, current students, and alumni provided valuable insights and a sense of belonging that made Terry feel like a place I would thrive.
A bonus fourth point, Terry’s return on investment and generous scholarship made the decision a truly easy one.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
I bring to the Class of 2025 a strong intercultural fluency and extensive project management experience across two continents, coupled with my international background, having lived in five countries and studied in four. I am confident I would bring a great sense of dynamism to class discussions and interactions.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I am a part of a music group called BDM; my two brothers and I make Afrobeat music. We have released four singles which are currently available on multiple digital platforms and with over 250,000 streams. I performed at various events in Nigeria, and currently planning the release of our fifth song in just a few weeks.
Post-MBA career interests:
My initial career interest was to pursue Project/Program Management in the technology industry. However, my interests shifted towards consulting during pre-MBA events. I found solving complex business problems through casing quite intriguing and given my offer to intern at BCG next summer, I am looking forward to pivoting into consulting full-time post-MBA.
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 the level of engagement I had with the admissions committee, current students, and alumni. Yes, it was time-consuming, but it provided me with invaluable insights into the school’s culture and class experiences. This allowed me to craft my essays uniquely and prepared me for a successful interview with useful information gathered through coffee chats.
-What is one thing you would change or do differently?
If I could change one thing, it would be to inform my recommenders well in advance, giving them ample time to compose their recommendation letters.
-What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I had the choice, I would skip the waiting period. The time between submitting my application and receiving an admission decision felt lengthy. What helped me get through it was focusing on some ongoing research projects I was working on and preparing for an upcoming conference presentation.
What is your initial impression of the UGA Terry students/culture/community?
UGA Terry is deliberate in fostering a collaborative community. The week before classes began, we were organized into diverse teams of five and tasked with creating team contracts that outlined how to work together to meet academic objectives throughout the year. Prior to this, we received coaching on understanding and utilizing our individual voices to enhance teamwork and efficiency.
What is one thing you have learned about UGA Terry that has surprised you?
I was pleasantly surprised by the enormous support and resources provided by Terry. From dedicated coaches, tailored resources for international students, to guidance from career coaches, academic advisors, and the administrative support system. UGA leaves no stone unturned in its dedication to empowering students to excel both inside and outside the classroom on our unique journey toward success.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Terry offers a multitude of academic and extracurricular activities, and finding the right balance takes a skill. I hope to allocate time for personal well-being amid these exciting opportunities and activities.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
As a passionate sports enthusiast, I am particularly thrilled about experiencing the college football culture in the United States. With the football season kicking off, I look forward to cheering the UGA football team and hoping to witness the Georgia Bulldogs retain their National Championship title.
