Eseosa Osa-Idahosa, Georgetown McDonough MBA Class of 2025
Eseosa Osa-Idahosa, Georgetown McDonough MBA Class of 2025Age: 28
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria (Resident in the DC-Metro Area for the last 8 years)
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Maryland Baltimore County, Computer Information Systems
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Technology Consultant, Deloitte Government & Public Services, 5 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Getting my MBA was something I always wanted to do and it felt like the right time. My main reasons for attending business school are to develop my professional skills, expand my network, and evolve as a leader. I was ready for a change and to take on new challenges.
Why did you choose McDonough? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I grew up Catholic and have known the Jesuits to be renowned for their education over the years. Georgetown being a Jesuit institution, reassured me that I will be receiving a well-rounded quality education. The location in the nation’s capital was also a key component in my decision-making. Being present in Washington DC, you are always informed about global issues and I wanted to be more engaged with business, technology and policy issues going on around the world.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Georgetown McDonough School of Business Class of 2025?
I am a first-generation Nigerian-American, and this enables me to view topics through a bifocal lens. Having experienced two different cultures and spent significant time in both I understand situations from different perspectives. I plan to serve as a conduit between both countries working in the technology sector to provide solutions to nuanced problems.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love to travel, dance, act, get glammed up for events, and play in makeup when I get the chance.
Post-MBA career interests:
In the short term, I am interested in the intersection of technology and public policy. I plan to be involved in the creation of improved policies to regulate the safety, reliability, and equity of the internet for all users. In the long term, I plan to create a non-profit organization focused on addressing the problem of digital literacy in Nigeria and increasing the presence of young girls/women in Technology.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Reaching out to people via my network and asking questions to gain different perspectives. I believe people are the greatest resource and it is sometimes surprising how willing people are to help if you only ask.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have spent more time researching prep programs (such as MLT, Forte, Consortium) and scholarship opportunities. I did the majority of the application myself and could have used a lot more help in these areas.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Studying for the GMAT/GRE and retaking it trying to get a significant score change. That part was the least fun. I’m sure my sentiments will be echoed by a lot of my peers across MBA programs. I got through it each time by simply working hard and trying my best. I was not afraid to retake the test; however, many times were needed to achieve my goal of getting into a top MBA program in the country which I did!
What is your initial impression of the McDonough students/culture/community?
The people are very friendly, helpful, incredibly intelligent, and well-rounded. They are focused on things outside of business, such as ethics, spirituality, and community development.
What is one thing you have learned about the Georgetown McDonough School of Business that has surprised you?
I would say the academic credentials of the faculty and professors. It really surprised me how many degrees you can obtain in one lifetime. Now, I’m inspired to be a life-long learner!
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Mastering time management to get the best of my experience on a personal, professional, and academic level. However, I started getting ahead of things by scheduling time with professors, and teaching assistants, and making use of my Google Calendar a lot more often. I recommend meeting with your academic advisor early in the semester to create an action plan.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Being challenged to explore outside of my comfort zone. I am a true creature of habit and do not often venture out of my routine and personal spaces. However, I am already being challenged to explore in ways I would have never done previously and embrace each new day. I am also excited about discovering new interests and truly enthusiastic about the journey ahead.
