Omar Elhaj, Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2027
Age: 35
Hometown: Abu Dhabi, UAE & Khartoum, Sudan
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Wharton – UPenn | Majored in Finance
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Roles: Broker, Corporate Finance, Corporate Strategy, Portfolio Manager; Industries: Finance, Tech, AgriBusiness, Impact; Years of Experience: 13
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After several years in finance and strategy roles, I realized that I wanted to move beyond advising and operating to actually allocating capital. I wanted to pivot toward pure investment roles where I could help scale impact-driven businesses in a more sustainable way. I’d reached a stage where I had strong operational experience, but needed formal exposure to institutional investing, valuation frameworks, and portfolio management. The MBA felt like the right step to deepen that expertise and open doors to investment opportunities that align with my long-term goals.
Why did you choose Texas McCombs? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The people. Every interaction I had with McCombs students and alumni during the application process stood out for how genuine, friendly, and helpful everyone was. I wanted to be part of a small, collaborative program where classmates root for each other’s success and where faculty are accessible and engaged. McCombs offered that sense of community while still providing access to the breadth of opportunities across Austin’s growing finance, real estate, and tech ecosystems.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I bring a global perspective shaped by living on three continents and in five different countries. That experience has taught me how to connect with people from all backgrounds, adapt quickly, and approach problems with both curiosity and empathy. I also bring a structured, analytical mindset from years in corporate strategy and finance—balanced with the entrepreneurial flexibility that comes from building things in uncertain environments.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’ve lived on three continents and in five different countries—and I still can’t pick one place that truly feels like “home.” Each city I’ve lived in has shaped a part of who I am.
Post-MBA career interests:
Investment management, alternative investing, and the finance of sports. I’m especially interested in exploring how capital and analytics can drive value.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Spend real time reflecting before writing. Once I understood why I wanted an MBA and what I wanted from it, everything else—from essays to interviews—became much more natural.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Start networking earlier. Conversations with students and alumni helped me refine how I told my story, and I wish I’d done more of that sooner.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The first time I applied to MBA programs back in 2020, I applied to fifteen schools. It was exhausting—and then COVID hit, so I deferred the plan entirely. This time I applied to just five schools, and while the right number probably lies somewhere in between, the biggest lesson was quality over quantity. Focus on programs that truly align with your goals.
What is your initial impression of the Texas McCombs students/culture/community?
Supportive, down-to-earth, and driven. People at McCombs are ambitious, but not competitive in a cutthroat way. Everyone shares notes, makes introductions, and genuinely wants to see others succeed. It’s a culture built on collaboration, not comparison.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’ve joined the Sports, Entertainment & Media Association (SEMA), Black Graduate Business Association (BGBA), International MBA Student Association (IMBASA), and the Graduate Consulting Group. Each reflects a part of my interests—sports and finance, community building, and structured problem-solving. They’ve been great ways to meet people across programs and learn from diverse experiences.
What is one thing you have learned about Texas McCombs that has surprised you?
How HOT Austin can get. As someone who’s lived in the UAE, Egypt & Sudan, that’s saying something!!!
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited about the Business of Sport Fellowship. Sports have always been a personal passion, but I hadn’t really considered a career in the industry until coming to McCombs. The fellowship is a chance to explore the intersection of sports, finance, and strategy—and see how the business side of sports can create both economic and social impact.
