Demontre Buckson, Johns Hopkins Carey MBA Class of 2028
Age: 28
Hometown: Rock Hill, SC
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Howard University, Finance
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Trading Analyst, Federal Home Loan Bank, San Francisco, 5 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
My decision to attend business school was driven by my desire to build on my experience in financial markets while developing the strategic and leadership capabilities necessary to create broader impact. I chose to pursue an MBA at this stage in my career because I have developed a strong foundation in financial markets, client communication, and analytical problem-solving, and I am ready to expand that foundation and change lives for the better. Through my MBA, I aim to deepen my expertise in corporate finance, sustainability, strategy, data analytics, economic development, and organizational leadership. These capabilities will position me to approach complex financial and business challenges more strategically and ultimately drive sustainable impact across organizations, communities, and global markets.
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins Carey? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Attending Johns Hopkins Carey Business School gives me the opportunity to combine rigorous business education with the broader Johns Hopkins ecosystem and its strengths in international affairs, public policy, and global development. The timing is right because I am ready to leverage my financial markets experience, expand my perspective, and prepare for a career with greater responsibility and global impact.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2028?
I believe my most valuable contribution to the Class of 2028 is the perspective I bring from working at the intersection of financial markets, housing finance, community development, and leadership. My experience as a Trading Analyst at the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco gave me firsthand exposure to how capital markets and financial institutions can influence not only businesses, but also communities and people’s access to economic opportunity.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
A fun fact about me is that I was a collegiate football player and spent years playing as an offensive lineman, which taught me to appreciate the power of teamwork, discipline, and consistency. I also lost over 100 pounds and became a certified personal trainer, so fitness has become a major part of my life. Today, I enjoy helping others reach their fitness goals just as much as I enjoy working toward my own. If you ever need a workout partner, I’m always up for the challenge!
Post-MBA career interests:
Investment Banking and Corporate Finance, with a focus on sustainable finance, international finance, financial institutions, infrastructure, and public finance. I am particularly interested in structuring investments that support sustainable development, advising organizations on strategic growth, and facilitating cross-border transactions and public-private partnerships. Long term, I hope to leverage my finance and strategy experience to lead international investment and development initiatives that advance environmental sustainability, inclusive economic growth, and lasting financial impact.
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 take the time to have meaningful conversations with current students, alumni, and members of the Carey community before making my decision. Those conversations gave me a genuine understanding of the culture, collaborative environment, and opportunities that make Johns Hopkins Carey Business School unique. More importantly, they helped me envision myself as a member of the community rather than simply an applicant. The relationships I built throughout the process ultimately reinforced that Carey was the right place for me to grow personally and professionally.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
One thing I would do differently is start the application process earlier and give myself more time to step back and reflect on my career journey. I initially focused heavily on making my application reflect my professional accomplishments, but I learned that the most meaningful parts of the process came from articulating not only what I had accomplished, but why those experiences mattered and how they shaped the leader I want to become. Starting that reflection earlier would have allowed me to be even more intentional and authentic throughout the process.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could skip one part of the application process, it would be the uncertainty that comes with waiting—especially the periods between submitting applications, completing interviews, and receiving decisions. The waiting can be difficult because so much of the process is outside of your control. What helped me get through it was staying focused on what I could control: continuing to prepare, investing in my professional development, connecting with people in the MBA community, and reminding myself that the right opportunity would align with my long-term goals. The experience taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of trusting the process.
What is your initial impression of the JH Carey students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the Johns Hopkins Carey community has been incredibly positive. From my first interactions with students, I was struck by how welcoming, collaborative, and genuinely supportive everyone was. There is a strong sense of ambition, but it is balanced by a culture of humility and a willingness to help one another succeed. I have also been impressed by the diversity of backgrounds, industries, and perspectives represented within the class. After meeting my classmates and engaging with the broader Carey community, I feel confident that I joined a community where people challenge one another, celebrate each other’s successes, and are committed to making an impact beyond the classroom.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I am particularly excited to serve as the incoming president of the Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA) at Johns Hopkins. In this role, I am eager to lead the organization, strengthen community among Black graduate students, and create opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and meaningful connection. I look forward to building on the BGSA’s impact while ensuring that its programming supports both the personal and professional growth of its members.
As a ROMBA Fellow, I am also excited to engage with LGBTQ+ events and initiatives across the Johns Hopkins community. I hope to help bring greater awareness to LGBTQ+ experiences, foster inclusive dialogue, and support programming that celebrates and advocates for the LGBTQ+ community.
Additionally, I am also interested in organizations focused on finance, investment banking, and international business, as they align closely with my post-MBA career goals and will provide opportunities to deepen my industry knowledge and connect with professionals and alumni.
What is one thing you have learned about JH Carey that has surprised you?
One thing that has surprised me about Johns Hopkins Carey is how connected and collaborative the broader Johns Hopkins ecosystem feels. I knew I would be joining a strong business school, but I did not fully appreciate how many opportunities there would be to learn from and engage with students, faculty, and professionals across the university.
I have also been pleasantly surprised by how approachable and supportive the Carey community is. Despite coming from diverse academic, professional, and personal backgrounds, my classmates have been genuinely interested in learning from one another and building meaningful relationships. The combination of Johns Hopkins’ global reputation and the close-knit culture at Carey has made the experience feel both ambitious and personal.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited about building meaningful relationships with my classmates and becoming fully immersed in the Johns Hopkins community. My first year represents an opportunity to learn from people with diverse professional and personal experiences while challenging myself academically and professionally.
I am especially excited to deepen my knowledge of finance, strategy, and leadership while exploring opportunities across the broader Johns Hopkins ecosystem. I also look forward to serving as President of the Black Graduate Student Association, contributing to the Carey community, and building relationships with classmates that will extend well beyond our time in the MBA program.
