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Ikechukwu Nwabufo from Nigeria is on a mission to redefine his career path. With 15 years in corporate litigation and consulting under his belt, he decided to pivot into full-time business development, strategy, and management. While researching for graduate schools, Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business (Drexel LeBow) had a unique blend of practical business exposure and experience-based learning that caught his attention.
“I saw the college as a bridge and a blend between the old traditions of hallowed academic standards and quality technological innovation and modernity,” Nwabufo explains. Indeed, it was the perfect place for Nwabufo to make strides toward attaining his dream C-suite role in a Fortune 500 company. With the Drexel LeBow MBA as his vehicle, there’s no stopping him.
The programme stands out for how customisable and cross-disciplinary it is. It is strategically designed to equip students with the skills needed to tackle complex business challenges across diverse industries. Through a blend of innovative coursework, experiential learning opportunities, and expert career coaching, students gain a comprehensive understanding of business concepts from a broad perspective.
Through concentrations, many of which are STEM-designated, students can align their studies with specific areas of interest. Options include Business Analytics, Corporate Sustainability and Social Impact, Effective Leadership, Finance, Marketing, Strategic Technology & Innovation Management, Supply Chain Management & Logistics, Economics, and more.
Drexel LeBow has always been committed to offering an ever-evolving curriculum with cutting-edge topics to keep students at the forefront of their chosen professions and field. Source: Getty Images
To develop more advanced leadership and management skills, and gain a greater awareness of the global business market, Nwabufo took the general route, which is just as experiential as its specialised counterparts. So far, he has had two immediate opportunities to test some of the theoretical knowledge he’s acquired in real life.
The first was a collaborative effort as part of a team in the business consulting course (MGMT 715), where they were tasked with advising a private equity company managing US$12 billion in assets under management (AUM). The challenge? Fundraising while adhering to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
The second opportunity saw Nwabufo stepping into the role of a strategy and business development intern for a special chemicals company valued at US$8 billion. “In both situations, I found practical confidence in data capturing and analysis, business consulting, new product development and market development as well as strategy analysis and development,” he shares. “I also discovered that my business presentation skills had vastly improved.”
Such experiences give Drexel LeBow graduates a competitive edge in the job market. Career advisors sharpen this advantage further by working closely with students to tailor career plans based on individual strengths and market demands.
Choose from various concentrations, including STEM-designated* options such as business analytics and marketing technology and analytics; as well as elective credits; graduate minors; and LeBow’s signature dual degree option. Source: Getty Images
“We actively facilitate internship and full-time job opportunities and encourage students to engage in networking events, career fairs and industry panels and programming,” says Niki Kelley, Assistant Dean, Graduate Student Services. “These opportunities not only provide valuable exposure to the professional environment but also allow students to build a network of industry and alumni contacts within their chosen industry.”
A 10-week course “Foundations of Career and Professional Development” prepares students for such opportunities by exposing them to US business practices and career development. “I found it to be very valuable,” says Nwabufo. “The lectures were deep and interactive and moved me from an interested bystander into a more knowledgeable, confident and competent participant very quickly.”
This is the kind of feedback faculty members at Drexel LeBow often hear. All feedback plays an important role in ensuring positive student outcomes. The institution employs a multi-faceted approach that starts with gathering valuable insights through incoming and mid-point student surveys. These surveys serve as touchpoints to assess the motivations, backgrounds, and evolving goals of students throughout their MBA journey.
The curriculum evolves too. “Our MBA curriculum undergoes regular reviews to incorporate the latest industry trends and technological advancements,” explains Kelley. “We offer professional development workshops and events to keep students informed about changes in the business environment and equip them with the skills needed to navigate these changes.”
Complete the MBA in 12, 15 or 18 months to accommodate your schedule and career goals. Source: Drexel LeBow
The Mentor-in-Residence (MIR) programme enables full-time MBA students to engage with seasoned professionals and alumni, providing valuable career advice, as well as insights into industry nuances and the art of strategic networking. Meanwhile, the John and Jinnie Chapel Learning & Tutoring Centre offers support to those who require assistance with concepts, homework or other academic problems. Those closer to graduation seek advice from graduate career advisors who go beyond the generic approach, working closely with students to identify their strengths, interests, and areas for development.
“Throughout my programme, I met students from widely diverse cultural and national demographics as well as native Pennsylvanians and Americans, says Nwabufo. “They provided me with valuable and rich real-world experiences and perspectives.”
To find the best pathway for your aspirations, explore Drexel LeBow’s MBA Programme.
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