Joseph Wanjohi Kihara likes the idea of the triple-bottom-line — aligning profit with people and planet. He aspires to become an investor in the renewable energy space.
Acquiring an MBA will equip him with the skills to lead and manage teams. He has his eyes set on Wharton, Harvard and Stanford — three of the top US business schools.
After he graduated from University of Nairobi with a degree in actuarial science, he pursued the CFA exams, designed for investment professionals.
He is now studying for the GMAT, while working as an analyst at insurance company UAP Life Assurance. Joseph admits it is challenging balancing time, but is happy to make sacrifices now for a better future.
What do you hope to gain from an MBA?
I want to pursue an MBA to improve my soft skills. I have come to learn my strengths, which are very technical, and I feel my weak points should be strengthened.
An MBA will give me the unique opportunity to relate with people from diverse backgrounds, whether that is finance, law or marketing. I know everyone has something relevant to offer.
How will the MBA impact your career?
We live in a world where a majority of industries rely solely on non-renewable energy. The bad news is, this type of energy will soon be depleted and the planet will be left worse off than before the mineral was extracted.
In the future, I see myself being an investor in the renewable energy space. Acquiring an MBA will equip me with the skills I need to better lead and manage teams to produce tangible results.
It is my goal to pursue profitable opportunities in the future while also pursuing environmental, social and corporate governance [goals].
Which business schools are you planning to apply to?
Currently, I have my eyes set on Wharton, Harvard and Stanford.
I have specifically narrowed down my list to these three as they offer different opportunities. For me, Wharton School is more finance-oriented, while Harvard Business School and Stanford lean more on innovation.
What are the most important factors you considered?
The major factors are: teaching faculty; [the] backgrounds of students; [the school] environment and facilities.
So far, what has been the biggest challenge in the application process?
As of now my main challenge is the GMAT. It’s a challenge to divide my time between reading for the GMAT, my CFA Level II exam and work.
It’s a constant battle between balancing my time and trying not to get burned out in the process. Sometimes I get home from work tired, but at the end of the day I have to read. I have to put in the effort for my future. A better future.
How did you prepare (or will start preparing) for the GMAT and GRE?
I am yet to take the GMAT.
Currently, I am using the GMAT Official Guide 2015 and the Manhattan GMAT Prep materials.
I recently did the GMAT Prep diagnostic test from GMAC. Through this, I was able to identify my weaknesses, which I will work on thoroughly.
How do you plan to fund your MBA?
I will rely tremendously on funding from the specific school and well-wishers. My current situation doesn’t allow me to fund the course on my own, but I am very optimistic of securing a full scholarship.
What are your future career plans?
I am passionate about leaving the world better than I found it. As I see myself being an investor in the renewable energy sector, private equity would be the most logical and industry I would immediately want to be involved in.
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