Meet Notre Dame’s MBA Class of 2017

Mohamed Kakay

University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business

Hometown: Roanoke, VA

Undergraduate School and Major: Morehouse College (Psychology); University of Georgia School of Law (JD)

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: Hudson Legal (Attorney), Special Counsel (Attorney)

Recalling your own experience, what advice do you have for applicants who are preparing for either the GMAT or the GRE? Do as many practice questions as possible. When taking practice exams, mirror the test conditions (including the eight minute breaks between sections) as much as possible!

Based on your own selection process, what advice do you have for applicants who are trying to draw up a list of target schools to which to apply? While school rankings are important, let the business school that will be the best fit guide regarding which schools you are going to apply to. Make a list of the top three factors that are most important to you (Reputation, Alumni network, class size, location, culture, etc.).

What advice do you have for applicants in actually applying to a school, writing essays, doing admission interviews, and getting recommenders to write letters on your behalf? Apply as early as possible. Speak from your heart on your essays and try not to focus on what you think they want to hear. Proofread your essays at least five times. Relax and be yourself in your interview and ask questions that are not on their website or brochure and pertain specifically to the school. Reach out to recommenders at least 6-8 weeks in advance. If you are applying for multiple schools, consider reaching out to 3-4 people for recommendations instead of bombarding one or two people with a number of requests.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? They have a great academic reputation and a strong alumni network as well as a strong focus on business ethics. Also, I had the distinct impression that they wanted me to be there as much as I wanted to be there.

What would you ultimately like to achieve before you graduate? My goal is to receive great business education, to kick start a great career, and create lasting personal relationships.