Meet Arizona State’s MBA Class Of 2019

Allen Matsika 

W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University 

Describe yourself in 15 words or less:  I am a fun, determined, and inexorable force of nature destined for happiness and greatness.

Hometown: Rusape, Zimbabwe

Fun Fact About Yourself: I recently learned to swim.

Undergraduate School and Major: St. John’s College, Liberal Arts

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation:

  • Los Alamos National Bank, Marketing Assistant
  • Homewise, Real Estate Customer Services and Sales Specialist,Loan Administrative Assistant

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment in my career involves cultivating and maintaining honest relationships. I asked my then-company to halt payments for a certain certification I was going to receive. The sponsorship was upwards of four figures. The certification was also transferable to other companies and would have made me a very marketable person. Furthermore, I was in the process of planning a move to another firm. I decided not to take advantage of my employer and I could not give them the actual reason. Still, I asked them to halt the sponsorship. A few weeks later, I accepted an offer for a position at another company and moved. My previous supervisors and CEO were all appreciative of the integrity I showed, and my relationships with them have been nothing but wonderful even though I left. A good name is better than riches when business is personal.

Looking back on your experience, what one piece of advice would you give to future business school applicants? Do what you can to excel in the admissions interview. Try to have several mock interviews before the actual interview – at least one. Spend time before and in-between the mock interviews asking yourself what it is about who you are that makes you a good fit for the business school. Having an authentic and consistent story that demonstrates self-awareness and remember that fit is the key to connecting with interviewers. It can help to discuss with someone whom you think knows you.

Some people have amazing stories, but they fail to communicate them. Mock interviews help refine how you are conveying your story before you face the actual interview panel. It’s not only about practice, but it’s more about getting your authentic story ready for the world to appreciate you better.

What was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you?  Many reasons went into my decision for choosing this program. Here is a key one: My interactions with the admissions staff and faculty were overwhelmingly positive. Never have I met a group of people that celebrate uniqueness with such authentic and heartfelt enthusiasm. It is contagious, liberating, and empowering. This is individuality acknowledged in a wholesome and constructive way. It evinces that the W. P. Carey career staff and faculty believe that business is personal. And that sense of people who believe what they say and are desirous of inclusive community won me over.

What would success look like to you after your first year of business school? I will feel more confident in my leadership skills. That would mean that I can sit with a group of people, participate in and facilitate conversations in a constructive way. Skillfully balancing inclusiveness while achieving a goal. And then be able to apply these same skills in networking, entrepreneurship, and in other areas of my life. 

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