Abdoulai Jobe

University of Pittsburgh, Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business

“A passionate goal-oriented individual who thrives on competition while remaining compassionate.”

Hometown: Montgomery County, Maryland

Fun fact about yourself: During winter break in undergrad, I was able to spend my time volunteering in a hospital system in The Gambia, West Africa.

Undergraduate School and Degree: The University of Pittsburgh, Bachelor of Science in Biology

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? I was a Medical Assistant at Global Pain Management

Where did you intern during the summer of 2023? I interned at Bristol Myers Squibb in Princeton, New Jersey

Where will you be working after graduation? I will be working at Bristol Myers Squibb in their Commercial Leadership Development Program.

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

• • President, Student Executive Board
  • Student Representative for the Graduate School’s Planning and Budget Committee
  • Student Representative on the University Council on Graduate Studies Board (UCGS)
  • Worked with a nonprofit called NASHknowlegde
  • Volunteer with Junior Achievement
  • Volunteer with Global Links
  • National Black M.B.A. Association Scholarship Recipient
  • GSPH HPM Achievement Scholar
  • Arnowitz Family Business Scholar
  • Fritz Family Business School

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? My time as President of the Student Executive Board (SEB) at Katz Business School stands as my most proud achievement. I’ve had the honor of serving as the essential liaison between my peers, the faculty, and the administration thanks to this role. We supported student organizations, sparked professional growth, deepened our relationships with our alumni, and planned fun social events thanks to the SEB’s efforts.

Alongside a dedicated team of board members, our collective vision was to nurture the professional and personal growth of each student within the Katz community. My leadership journey was as much about self-discovery as it was about guiding others my comprehension of what it means to lead with integrity and purpose has improved as a result.

My involvement with the SEB allowed me to contribute to and see many initiatives come to fruition during my three years at Katz. Knowing that our efforts have improved the student experience and left a lasting impression on the school’s culture makes me incredibly proud of the legacy we’ve left behind. This chapter of my life has not only been filled with achievements but also with lessons learned and personal development that I will take with me into my next efforts.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? My time spent working as a medical assistant at Global Pain Management has been the high point of my professional journey thus far. In Glen Burnie, MD, this pain management clinic is an essential component of the medical community, especially for the underprivileged population that frequently struggles with the underappreciated condition of chronic pain. I had a varied and significant role here that helped me build strong relationships with our patients and support them as they navigated the challenges of pain management.

I felt like more than just a medical assistant when I was in the clinic—I was a confidante they could trust, an ally during an operation, and a consultant throughout their healthcare journey. My duties included everything from helping with injections to providing patient consultations with compassionate care.

The COVID-19 pandemic’s start highlighted how important our work is, and I actively participated in setting up a testing site—a crucial step in preserving this community’s health. This was a personally transforming experience in addition to being professionally fulfilling. It refined my abilities, but more significantly, it molded my character, as well as taught me the significance of healthcare accessibility and the value of service. This professional chapter has strengthened my dedication to patient-centered care and my belief in its efficacy.

Why did you choose this business school? The reason why I chose this business school begins with a story. I’ve always been driven to have a significant influence on both my community and the world as a whole. Growing up, I believed becoming a doctor would be the best way to have this kind of impact because my aunt, who I’ve always looked up to, accomplished so much in the medical field. Nevertheless, I realized the value of administration when I had the opportunity to work in an African health system, in my home country. I observed how this system was not operating well overall, and how they were lacking some basic necessities. This made me decide to pursue a career in business since I’ve always been interested in it and thought it would allow me to drastically alter my life. The choice to switch from attending medical school to business school was a significant one, but one that I am happy I made.

I was certain that the University of Pittsburgh was the only institution I wanted to attend, so this was the only place I applied. I fell in love with this school and city after completing my undergraduate degree here, and it has genuinely become a second home to me. Naturally, the graduate business school shared the same values as the rest of the school. With its innovative curriculum, focus on hands-on learning, and notable history of leadership, Katz spoke to my desire to become a business leader capable of taking on the complex problems facing our global community. My goal was to help my community through business, and Katz was the obvious next step because of the school’s dedication to creating a collaborative environment that combines academic rigor with practical application.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? During my MBA, the Real Estate Finance course was my favorite. This course provided a thorough overview of real estate, with a particular emphasis on the vital components of financing and property appraisal. The curriculum introduced sophisticated valuation techniques, such as comprehensive proforma cash flow projections, and delved deeply into the economic theories that support real estate markets. With a focus on income-producing properties in particular, we looked at a range of financing options, conducted thorough risk analysis, and studied the effects of taxes and the complex real estate interest securitization process.

I have a strong interest in real estate investing, which is what helped this course resonate with me. The information and understanding I have acquired have proven to be priceless resources in my desire to develop into a real estate investor. The course was difficult and demanding, but the practical knowledge it imparted has been invaluable. It’s an experience that has expanded my horizons academically and given me practical skills for the real estate industry. Just as I have, I think this course would be extremely beneficial to anyone serious about getting into the real estate industry.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favorite MBA professor is Tom Davis. My engagement with Professor Davis, albeit limited to the MBA Capstone and leadership training, left a mark on my academic journey. The quality that most deeply impresses me about Professor Davis is his genuine commitment to helping students succeed, both inside and outside of the classroom. His knowledge is derived not only from textbooks but also from a multitude of real-world experiences, which he skillfully converts into applicable knowledge. In presenting the curriculum, he was incredibly organized and encouraged students to think creatively. Professor Davis personifies what it means to be an educator who is passionate about the kind of leaders he is developing in every interaction.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? When I think back on my MBA experience, the one thing I would do differently is to take part in more case competitions. It was difficult and required careful time management balancing a dual degree program and a part-time job. In retrospect, if I could go back and change anything, I would make time to fully commit to participating in more case competitions. These competitions’ dynamic, problem-solving style and practical application are unmatched learning opportunities that refine analytical and strategic thinking. They also offer priceless chances for peer learning and networking, both of which are essential in the business sector. The few that I did take part in had a significant influence on me, which made me want to incorporate these enriching experiences more fully into my time as an academic.

What is the biggest myth about your school? Although I had not heard many myths about the school before enrolling, I did believe that it was more healthcare-focused given the proximity of such large health systems. Since I’ve been here, though, I still think it’s a great place for anyone looking to pursue a healthcare career. However, there are also so many different industries represented here, that you can get help getting into any industry you want.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? Pittsburgh’s small-city feel is what I adore most about the city. By this, I mean that you still experience the city vibe, with its various restaurants, bars, and rich history. On the other hand, because it is smaller and less overwhelming, you still feel like you are in a community. You’ll recognize a lot of people and get a sense of belonging to the city. In general, visitors to Pittsburgh can enjoy a wide range of experiences here.

What surprised you the most about business school? My previous perception of business school as a highly competitive environment where individualism is valued was totally disproved the moment I entered Katz. There was a general spirit of togetherness and shared ambition rather than rivalry. The constant sense of community that lingered in every classroom and hallway amazed me the most.

Here, students are more than just coworkers; they are collaborators, learning partners, and—above all—supporters of one another’s achievements. It was more important to lift everyone up together than it was to outperform one another. A common appreciation of the value of networking and the realization that the connections we make while here may be just as important as the knowledge we acquire academically served to highlight this sense of community.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? Ngozi Ibe is the MBA classmate I admire the most. Like me, Ngozi is pursuing an MBA and MHA degree, and I think all students should aim to resemble her more. We were in the same cohort, so I got to witness her tenacity and ability to overcome numerous obstacles all the while maintaining a positive outlook and showing concern for her fellow students. Despite having a lot on her plate as well, Ngozi has frequently gone out of her way to help me and my classmates with whatever we needed.

Ngozi was the SEB’s business manager, served as a student liaison, put herself through school, and took part in as many extracurricular activities as she could. Ngozi’s path to business school and her time here weren’t straightforward. However, that didn’t stop her from achieving all of her goals and from constantly making an effort to look out for her fellow students and embody what it means to be a Katz student.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?

1. I want to start my own company or become CEO of a company I’m working for.

2. Help the next generation of African American students pursuing careers in business or healthcare to fulfill their aspirations by serving as a mentor.

What made Abdoulai such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2024?

“A hallmark of exceptional leadership is the selfless dedication to catalyze transformative change that profoundly benefits a community. Abdoulai Jobe, during his three-year tenure as a joint-degree MBA/Master of Health Administration (MHA) student at the University of Pittsburgh Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, has emerged as both a leading advocate for the Katz Experience as well as a future innovator in the business of healthcare. His influential leadership and inherent potential underscores his deserving selection to Poets & Quants’ MBAs To Watch for 2024.

Abdoulai’s journey, as he describes it, is a narrative rich with purpose. Through volunteering at hospitals in his family’s home country of The Gambia, he was able to understand, at a young age, the importance of optimally functioning healthcare systems – and the necessity of leaders who could ensure that patients receive the best care possible. Despite initially aspiring towards an advanced medical degree, Abdoulai’s goals evolved to effect change within the healthcare system through alternative means. Recognizing the potential for broader impact through a business-focused pathway, he concluded that this pivot would enable him to enact significant administrative change. His intrinsic empathy informs his decision-making, while his unwavering dedication to his academic pursuits makes him an invaluable asset to his field. We are proud that following his graduation Abdoulai will continue to leverage business best practices to make his mark on Bristol Myers Squibb’s Commercial Leadership Development Program.

Commitment to community is also the foundation of Abdoulai’s time at the University of Pittsburgh. He has spent three years on the Katz Student Executive Board (SEB), most recently serving as president in the 2023 – 2024 academic year. Through his service, Abdoulai advocated for his peers to ensure that the voice of the student was considered in critical planning processes. Abdoulai is also incredibly diplomatic, unafraid to come to the table to converse, but also to compromise. His willingness to have tough conversations and really dig into policy and procedure have greatly enhanced the overall experience of his classmates. It is our belief that his leadership will have ripple effects on the Katz community for years to come. Beyond his significant extracurricular involvement, Abdoulai has also excelled in his academic programs, maintaining a competitive GPA while pursuing master’s degrees in two different disciplines here at Pitt.

Abdoulai’s legacy at Katz will be one of inspiration and impact. His unwavering commitment to effecting positive change, both within the Katz community and in the broader field of healthcare administration, makes him incredibly worthy of this honor from Poets & Quants. We can’t wait to see what Abdoulai does next.”

Katie Bennett, M.Ed.
Associate Director for Student Engagement, Graduate Programs
University of Pittsburgh Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business

DON’T MISS: MBAS TO WATCH: CLASS OF 2024