Ibrahim Abubakar

University of Wisconsin – Madison (Wisconsin School of Business)”

“Ambitious, empathetic, equity-focused, community builder, lifting others as I pursue my aspirations.”

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Fun fact about yourself: I visited a Kangaroo Sanctuary in Australia where I got to feed and care for baby Kangaroos.

Undergraduate School and Degree:

Bachelor’s of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences:

Major in English at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Minor in Secondary Education

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? English Teacher at Chicago Public Schools (Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep)

Where did you intern during the summer of 2023? I interned at Pfizer at their NYC Headquarters.

Where will you be working after graduation? I am grateful to be returning to Pfizer as a Marketing Rotational Manager!

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School: During business school, I served as a mentor for undergrad students in the multicultural center in the Wisconsin School of business, a Consortium or Graduate Study in Management liaison, and as a Wisconsin School of Business student ambassador.

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? During business school, I have had the privilege of organizing a “Men of Color Summit” in the Madison community. This initiative aimed to create a platform for individuals to hear from and learn about the experiences of Men of Color in Wisconsin, particularly in Madison. I am honored to have collaborated with exceptional peers from my MBA program and beyond, including Eliott Nardi, Juan Acosta, Driss Amara, Yemi Iledare, Barbara Trujillo, Shanae Doerr, Brandon Kalinske, Aaron Her, and Paul Vang. This initiative required strong teamwork, and I am immensely grateful for the diverse perspectives and experiences that brought us together to plan this impactful event for the community. The opportunity to leverage my knowledge acquired both prior to and during business school to assemble an outstanding team and execute such a meaningful initiative was truly rewarding!

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I am most proud of my tenure as a teacher, where I honed my passion for lifelong learning and advocacy. Working with students from Chicago’s underserved communities, I fostered their English fluency, writing skills, and post-secondary aspirations. I’m thankful for the opportunities I had to develop creative, student-centered curriculum that I constantly tweaked through gathering students feedback, navigating culturally relevant literature as my students and I got to read untraditional, yet powerful and engaging, novels and poems, and employing responsive feedback methods that enriched my human-centered skills and design.

Why did you choose this business school? I chose the Wisconsin School of Business for several reasons. What ultimately stood out to me was the strength of its alumni network and the unwavering support I received from both alumni and the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management community. During my application process, I had the opportunity to connect with Wisconsin alumni who generously offered their time and expertise to assist me. From resume reviews to mock interviews, their guidance was invaluable in preparing me for the MBA journey ahead. One particular alum from Wisconsin, Donovan Walker, MBA ’19, made a profound impact on me with his kindness and encouragement. His reassurance that I had the potential to succeed instilled in me a sense of confidence and determination. Moreover, the sense of community and support within the Consortium network at Wisconsin was remarkable from the moment I engaged. I immediately felt welcomed and embraced by a community of like-minded individuals who were not only dedicated to their own success but also committed to uplifting and empowering their peers. In the future, I am inspired to pay forward the kindness and support I received by actively engaging with prospective MBA students, supporting my peers, and contributing to the recruitment efforts of companies like Pfizer.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? I had the pleasure of taking two courses with Professor Neil Morgan: Marketing Growth Strategy in the fall of 2023 and Brand Asset Management in the spring of 2024. Professor Morgan’s teaching style and attitude are truly infectious, drawing students in with his wealth of experience working with renowned companies, which he often references in class. Professor Morgan delved into topics such as understanding sources of competitive advantage, developing marketing strategy content, and implementing marketing strategies and provided strategies for building and managing brand equity effectively. Professor Morgan’s passion for teaching, coupled with his extensive industry experience, created stimulating learning environments that that helped me grow tremendously. If it isn’t clear by now, I highly recommend Professor Morgan to any student seeking to gain a deeper understanding of marketing. Thank you, Professor Morgan!

What was your favorite course as an MBA? My favorite course during my MBA program was definitely Technology Product Marketing taught by Professor Yi Lui. This class was exceptionally engaging and led by a professor who not only brought his expertise in tech product marketing but also his background in comedy. This greatly influenced the warm, engaging, and humorous atmosphere of the class. What made this course stand out for me was its contemporary approach to product marketing. We tackled intriguing questions such as why Google doesn’t charge for its search experience and how companies like Uber should allocate resources between attracting new drivers and new riders in a new city. At an event, we had the opportunity to engage in a simulation where we had to navigate launching a product while responding to changing market conditions. Tech Product Marketing was an exciting exploration of learning, filled with valuable lessons that I know I will continue to apply in my career for years to come.  Thank you, Professor Lui!

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? My favorite MBA event at the Wisconsin School of Business is the annual Multicultural Night, where members of the Wisconsin Master’s programs come together to share their cultures with one another. This event holds a special place in my heart. It’s not only one of the most popular events of the year, but it also provides a unique opportunity for students to bring their cultural backgrounds to the forefront and share them with the broader community. I’ve left Multicultural Night for the past two years feeling incredibly inspired and more knowledgeable about my peers’ cultures and traditions, which I may not have been exposed to otherwise. The event truly fosters a sense of inclusivity and belonging within the school community. I’m going to miss it once I graduate!

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? Looking back on my MBA experience, one aspect I would approach differently is investing more time in fostering relationships with my professors and participating in their office hours more frequently. I have appreciated my professor’s accessibility over the years and would certainly go back to take the time to learn more from them, their subject materials, and their backgrounds, outside of the bounds of the classroom.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? What I loved most about Madison, Wisconsin were the Farmers Markets held at the capitol. On Saturday mornings, I looked forward to strolling through the market, soaking in the sights, sounds, and smells. The farmer markets were an enjoyable experience, and it was the best place to go for fresh produce, locally sourced cheeses, and to occasionally find unique gifts.

What surprised you the most about business school? What surprised me the most about business school was the incredibly collaborative environment that is embedded every aspect of the program. Coming into the MBA program, I anticipated the independent academic atmosphere that I had in my undergraduate program. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a culture of collaboration and camaraderie that extends far beyond the classroom. Through group projects, team assignments, and case competitions, I have had the privilege of working closely with diverse individuals who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table. I would love to give a shout out to my B1 and B4 core groups from my first year of MBA and the opportunities we had to conquer complex business challenges while celebrating each other through it all.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? Eliott Nardi, MBA ’24, embodies qualities that I deeply respect and aspire to emulate, both personally and professionally. First and foremost, Eliott is exceptionally intelligent and possesses a incredible ability to grasp concepts quickly. His sharp intellect and curiosity drive insightful discussions and foster a deeper understanding of course material. I have personally benefited from his thoughtful questions and keen observations, which have enriched our learning experiences together. Beyond his academic prowess, Eliott’s character shines brightly in all aspects of his life. He approaches challenges with resilience and determination, inspiring those around him to strive for excellence. As a leader, Eliott leads by example, demonstrating unwavering integrity, humility, and compassion. He is not only a trusted friend and confidante, but also a steadfast advocate for our Wisconsin Consortium community, embodying the values of inclusivity and support. Moreover, Eliott’s dedication to his family is truly admirable. As a devoted husband and father, he prioritizes his loved ones while excelling in his academic and professional pursuits. His selflessness, generosity, and commitment to others serve as a profound example of servant leadership. Eliott Nardi is not just a classmate, but a role model whose presence enriches our MBA community. His humility, authenticity, and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on those around him are inspiring. I feel honored and blessed to have had the opportunity to learn and grow alongside Eliott during our time in the MBA program.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?  Two top items on my professional bucket list are the following First, I’m excited about networking within Pfizer to be intentional about the experiences and skills. Second, I’m eager to explore global work experiences within my rotational program and developing cross-cultural skills through my projects.

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

“Ibrahim has been an impactful leader and caring, generous colleague to many here at the Wisconsin School of Business. Ibrahim approached his career switch from English teacher to marketer with confidence and readiness, bringing a unique perspective that greatly benefits the community! He has brought much intellect, thoughtfulness, and deep creativity to the classroom. He works very hard to challenge his peers and teachers to consider the materials from multiple points of view and advocates for the best interests of students in various ways.

Despite the demands of his classes and his role as a consortium fellow, Ibrahim remains ever willing to lend a hand. He consistently extends his assistance, actively supporting the program’s initiatives by participating in panels and committees, as well as offering valuable advice to candidates. His most recent charge is leading a group of students to organize a Men of Color Conference, which is set to take place in April of 2024.

His signature warmth and friendliness are key to bringing students into our community; he deeply cares about the well-being of his classmates. No one in the class has as big a heart and is as generous as Ibrahim. He is held in high esteem by many of his colleagues, with some saying he is what keeps them grounded in what really matters and can be counted on to support anyone when they need it.”

Kristin Branch
Director, Marketing Leadership Institute

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