Prestige Adaberemchi Obioma

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

“Strategic, forward-thinking, visionary. I am that person who asks what he needs to be doing today so that tomorrow may belong to him.”

Hometown: Abuja, Nigeria

Fun Fact About Yourself: I can remember the name and place of every person of consequence I have ever met in the last decade. I just do, my brain won’t let go. It is amazing!

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Ibadan, Medicine and Surgery (MD)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Nigerian Defence Headquarters Medical Center, Emergency and Trauma Physician

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: In my previous job with the Nigerian Navy, I worked as a medical intern in the reference hospital. Throughout my almost 13 months there, no morbidity or mortality was recorded under my supervision. I was able to accomplish this with the help of dedicated colleagues and a stellar management team.

What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Collaborative. As someone who’s worked in the ER, I know the meaning of collaboration and teamwork. My classmates not only exemplify teamwork, but they also live it out. It has been nothing short of amazing working and contributing in such an environment.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of the MBA program that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The scholarship drew my attention to ASU and once it got my attention, I became curious. Upon research — both online and from current and past students — I found what I was looking for: a school that personalizes the aspirations of its students. Indeed, ASU walks its talk about making business personal.

I wanted a school where the faculty knew my name and my goals and did everything to support me. I was told how available and accessible support for students was and the near absence of a power distance between students and faculty. When you know that you have the entire business school behind you, there is a certain confidence in your step and that has been my experience so far.

Arizona State is renowned for its innovation. How have you seen innovation in the philosophy, curriculum, or resources at W. P. Carey? There’s a saying around here: “Be careful about giving feedback because we’ll take it.” ASU and particularly the W. P. Carey School is the best at getting better. You see innovation in everything: teaching method, curriculum, admissions process, student support, you name it. In the six months I have been here, there have been three new courses designed to mirror real-life experience in Fintech, Emotional Intelligence, and Big Data. A couple of my classmates are going to Peru next year as part of Global Business concentration. If you’re looking for a school that never rests on its oars, then look no further, W. P. Carey is the place to be.

What was the most challenging question you were asked during the admissions process? I am glad you asked. The interviewer gave me a case to analyze and work her through my proposed solution. It was about a transport company that was losing money and the management hired me to help them find a solution. Luckily for me, I was already familiar with business tools like VRIO analysis and Porters Five Forces. Even though I look back and laugh now at my response, the question had me sweating and stuttering.

How did you determine which business schools best fit you? Class size, location, reputation, and financial aid were the factors I prioritized. Phoenix is the fastest growing city in a desert. Still, Arizona is home to some of the largest U.S. employers such as Banner Health, Mayo Clinic, Intel, Honeywell, etc.

ASU is No. 1 in innovation — ahead of MIT and Stanford and arguably the best school for supply chain management. More so, the Full-Time MBA program is highly ranked with a class size that ensures everyone knows each other and a close-knit culture is fostered.

I wanted a program where I would graduate knowing that I have made meaningful connections with every member of my class. Additionally, many health care companies recruit from ASU and I was looking to gain valuable business skills and experience in health care that would shape my career post-graduation.