Meet Kenan-Flagler’s MBA Class Of 2018

Chi Nwogu

University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: I am whoever the world needs me to be at this moment.

Hometown: Bronx, NY

Fun Fact About Yourself: I watched every game during the 2013-14 NBA season. That’s 1,230 games in 6 months.

Undergraduate School and Major: Brown University, Economics

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation:

JPMorgan – Business Analyst

Bloomberg Sports – Assistant CFO/Basketball Analyst

STATS LLC – Media and Broadcast Analyst (NBA Lead)

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I took a leap of faith leaving the financial sector for sports back in 2012. Since 2012, I’ve been a key member in starting two sports-related ventures. My biggest accomplishment was recognizing that success obtained within one’s area of passion outweighs success obtained anywhere else, no matter how difficult the road is to obtain success within one’s passion.

Looking back on your experience, what advice would you give to future business school applicants? Understand what exactly fits your needs as a student. Do you need to be someplace warm? Are you okay being in a small town? Do you want to go to a school that has grade disclosure? The more questions you ask yourself, the easier it will be to narrow down your list of schools.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? I was drawn to UNC Kenan-Flagler after I attended its Basketball Analytics Summit. At the Summit, I met some remarkable faculty and alumni who really opened my eyes to the community that existed at UNC. All of those feelings were reinforced during my interview and subsequent communications with the staff. I also knew that I wanted to be somewhere with a rich tradition of school spirit and alumni involvement. Being around energetic and motivated people makes all the difference. I also wanted to be in a warmer part of the country which North Carolina certainly is.

Tell us about your dream job or dream employer at this point in your life? My dream employer is myself. I strive to innovate and create value for others every day, and I see business school as another way to interact with a diverse group of motivated people who can only add to my understanding of the world and the needs that exist. I value collaboration and innovation. Owning my business will allow me to assembly a talented team and create a company culture that I can be proud of.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? I want my peers to say that I always greeted them with a smile and that I always showed gratitude. Smiles and thank yous for everyone!