Wharton is diverse in every sense of the word, not just from a racial or ethnic perspective, but also professionally. It's not just where people are from, but their openness and willingness to embrace other perspectives and cultures.

Having grown up in Nigeria, why did you make the decision to come to Wharton?
I wanted to be in an environment where I could challenge myself, even outside the classroom. I wanted a program that was very rigorous and had an international bent to it. And Wharton is diverse in every sense of the word, not just from a racial or ethnic perspective, but also professionally. It's not just where people are from, but their openness and willingness to embrace other perspectives and cultures. I needed an American education to have the global perspective. It's almost useless to have an MBA now and not have a global perspective to it.

So was it what you expected?
I had some high expectations, but I still couldn't have imagined everything I experienced , in terms of the rigor of the classes and the level of knowledge I amassed. It's big enough for you to chart your own path, but it's small enough to still feel at home. There are pockets of smaller communities, and I found a group of people that shared similar passions.

How has your Wharton MBA helped in your career?
I'm an investment banker in New York. My responsibilities involve originating leverage finance transactions for corporates and creative financing solutions for distressed companies. My MBA means I am more prepared for the daily challenges of my job. The Wharton curriculum is top-notch and our case studies highlighted important current trends and business issues. The Wharton program is designed to help students become better problem solvers. Wharton not only provides me with an enviable network of fellow alums I can call on, it also positions me for in-coming calls from potential clients.

As an alumnus, please share your views on the strength of the Wharton brand globally?
It is rapidly gaining wider recognition in Africa. Initially when I was looking at applying to business school, my father had never heard of Wharton, though he knew of Columbia and Harvard. In recent times, however, Wharton admissions has made significant efforts to market the brand in Africa including annual admissions presentations hosted by senior members of the admission team. Also a growing number of Wharton alums are now moving back to the continent further creating opportunities for employers to get introduced to the brand. Lastly, Wharton students also contribute significantly in this effort by organizing events like the popular annual Wharton Africa Business Forum where people from all over the world gather in Philadelphia to discuss business opportunities and trends in Africa.

Major: Private Equity

Extracurricular Activities: Chair of 2005 Wharton Africa Business Forum; house manager with Rebuilding Together Philadelphia; WICS Africa Dance; graduate assistant in Admissions Department

Internship: Mergers & Acquisitions, Credit Suisse, New York

Favorite Classes at Wharton: Negotiations, Private Equity in Emerging Markets, Accounting for Complex Financial Structures, Finance of Buyouts and Acquisitions, Communication in Crises