Case Study:
Angela Akinyemi

Tell us what you do and what your work typically entails.

As an analyst in Market Research at JUST Capital, I was responsible for exploring the expectations that the public has of corporate America. On a given day I could be brainstorming new ways to discover people's preferences, designing a questionnaire, analyzing data, or working to make our results visual and interactive. Being at a small company also meant wearing lots of hats and working very closely with all departments towards a common goal.

How has the altMBA helped you level up?

altMBA helped me level up in ways that I am still coming to appreciate. I was able to practice truly seeing the human in others - in my boss, my waiter, my sister, the person next to me on the subway - and even in myself. I learned to appreciate the strength of vulnerability, how to push my peers and trust in them to support me in return. I left with tools to practice empathy and the freedom to dream big.

What's the #1 thing that made a difference for you about the altMBA?

The people, the people, the people. I know many students of the altMBA will say this, and that's because the power of this community is so incredibly unique. I could not believe the level of presence and care that the students brought to the table. Everyone was driven and thoughtful and supportive, and that still continues between alumni long after the month is over.

What's something that you have approached differently because of what you've learned at the altMBA?

My beliefs, including the easy assumptions and my most strongly held opinions. Most of us interact with people we don't completely understand or have those topics that push our buttons. altMBA changed my view of how to handle differing viewpoints and tense disagreement. Not only has this helped me in the workplace but also with family and in getting to know the people that I meet as I travel all over the world.

What advice would you give to someone who's considering the altMBA or to a first time student?

There is nothing like the excitement of stepping into an experience like this one. Dive in and soak up as much as you can. Be open, be thoughtful, be giving, be fully there, and you'll leave transformed. If you're even thinking about it, do it!

Any other comments or recommendations about the altMBA?

I couldn't have imagined what I would get out of this program before I went through it. I'm still discovering those returns and I'm immeasurably grateful to this community for challenging me and supporting me and bringing a playfulness to my growth. I wouldn't change my experience for anything.