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 Name:
John Oruongo
Full-Time MBA
University previously attended: Drury University
Degrees obtained: Bachelor of Science in computer information systems and business
Country of origin: Kenya
Age: 25
Career history
John Oruongo decided to pursue an MBA after studying accounting and finance in his home country of Kenya. After completing his undergraduate degree in the United States, John found that Willamette University's recognized faculty and personal approach to management were a perfect fit for his career goals.
Setting an Example for Others
After studying accounting and finance in Kenya, I knew I wanted to make a career out of it. When evaluating schools in my home country, I had trouble finding a program that would meet my needs and prepare me for a more demanding marketplace. With the guidance of my family, I decided to attend an undergraduate program in the United States.
A Community of Acceptance
My perception of U.S. colleges centered around a competitive, cutthroat model where a few students would stand out from the rest. During my undergraduate experience, and especially now in my graduate program at Willamette, I find that the experience is quite the contrary. The university staff, faculty, and my fellow students are extremely friendly and encourage collaboration and teamwork. As I learn from them, they also learn from me - and my cultural and professional background.
I am involved in teamwork much more than in my undergraduate program. As with any team setting, the members don't always see eye to eye on issues. Learning how to interact with other members while learning the business material is truly a simulation of real business life.
I have also enjoyed the Oregon climate and lifestyle. The Northwest is a very different environment than my home country and I am looking forward to experiencing more of it through visiting other cities including the nearby city of Portland.
A Hands-on Learning Experience
During my first term at Willamette I participated in a financial reporting class that immediately uncovered cultural differences between U.S. business etiquette and that of Kenya. I looked at a U.S. balance sheet for the first time and recognized that liquid assets are listed at the top of the sheet, where the exact opposite is true in Kenya. It was a subtle reminder of how business is different around the globe.
I am now looking into internships for the summer between my first and second years. I'm investigating mutual fund companies and would really enjoy working with an investment or securities analyst, researching the elements that make up financial markets. This will lead me into my second year, where I will plan my elective classes to include not only finance, but also quantitative analysis and marketing classes. I am especially interested in the Data Mining course offered at Willamette, where I can continue to expand my skill set to be an effective researcher and decision maker.
Preparing for the Future
I found the Admissions Office at Willamette very helpful throughout the application process as I decided if the program would meet my career and personal goals. I asked a lot of questions about the program, and received prompt answers to my inquiries. The impressions I received of the program have been verified through my experience in class and with the faculty. Willamette professors are truly helpful and honest in their expectations, and helpful in grounding the expectations of their students.
My goals include receiving a PhD in finance following completion of my MBA. This will hopefully lead me to a research position in finance, where I can put what I've learned at Willamette to practical use. I also learned that the Willamette MBA program is ranked in the top 30 for Public Finance programs and this, coupled with the fact that the Willamette program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, is extremely important to me. I am confident that my MBA from Willamette will help prepare me for the challenges and experiences that lie ahead.
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