Chiedu Onichabor
Home Region

Lagos, Nigeria

Previous Experience

Cummins Inc.

HBS Activities

Director of Programming, African American Student Union

“The HBS case method's "all-in" discussion style fosters spaces where thorough analysis of problems is necessary.”

Coming to HBS is like...

Trying to drink from a firehose. You have access to all the best resources, the optionality, and the fulfilling experiences. However, all these things come to you fast and furious.

What is your most memorable classroom moment?

My section had a visit from a case protagonist who probed our outlook on career compensation with the question: "What is your number?!" With his question, he invited us to think deeply about how much monetary compensation we needed to live comfortable lives. I like to believe that a lot of my peers walked away from that discussion with more realistic views on the feasibility of pursuing careers more aligned with service and impact without compromising on monetary reward and comfort.

What is one thing you brought with you to campus, and one thing you'll be leaving with?

I brought my trusty hybrid bicycle. I can't tell you how many times it's helped me zoom across the Western Avenue bridge just in time for classes at Aldrich. I'll be leaving here with a treasure trove of memories and excitement for the future that my peers and I will hopefully help shape. That, and a stack of 500 case handouts.

How have diverse perspectives in your section contributed to your understanding of business concepts, leadership, and/or problem solving?

The HBS case method's "all-in" discussion style fosters spaces where thorough analysis of problems is necessary. I have often found myself having to rethink certain case concepts I was confident about by listening to a section mate's "left field" comment or question that added additional color and context or highlighted a previously undiscussed edge case to our discussion.

If you could give one piece of advice to prospective students, what would it be?

Be intellectually honest and humble; be focused and lean in, and you'll likely get out what you put in and some change.