The Warm Intro by Oba #22

The one program everyone regrets not applying to

Author

oba ajayi
January 09, 2026 • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

I'm Oba.

I had 7 internships in college, got into Stanford GSB, and founded HeadStart Fellowship. Now I share what worked on LinkedIn and Instagram.

This newsletter? Everything you need to turn your professional and educational dreams into reality.

What I Wish Someone Told Me

This week's insight: The most underrated opportunity for undergrads is Deferred MBA.

You apply to MBA programs as an undergrad senior at Harvard, Stanford etc. If you get in, you defer enrollment for 2 to 5 years. You go work, build experience, then come back to campus as a full-time MBA student.

The benefits are HUGE.

First, you rebrand yourself. I went to UT Austin for undergrad. Great school. Now I'm a Stanford GSB admit. That completely changes how people see you. Your undergrad is your foundation. Your MBA becomes your new brand.

Second, you get a safety net to take real risks. Want to join a startup? Start a nonprofit? Chase the thing you actually care about?

Most people never try. They're too scared of what happens if it fails.

With a deferred MBA acceptance, business school is waiting for you. No scrambling for jobs. No panicking. You already locked in your backup plan. Now you can actually follow your dream without the fear.

The acceptance gives you permission to explore without the typical post-grad pressure.

If you're a junior or senior seriously interested in these programs, reply to this email. This cycle, I'm looking to work with a handful of students.

The takeaway:  A deferred MBA should be on every student's roadmap.

Don't Miss These

Career Strategy Call with Oba 10-60 minute strategy call with someone who landed 7 internships and got into Stanford GSB. Get the exact framework I used plus see if ongoing coaching fits your goals.

Paid Part Time Remote Jobs Platform Paid part-time remote roles paying $40 to $270 per hour across different fields. 20-40 hr/wk, remote

Target Test Prep Exam prep I used to get into Stanford GSB

Resources

Links for additional Resources can be found HERE

New Opportunities

Happy new year!

oba