Graduate student Ngozichukwu Ibe first stepped onto Pitt’s campus when her two sisters were in medical school, planning to follow in their footsteps and become a physician. Then the pandemic happened, which exposed problems in our healthcare systems. 

“I realized I wanted to provide care to vulnerable populations in ways that didn’t require a medical degree,” says Ibe. “My mission is to fight for the needs of the underrepresented minorities in underserved areas and be in rooms that strategize creative plans that can be key to transforming the lives in local communities.” 

The joint degree option — combining an MBA with a Master of Health Administration from Pitt’s School of Public Health — aligns with that goal. 

A Cohort of Support

Ibe is one of eight students enrolled in this joint degree program, enabling them to create study groups and recommend opportunities and resources to each other. The MHA degree requires students to complete a residency, and Ibe’s residency is with UPMC Health Plan. Her preceptor, who provides training during clinical practice, and her direct supervisor are both women who have MBAs. “They were happy that I was also getting my MBA and told me that an MBA allows women to have a seat at the table and hold authority in the board room,” says Ibe.  

Honored to Win Alumnae Scholarship

In April 2023, Ibe was one of three students to receive a $2,500 scholarship from the Pitt Business Alumnae Council at the Redefining Women’s Leadership Conference. It came at a time when she was doubting her abilities as an MBA student. 

“Interviewing with the alumnae council and winning the scholarship was one of the best confirmations for me that semester,” says Ibe. “I am so honored to have been chosen alongside such amazing and more established businesswomen.” 

Embracing Opportunities

In addition to taking classes, working at UPMC Health Plan, and having a weekend job at Walter’s Barbeque, she still finds time to volunteer and participate in case competitions.  

“I love the idea of solving problems and the case competitions provide real-world experience with business problems,” Ibe says. “They also provide a safe place to fail so I am able to give it my all and learn.” 

Ibe is on target to graduate with both degrees in 2024 and will set out to change policies to make the current healthcare system better. “The joint degree can open doors to government, healthcare consulting, management positions and so many other careers.”