Charting a new career trajectory

For Sidney Kawanguzi (MBA ’24), pursuing a better future led him from his home in Uganda to the United States. Settling into a new country with his wife and young daughter was just the beginning of his journey — one that would eventually include the birth of two more children and, most recently, his completion of UNC Kenan-Flagler’s Charlotte Executive MBA Program.

However, when he first arrived in 2012, Kawanguzi faced the challenge of finding a job in his desired industry — construction — without any experience to showcase his value to potential employers. During this time, he worked in various roles, from trucking logistics to auditing sites for solar installations. It was during one such job interview that a simple question sparked an “aha” moment for Kawanguzi — one that would ultimately shape the next chapter of his journey.

“I had earned a degree in construction management back in Uganda and was interviewing for a job at a large construction company when I was asked, ‘Where do you see yourself in five years?’” says Kawanguzi. “That question created an instant moment of clarity: I wanted to get my MBA.”

Having struggled to build the career that he had envisioned in the U.S., Kawanguzi knew that an MBA from UNC Kenan-Flagler would have a substantial impact on his professional prospects. But this wasn’t just an investment in his career — it was an investment in his family’s future. The timing of his decision was particularly memorable: Just two days before the program’s orientation, his wife gave birth to their third child.

While balancing fatherhood, work and his studies was no easy feat, Kawanguzi is quick to credit his wife, Brenda, for the added responsibilities she took on during the two years he was pursuing his MBA.

“Her sacrifice and unwavering support made it possible for me to achieve this degree,” he says. “Although it’s only my name on the diploma, she put a lot of work into earning this MBA too.”

The motivation behind an MBA

Kawanguzi’s belief in the importance of pushing yourself to do difficult things drove his decision to pursue an MBA.

“Life is full of challenges, and to grow, you have to push through the hard things,” he says. “I want to show my children that when something is difficult, you run toward it. You can achieve your goals if you advocate for yourself and work hard.”

After overcoming the challenges that go along with obtaining a master’s degree, Kawanguzi’s ability to count himself as a graduate of UNC Kenan-Flagler’s Charlotte Executive MBA Program has brought with it a newfound sense of confidence.

As he reflects on his experience, he highlights the diverse backgrounds of his cohort as one of the keys to unlocking this new level of self-confidence.

“You’re learning alongside people from all walks of life and industries with so many different perspectives,” he says. “It opens your mind to new ways of thinking and solving problems. It pushes you to be better.”

Participating in the STAR (Student Teams Achieving Results) Program was another memorable experience for Kawanguzi. The course challenges students to tackle business projects for real companies using structured problem-solving techniques.

“It was one of the most hands-on and rewarding parts of the program,” he says. “Applying classroom concepts to real business challenges provides deeper context and makes the lessons more meaningful.”

Empowered to succeed

In addition to his classmates, Kawanguzi acknowledges the quality of the professors and the care and attention of administrative staff as key drivers to enhancing the UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA program experience.

The program’s career coaches are also a standout benefit for him, providing assistance with refining his résumé, optimizing his LinkedIn profile and helping him make valuable networking connections.

“Achieving an Executive MBA degree is a costly endeavor, not just financially but also from the standpoint of your time and your attention,” says Kawanguzi. “That sacrifice — for both me and my family — meant I went into the program with high expectations. Two years later, those expectations were not just met but exceeded.”

Now, as he continues his career journey, he carries a stronger sense of his value proposition and a sharpened ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and confidence. He knows this skill is essential in the fast-paced, interconnected world of business, where effectively articulating strategies and solutions can make all the difference.

“My experience at UNC Kenan-Flagler not only enhanced my leadership skills but also gave me the confidence to pursue the next phase of my career in corporate strategy,” says Kawanguzi.

With a strong partner by his side and an MBA degree to his name, Kawanguzi looks toward the next chapter in his journey with optimism and pride. He’s confident that his hard work and determination have set him up to achieve his career goals while building the foundation for his family’s success.

Ready to invest in your future? Learn more about how working professionals can pursue their Executive MBA at UNC Kenan-Flagler’s new Charlotte campus.