My Journey in MBA: From West Africa to Pro Basketball to Becoming One of Europes Elite MBAs

Last Updated on October 31, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

Former professional basketball player, Mouphtaou Yarou, is preparing to make a career switch and graduate with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from HEC Paris in January 2024. Yarou’s remarkable journey from the basketball court to the business world is an inspiring tale of determination and passion.

Although Yarou had always dreamt of a career in business and finance, his exceptional athletic talent led him to pursue a successful career in basketball first. However, his aspirations for education and entrepreneurship never wavered, thanks to the influence of his mother.

Raised by a single mom who was also an entrepreneur, Yarou’s mother inspired him to seek education at prestigious institutions outside of their home country, Benin. Her encouragement fueled his ambition to achieve academic excellence alongside his athletic pursuits.

Yarou’s dedication to both basketball and education opened up incredible opportunities for him. Through his remarkable skills on the court, he secured a scholarship to a private high school in the United States. This led him to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Villanova University.

In 2018, Yarou took a significant step towards fulfilling his mother’s entrepreneurial legacy by launching his own non-profit organization called MYBARIKA. The organization’s mission is to provide educational support and programs to children and teenagers in Benin, ultimately helping them stay in school and achieve their goals.

A drastic turn of events occurred in 2019 when Yarou suffered a career-threatening injury. This setback pushed him to reconsider his future and led him to the decision of pursuing an MBA at HEC Paris. Yarou recognized the value of acquiring a deeper understanding of the business world, which would equip him to make a successful transition into a new career path.

More than personal growth, Yarou’s motivation to pursue an MBA stems from his desire to serve as an inspiration to the children involved with MYBARIKA. He hopes to show them that there is indeed life beyond sports and that with hard work and determination, they too can achieve their goals.

As Yarou approaches his MBA graduation in January 2024, the world eagerly anticipates the next chapter of his extraordinary journey. From a talented basketball player to an aspiring business leader, he demonstrates the importance of never losing sight of one’s dreams and the impact of education in shaping one’s future.

To stay updated on Mouphtaou Yarou’s journey and learn more about his achievements, visit “My MBA Career” website, where his inspiring story unfolds.