AI master's degree student Isaac-John Onwuamaegbu pursues skills and knowledge for responsible business leadership

As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in our everyday lives, the need for leaders educated in its mindful, ethical use continues to grow. ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business recently created the first-of-its-kind Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence in Business to fulfill that need.

As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in our everyday lives, the need for leaders educated in its mindful, ethical use continues to grow. ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business recently created the first-of-its-kind Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence in Business (MS-AIB) to fulfill that need.

Isaac-John Onwuamaegbu (BS Computer Information Systems '24, MS-AIB '25) heard about the MS-AIB program when it was first announced and was immediately intrigued.

"It felt like the perfect opportunity to align my interests in artificial intelligence and business innovation with my long-term aspirations," he says. "The program’s emphasis on excellence, innovation, and practical applications resonated deeply with me, and as a proud alum, I was confident that W. P. Carey was the right place to continue my journey."

W. P. Carey News spoke to Onwuamaegbu about the decision to further his education, his interest in artificial intelligence as a career path, and his goal to become a "beacon of integrity, innovation, and leadership.”

Why W. P. Carey?

While earning his bachelor's degree in computer information systems at W. P. Carey, Onwuamaegbu experienced the benefits of innovative, hands-on learning. Returning to ASU was an easy decision.

"During my undergraduate years, I gained invaluable experience through internships and projects that allowed me to apply my academic knowledge to real-world challenges," says Onwuamaegbu. "I have always been passionate about lifelong learning and wanted to equip myself with the tools necessary to build a successful and meaningful career. After thoughtful reflection, prayer, and discussions with mentors and professors, I recognized that pursuing a graduate degree would help me achieve these goals."

Emphasizing how to weave AI thoughtfully into solutions to business goals, the MS-AIB curriculum challenges students to learn and hone new skills through practical application and projects.

"The opportunity to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to real-world problems and scenarios has been meaningful," says Onwuamaegbu. "This hands-on approach has not only built my confidence, but also prepared me to tackle complex challenges in my career."

Working with faculty from the top-ranked Department of Information Systems, as well as his fellow students, has also made a big impact on Onwuamaegbu, who talks about both professional and personal growth through the program.

"The faculty have also played a pivotal role in my development," he says. "They have not only guided us academically but also prepared us for success by fostering collaboration and problem-solving skills. Through group projects and discussions, I’ve learned the importance of teamwork and effective communication — both of which are essential in the business world."

Why AI in business?

The MS-AIB program combines both technical skills and business skills so graduates are equipped to deploy AI in a mindful way to solve business challenges. So far, the curriculum has met and exceeded Onwuamaegbu’s expectations.

"A key lesson I’ve learned is to always ask 'why,'" he says. "This mindset shift has transformed my perspective from simply understanding how something works to understanding why it works. This is especially critical in the field of artificial intelligence, where the ability to explain and deeply understand processes is essential for developing meaningful solutions."

The overall emphasis on issues such as ethics, privacy, and bias aligns with Onwuamaegbu's career aspirations — to become a business leader utilizing technologies such as AI in ways that are innovative, while still being responsible to the world around us.

"I hope to advance business technology in a way that prioritizes community well-being: protecting consumers, fostering curiosity, and responsibly stewarding resources to give back to society," he says. "By continuously asking 'why,' I aim to deepen our understanding of complex challenges and develop solutions that align with ethical and sustainable principles."

What's next?

Becoming an impactful leader and driving meaningful change is important to Onwuamaegbu. Beyond titles and achievements, his ultimate hope is to inspire behavior and thought transformation.

"Technology’s future is shaped by the people who create and use it, and I want to promote a culture of responsibility and intentionality as we drive innovation forward," he says.

Onwuamaegbu has benefited from engaging with the W. P. Carey Career Services Center, which he says not only helped him feel more ready to enter the workforce, but also improved his overall confidence. He cites personalized career coaching, on-campus career fairs, and interview preparation workshops as some of the resources he has found most valuable.

For those considering the MS-AIB program, Onwuamaegbu shares the following advice: "Come with an open mind and don’t be afraid to share your experiences or be your authentic self. Take the opportunity to learn from your peers, and embrace challenges — failure is often where the most valuable lessons are learned."