Hometown: Juba, South Sudan
Education: University of Rochester, BA in Computer Science, May 2024
Currently: University of Rochester Simon Business School, MS in Finance
Simon Highlight: Serving as President of the Master’s Advisory Council, where he advocates for his peers and builds leadership skills
“One of the great things about Simon is how it will challenge you academically, interpersonally, and professionally. The school offers the right opportunities to become a leader.”
When James Wani-John-Lako arrived in the US from South Sudan, he was ready for the rigor of software engineering training—but he realized he needed a different set of tools to drive the business impact he envisioned. “Computer science gave me the technical skills,” he reflects, “but not the professional skills I wanted in order to excel—such as how to network, how to speak confidently, and how to run a business.” Today, he has found those missing pieces at Simon, transforming into a confident, multidimensional leader.
A Global Community that Feels Like Home
For James, the Simon community provides a ‘fresh feel of home’ among peers from every corner of the world. “Hanging out with the Simon Africa Business Club makes me feel like I’m right where I belong,” he says, “bridging the distance from home through a global community.” He describes his classmates as intellectually sharp yet down-to-earth. “You have the opportunity to develop your leadership identity, not just in classes, but through the entire Simon experience,” James says. “It gives you the confidence to approach people, resolve issues, and act with purpose.”
“All the Resources I Have Access to Are Just Incredible.”
The transition from an international student to a professional leader is complex, and Simon is designed to provide support to students in a wide variety of ways. From the University of Rochester’s International Services Office managing the visa process to the Ain Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation helping to launch new ventures, you are surrounded by a dedicated team of experts.
Currently, James is refining a business idea for a mobile advertising platform, working with an Executive Professor to consider ways to navigate regulatory hurdles and maximize market impact.
“I also meet with my career advisor every week,” James shares. “You have a dedicated advisor who learns your strengths, reviews your résumé, and connects you directly to people in the industry.”
The Rochester Spirit
A Rochester resident since his undergraduate years, James has a deep affection for the city. His favorite study spot is Java’s Cafe, near the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music. He’s also an enthusiastic regular at the Jazz Festival. “It gives you the Rochester spirit—that love for music and life,” he says, adding with a smile, that the infamous "Garbage Plate" is a mandatory rite of passage for any student.
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