Ikani Samani | Brigham Young University | MBA

Ikani Samani believes young Pacific Islanders have limitless career potential. After growing up in poverty and briefly pursuing a college football scholarship, Ikani decided to break the Polynesian athlete stereotype and pursue a career in software engineering. After graduating from Utah Valley University with a B.S. in Computer Software Engineering, he worked for 5 years as a successful software engineer. He is now pursuing his MBA at BYU while working full-time at WeWork. He hopes to mentor young Pacific Islanders interested in tech and empower students to find a skill that will make them valuable to their community.

How do you feel about the Pacific Islander athlete stereotype?

I went into sports, because people around me would tell my parents that I had a good chance at getting into the NFL. My parents and I didn’t know any better. There were no Polynesian software engineers or Polynesian CEOs that we knew of. As a community, we haven’t exposed our kids to more careers. Our community as a whole needs to widen up our access to opportunities. We need more successful Polynesians outside of sports and athletics.

What academic barriers did you experience growing up?

I came from poverty. I came from nothing, but education was the great equalizer. Knowledge is empowering if applied correctly. I didn’t have any college mentors. I didn’t have anyone to look up to. There was no one around me that went to college and told me what I needed to do. I realized that there’s so much more to college than just getting there. Many athletically talented people didn’t stay because they didn’t have the academic skills needed [to graduate].

What motivated you to change your career from football to software engineering?

My motivation was to get out of poverty. I grew up super poor from Tonga and then moved to the States when I was really young with my parents and 6 siblings. I went to college on a football scholarship but then realized that software engineering would have more long-term benefits than a career in the NFL. I decided to go to Utah Valley University and get my degree in computer software engineering. I get to build dope things, and I get paid really well. I’m really blessed but definitely have felt imposter syndrome at times.

What’s next for you?

I’ve worked professionally for the last 5-6 years doing software engineering, and I recently decided to pursue my MBA. I wanted to learn another skillset and associate myself with other successful people. Eventually, I want to build a company of my own and invest in Polynesian ventures and up-and-coming entrepreneurs.

How do you stay involved in the Pacific Islander community?

I’m currently the VP of Product Engineering at Utah Polynesian Professionals. I help Polynesians who want to pursue engineering by mentoring and teaching them interview skills. I do whatever I can to help our community. There’s so much more that Polynesians can do.

What advice do you have for students preparing for college?

• Find a skill that you can learn in college that will make you more valuable to society and to your community.

• Think about careers that can make you profitable.

• Make sure you follow your path and make money off something you love.

Want to make a difference in the Pacific Islander community? Join our international volunteer network 

Reach out to Ikani through his website: www.ikanisamani.com

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