Thomas Wagner, IESE MBA Class of 2019
Age: 31
Hometown: West Palm Beach, Florida
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Wisconsin, Madison, industrial and systems engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: I served as a tactical military intelligence officer for the United States Army for roughly 7.5 years. My most memorable year was my first combat tour leading 33 soldiers from the Signals Intelligence and Electronic Warfare platoon for the 1st Infantry Division at the age of 23. Our mission was to train the Iraqi Army, provide high-value targeting, and support the National Security Agency (NSA) in Kirkuk, Iraq, from 2010-2011. Following this year tour in Iraq, I volunteered to work overseas in Seoul, South Korea, as an operations and logistics officer enabling a Human and Counterintelligence Battalion to gather intelligence throughout Northeast Asia. My most rewarding experience was my second combat tour serving as a counterinsurgency advisor to the Korean Special Forces and their Provincial Reconstruction Team working to rebuild Parwan, Afghanistan, in 2012-2013. As an advisor I worked with NATO, 101st Airborne Division, and International Security Assistance Forces to advance initiatives in the fields of medical care, vocational training, security, and agricultural development in Afghanistan. My final years in the Army were spent as the senior tactical intelligence officer for an Air Defense Artillery unit to counter and deter North Korea’s Theater Ballistics Missile. Finally, my Army career culminated by serving as the commander for the second-largest intelligence-gathering company on the Korean Peninsula. I was responsible for 150+ American and Korean soldiers supporting aerial platforms screening, safeguarding, and watching over the Demilitarized Zone from 2015-2016.
Why business school? Why now? I felt I achieved my career objectives in the Army and exhausted my leadership growth. I always wanted an international well-rounded career with limitless opportunity for personal growth. Pursuing an MBA gives me exposure to all industries across the private sector, a stronger grasp on the business language, and time to successfully transition into my new civilian environment.
Why IESE? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend? IESE is the only business school I applied to because I believed this was the best environment I could flourish in by developing mind, body, and spirit to maximize my potential. The opportunity to study in Barcelona and improve my Spanish enables opportunities for a career not only in Europe, but also in Latin and North America. Additionally, this is one of the only schools, besides Harvard, that can boast that our academic development centers on the “case method.” IESE’s mission, its 80%+ international diversity, and dedication to academic excellence nests well with my Army values and global mindset and makes me feel like I am still part of something special.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2019? Seeing people happy makes me happy. I enjoy sharing my passion for sailing with the Class of 2019. I take every available opportunity to organize sailing trips, regatta training, and social yachting events. We welcome anyone who has an interest in sailing or is willing to give it a try. We have the talent, the fleet, and sea right next to us. Why not help someone else discover a hidden passion?
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application? After receiving my acceptance to IESE in November 2016 I simultaneously concluded my military service. I spent December 2016 through August 2017 pursuing a personal ambition by attending a Royal Yachting Association sailing school in Malaysia and Thailand. I didn’t know anything about sailing, except that I enjoyed the open waters, traveling, and learning new skillsets. I spent January through April 2017 working on boats, sailing across the Andaman Sea, up and down the coasts of Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Singapore. After logging more than 1,300+ tidal miles, perfecting night sailing navigation, and learning ocean theory of tides, I took and passed the Yachtmaster Costal Skipper exam. This newly acquired license and skillset enabled me to qualify for the Quarterdeck Skipper Academy in Croatia, and I spent the summer working as a professional skipper for The Yacht Week in Croatia and Greece showing these customers the best week of their lives.
Post-MBA career interests? My interests fluctuate from a potential career with Amazon Operations in Costa Rica to working on super yacht to supporting a Netflix sailing documentary centered on human’s environmental impact on more remote areas of Southeast Asia/Pacific Islands.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process? Make contact, as early as possible, with a current IESE student you share a unique connection with, who will motivate and coach you through the application process. They are your best source of information and greatest advocate to the admissions board and will provide nonstop encouragement until you receive your acceptance letter.
–One thing you would change or do differently? Remember, IESE admissions looks at the candidate as an entire person, not solely at your GMAT/GRE and academic achievements. Be honest with yourself, and at every available opportunity—from the essay, interview, and CV—try to illuminate your unique career experiences, international ambitions, and ensure your overall character nests with the IESE mission and core values.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it? The waiting game! I received my acceptance letter in November, but I initiated the paperwork to separate from the Army in February 2016. I used this time to begin preparing for the IESE admissions process and begin the transition out of the Army. I only had 7 days left in the Army after I received my acceptance in November, but I could argue the tension and anxiety only strengthened the rewarding gamble, journey, and sense of accomplishment I felt after making it through.
Greatest highlight so far at IESE? Seeing the sailing team a come together as a club and take 3rd place in the MBA Rolex Regatta in Porto Fino, Italy. This was achieved through initiative, team-building, and commitment from internationally diverse crews with mixed sailing experience. The challenge was finding the racers hidden among our class ranks and encouraging the eager sailing enthusiasts to be part of the experience. I believe the MBA Rolex Regatta is one of our favorite memories and class achievements together at our MBA, therefore making this my greaetest highlight.
One thing about IESE that you didn’t expect before arriving? How genuine, considerate, and caring everyone is in the MBA program. When any of our classmates unexpectedly fall ill, ask for assistance preparing for an important interview, or just need a helping hand with a personal struggle our classmates, team, and sections always pull together in a creative way to send their positive thoughts, show their support, and will go out of their way to help a fellow classmate in need. The strong IESE network extends all over the world, and they are always willing to mentor, guide, and answer any questions you may have.
Thing you were most anxious about in your first year at IESE? Being able to assimilate back into a civilian academic environment. All students come with a very diverse international background, and they are exceptionally gifted in their specific fields of work. The ability to translate and apply my military experiences into the business world has always been challenging. However, IESE helps alleviate that stress by creating a safe and constructive environment with your teammates, section, and professors who are always there to help you.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year? Seeing how far our Sailing Club has come with a united vision and plan to make sailing great again at IESE Business School. When we started the club had zero members, but with a few sailing legends like William Tisone, Rowland Berry, and our motivated club members we are putting IESE Sailing back on the map and actively competing in the MBA Sailing Regatta Conference. Knowing we have a second year at IESE to continue to make an impact and building upon our accomplishments with the next class.
