Ethan E. Boswell, Yale SOM MBA Class of 2022
Age: 29
Hometown: East Cobb, GA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Southern California; BA in International Relations & Art History; John Hopkins University; MA in International Relations & International Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics & International Monetary Fund (4 years collectively)
Why business school? Why now?
When I reflect upon the arc of my life, I hope to leave a legacy that improves the welfare of others while concomitantly nurturing my own mind, body, and soul. The MBA experience constitutes the ideal incubator for the actualization of my dreams due to its emphasis on stakeholders, analytical rigor, and supportive community. I also consider myself a life-long student, so the decision to formally enroll in an institution of higher learning again was not difficult.
Why Yale SOM? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Yale SOM’s integration with the broader Yale community was a critical selling point for me. As a person with interdisciplinary interests, the ability to take electives ranging from creative writing to computer science really excites me. Also, the copious amounts of apizza (New Haven-style pizza) are pretty compelling as well!
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
Undoubtedly my exposure to economic policymakers as I got to work with Christine Lagarde on her Global Policy Agenda presentations to finance ministers and central bank governors such as Jerome Powell at the IMF. I am also proudly co-authoring an empirical paper with colleagues from the Fund on drivers behind reserve currency configurations and the future of dollar dominance in the international monetary system.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I have visited what was at the time the northernmost McDonalds in the world in Rovaniemi, Finland.
Post-MBA career interests?
I actually did some research for the Argentine G20 Presidency on the future of work, and what I learned is that I need to continuously expand my horizons and enhance my skill set in order to grow personally and professionally.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Enjoy the journey of reflection and wholeheartedly embrace your authentic self!
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I’m very content with the outcome, so I wouldn’t do anything differently. But I would recommend practicing your story with others for the interviews.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Indubitably the GRE as I am very over standardized tests at this point in my life. But I took it the year before I applied, so it was great not having to worry about it during the actual application process.
What is your initial impression of Yale’s students/culture/community?
Generous. With their time. With their knowledge. With their words of encouragement.
One thing you have learned about Yale that has surprised you?
Just how tight-knit of a community it is.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I think 2020 has given me more than enough to be anxious about!
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Getting to be on campus in the flesh and meet my fellow classmates!
