Will Burroughs, Dartmouth Tuck MBA Class of 2025
Will Burroughs, Dartmouth Tuck MBA Class of 2025Age: 40
Hometown: Yuma, AZ
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Brown University, Biology; University of Notre Dame Law School, J.D.
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): United States Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps, Judge Advocate, 12 years; Teach For America, High School Teacher, 2 years.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I have always enjoyed working with teams and thinking about what makes teams or organizations successful. As a judge advocate, I have had the opportunity to work with and provide legal advice to some of our nation’s highest-performing teams, and I felt a desire to take the time and invest in additional education to gain a deeper understanding of organizational management, strategic planning, and human capital.
Why did you choose Dartmouth Tuck? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Community inside and outside of the classroom was the main decision factor. I was drawn to the class size and the focus on the full-time program, along with the stunning natural location of the school. Additionally, I was able to attend the Military Visit Days in September 2022, and Dean Slaughter was our opening speaker and really focused on the value statement of co-investment. Everyone in our class chose to come to Tuck, and you really do feel the strong sense of community from day one.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
A unique perspective in risk assessment and crisis management based on my experience as a Navy judge advocate advising operational commanders across diverse portfolios.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
Don’t let me pick the movie for movie nights, I’ll always default to the one with the lowest review. Bad movies are always a good watch.
Post-MBA career interests:
Continued service as an active-duty judge advocate and application of my Tuck MBA to the Navy JAG Corps organizational management requirements.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I was told to give the essays more time than you think. This was great advice because it allowed me to write, review, and ask people who knew me well to also review them.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would be content with my own pace of applications. I think it is easy to be affected by friends or peers receiving admissions news from earlier rounds. Set your plan, stick with it, and don’t stress.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have skipped the wait between application and admissions decisions because, inevitably, there is some level of doubt or uncertainty that exists. I am fortunate to have an outstanding support team that was always ready to remind me that any doubt or uncertainty was misplaced.
What is your initial impression of the Dartmouth Tuck students/culture/community?
The community is real and lives up to its reputation. I was fortunate to meet my Consortium classmates earlier in the summer at The Consortium Orientation Program, and that core group really came together during the first days on campus. The whole community is welcoming and encouraging, from review sessions to grabbing a coffee between classes.
What is one thing you have learned about Dartmouth Tuck that has surprised you?
If you have a desire to learn a new hobby or sport, there is most likely someone in the Tuck community who is an expert. From cold-water immersion, free diving, yoga, or how to properly lace up your hockey skates, everyone is willing to share their knowledge and time.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Outside of the normal adjustment back to the classroom, the fast-approaching short days of winter. Growing up in Arizona, I prefer sunshine, but have grown to enjoy winter sports.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
The opportunity to utilize all of the learning resources available to our class outside of the classroom, including Tuck Centers, visiting executives, guest speakers, and company presentations.
