Real Humans of the Washington University Olin MBA Class of 2025

Chris Pitts, Washington University Olin’s MBA Class of 2025

Age: 34
Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Founder, Calypso Education Incorporated, 1 year; Engineering Manager, Dessert Holdings LLC, 1 year; Senior Engineering Project Manager, Keurig Dr Pepper 3 years; North American Project Engineer, Mars Inc, 5 years

Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
My aspiration has always been to tackle complex problems and establish my own business. After climbing the corporate ladder, I ventured into founding my startup. However, I encountered two significant challenges. Firstly, I lacked the knowledge of how to effectively manage a business. Secondly, I approached problem-solving with an engineering mindset rather than an entrepreneurial one.

My decision to join Olin Business School stems from the desire to address these gaps. Olin’s curriculum offers a robust foundation in business fundamentals, equipping me with the essential skills to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape. Furthermore, it emphasizes the crucial art of empathizing with and understanding customer problems—a perspective I aim to cultivate.

By merging these two critical aspects of business education and gaining exposure to esteemed industry leaders within a top-tier MBA program, I am significantly mitigating the risks associated with my next endeavor: Entrepreneurship through Acquisition.

Why did you choose Washington Olin? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Firstly, Olin’s global outlook within its program appealed to me as a crucial asset in navigating the interconnected landscape of contemporary business. Secondly, the dedicated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the Olin community closely aligned with my personal values and ambitions.

However, what truly solidified my choice was the opportunity to interact with esteemed faculty members and student entrepreneurs like Dr. Sharon James and Steve Sedano. These remarkable individuals shared not only my academic interests but also commonalities in terms of age, birthplace, gender, and culture. Their successes and willingness to provide guidance and mentorship as I embarked on my journey of personal and professional growth were instrumental. This sense of community and shared experiences ultimately became the decisive factor in my selection of Olin Business School. When you’re recruiting, visit the schools and meet the students. You’ll pick up on nuances that you won’t find on the website or through virtual coffee chats.

What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the WashU Olin MBA Class of 2025?
Having worked in engineering within the CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) industry, I’ve gained extensive experience in relocating and adapting to diverse cultures. My ability to advocate for the unique nuances of these cultures, along with sharing best practices for understanding how to effect change, are elements I bring to the program that set me apart.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I enjoy spicy beef patties and curried potatoes.

Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would unquestionably choose to apply through the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management. Their partnerships with top MBA programs across the United States greatly streamline the application process, making it significantly more efficient.

–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would prioritize maintaining my fitness routine. Looking back, I realize that the hours I dedicated to crafting my essay and completing my application were not a valid reason to neglect my physical well-being. I firmly believe that a healthy body contributes to a strong mind.

–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have skipped the waiting period between submission and acceptance. To navigate through this challenging phase, I consistently reminded myself to have faith in the process and not forget the work I put in to prepare.

What is your initial impression of the Washington Olin students/culture/community?
The Olin students exude a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and the sense of community here is exceptionally collaborative. In my experience, individuals like Nashad Carrington and Rian Edwards have been invaluable sources of wisdom, offering guidance on topics ranging from recruiting and campus navigation to establishing connections within the Wash U network.

What is one thing you have learned about Washington Olin that has surprised you?
One revelation that pleasantly surprised me about Olin is its close proximity and strong connections with other schools on the campus. The business school is strategically located right next door to the law school and just across Mudd Field from the Sam Fox School of Visual Arts.

What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I wouldn’t label it as anxiousness but effectively juggling my coursework, Private Equity recruiting efforts, and staring the ETA club takes discipline. I’ve found that utilizing Outlook as a scheduling tool has been instrumental in ensuring I manage my time efficiently to accomplish everything on my plate.

What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited to visit Barcelona for the 2nd leg of our Global Immersion program.