Will Burton, OSU Fisher’s MBA Class of 2026
Age: 32
Hometown: Romulus, Michigan
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor – BA Political Science
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Combat Engineer Officer for the United States Marine Corps, 4 years. Security Operations Manager on overseas security contracts, 3 years.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After years in a profession that required constant relocation to new states or countries, I decided to return to school and pivot toward a career that would be more conducive to putting down lasting roots. I’ve always been interested in both business and law, so Ohio State’s joint JD/MBA seemed a perfect opportunity to build marketable and complementary skills in both fields.
Why did you choose Ohio Fisher? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
In all the ways that mattered to me, Columbus and Ohio State fell within a sort of “Goldilocks zone:” large enough to have plenty of opportunity for post-graduation employment, but not so large as to feel lost in an urban sprawl; people who are friendly, but not so friendly as to seem disingenuous; a well-respected university, but without the pretention of certain other institutions. Ohio State was just right.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I think my most valuable contribution to the Class of 2026 is my practical leadership experience. Leadership theory is fine, but being able to articulate the importance of leadership principles with real-world examples may help others learn from successes and failures without having to repeat them.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
One of my favorite activities is cooking overcomplicated meals for friends and family.
Post-MBA career interests:
Corporate/business law.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Be thoughtful and honest in responses to the application and interview questions rather than worrying about what the admissions team might want to hear.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Take more time to reach out to current students and alumni prior to beginning classes.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I wouldn’t have skipped any part of the process. While some steps were a chore, none of them were without purpose.
What is your initial impression of the OSU Fisher students/culture/community?
While the students at Fisher are diverse in their nationalities and cultures, they all share a friendly attitude, a willingness to help each other, and a desire to succeed as a group.
What is one thing you have learned about Ohio Fisher that has surprised you?
Just how invested alumni are in the personal and professional success of students – it really is incredible to see.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Striking a healthy balance between academic performance (more so in terms of knowledge retention than grades), developing a professional network, and immersing myself in the Columbus and OSU communities.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Building a network of like-minded and good-hearted people.
