Joshua Huster, UGA Terry MBA Class of 2026
Age: 26
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Thomas More University 2020, Accountancy
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Deloitte Tax: Multi-State Tax Consultant 1.5 years. Protiviti: Lender Due Diligence Consultant 1.5 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I chose to pursue an MBA to catapult my career growth. The MBA degree holds such a large value in the workplace, and for me to get where I envision myself, I need a MBA. I also felt this was the perfect timing from a personal perspective. I am completing pivoting careers, and everyone at Terry was very committed and excited to help me pivot into the industry(s) I am most interested in.
Why did you choose UGA Terry? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I wanted to make sure the school aligned with my morals and values first and foremost. Terry places a large emphasis on community service and thanking it forward, which are such incredible ways to get involved with your school and community. When I talked the Adcom, I knew that they were dedicated to the students first and foremost, but also on developing every individual to achieve the best version of themselves. Additionally, with the generous scholarships that UGA offers, it was truly a no-brainer decision.
Terry is also set in an amazing location! Athens is such an amazing town with tons of history. The weather is ideal most of the year, the food is remarkable, and everyone here is very friendly.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the University of Georgia Terry MBA Class of 2026?
I believe the most valuable contribution will be my constant optimism and ability to make people laugh. When people see a glass half empty, I always find it half full!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love any outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing and especially golf! Golf has been a great “retirement” sport as I was a collegiate tennis student-athlete.
Post-MBA career interests:
Real Estate Development/Investments or Private Equity!
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One thing I would absolutely partake in again was our preview days! I was able to meet many of my future classmates, meet some of the 2nd year students, and get a feel for Athens. It made me want to start my MBA program right then and there. I was able to see if I was a culture fit for the program.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
If I were to do this again, I would take more time to shape my story and provide an even better application than what I submitted. Additionally, I would identify who I wanted to write my letters of recommendation earlier, giving them more time to write these letters.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would most definitely skip the time waiting for my acceptance! The waiting period thankfully wasn’t too long, however there was some anxiety during this, and it would be amazing to completely get rid of this.
What is your initial impression of the UGA Terry students/culture/community?
It feels like home away from home! Terry has an amazing emphasis on being a tight-knit community where everyone has each others’ best interests at heart. There is a large sense of comfort that the people within the program (Career Services, Professors, Alumni Base, Other Classmates) are enthusiastic about getting us into the career we want.
What is one thing you have learned about UGA Terry that has surprised you?
I am positively surprised at the accolades and professional experiences that our professors have (Former Chief Economist of the SEC and multiple executives at name-brand companies). They provide us with insight into real-world business problems and actual solutions they use to solve them. They care very much about our success and want to get to know each and every student.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Not being in school for a couple of years, I am most anxious about graded assignments again. Unlike corporate online training, you can’t just click through school modules and receive a passing score.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am excited to build relationships and make new friends. Additionally, I am excited to root for a phenomenal football team!
