Peter Witte, Vanderbilt Owen MBA Class of 2026
Age: 30
Hometown: Pine Bush, NY
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of South Florida – B.A. Criminology
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Air Traffic Control Officer, United States Marine Corps – 9 years
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Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After spending nearly a decade in the Marine Corps, I chose to attend business school because I was ready for a new challenge. I am grateful for the incredible experiences I had during my military career, where I led Marines and facilitated meaningful changes that ultimately maximized engagement and retention. Pursuing an MBA allows me to continue doing what I enjoy while providing more opportunities for my family.
Why did you choose Vanderbilt Owen? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Vanderbilt Owen because the community of students, staff, and alumni all share a sense of authenticity. Every interaction I had during the recruiting process felt genuine. I appreciated how Owen intentionally prioritized its veteran network, which resonated with me. I felt connected to the community even before attending, a quality I highly valued when selecting an MBA program.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
My military career and commitment to service will allow me to contribute significantly as a member of the Class of 2026. Over the past decade, I have held leadership positions in the Marine Corps, working within a tight-knit community. These experiences have honed my ability to collaborate as part of a team, which will help me connect with classmates and network with community partners. Additionally, my passion for volunteering led me to become a Bass Scholar at Vanderbilt, enabling me to serve the local community and demonstrate the unique values and perspectives veterans bring.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
A fun fact about myself is that I enjoy running and recently competed in a 24-hour race.
Post-MBA career interests:
My post-MBA career interests include Consulting and Leadership Development Programs.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One thing I did as part of the application process was to connect with Owen’s students and staff to get a better understanding of people’s personal experiences within the program. A testament to the authenticity of the community of Owen, every person I reached out to responded and coordinated times to chat.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
One thing I would do differently is better showcase my experiences and highlight who I am as a person. Initially, during the application process, I focused on writing what I thought the admissions staff wanted to hear. However, through mentorship from peers, I learned to be authentic in my essays and to avoid self-selecting during the application process.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
One part I would have liked to skip was the GRE/GMAT. I found it challenging to balance a rigorous study routine with my work responsibilities. However, I utilized online test prep resources (such as Manhattan Test Prep and Magoosh), which provided a solid structure for test preparation and helped me stay on schedule for the exam.
What is your initial impression of the Vanderbilt Owen students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the Vanderbilt Owen community has been incredibly welcoming. After moving my family from the East Coast of North Carolina, I am grateful to the Owen community for making us feel at home. The culture at Owen is deeply focused on the success of the community as a whole, rather than just the individual.
What is one thing you have learned about Vanderbilt Owen that has surprised you?
One thing that surprised me was the amount of time professors and second-year students invest in our success. Many professors are available outside of scheduled office hours to assist with coursework, and second-year students mentor and guide incoming MBA candidates through coffee chats, resume reviews, and answering questions.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am most anxious about the accelerated timeline of the MBA program and the challenging coursework. As a candidate transitioning to a new career, I hope to draw on my life experiences to supplement my knowledge, especially since it has been several years since I was last in an academic environment.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited about transitioning to a more academic role where I can focus on my interests and career goals. I also appreciate that Vanderbilt Owen is located in the heart of Nashville, with its vibrant music scene, diverse food options, and sporting events providing great opportunities to take a break from studying.
