Will von Behr, Yale SOM’s MBA Class of 2026
Age: 30
Hometown: Cheltenham, United Kingdom
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Trinity College Dublin, BA Classics
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Founder & CEO at Urbs Travel (4 years); Investment Banking Analyst at Spayne Lindsay & Co. (2 years)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I was fortunate to learn a lot during my two years in investment banking and four building a travel-tech start-up. Working in finance taught me to analyse companies, whilst my stint in entrepreneurship introduced me to the mechanics of business and gave me my first taste of leadership (which I really enjoyed). However, after a few years I decided I wanted to leave the start-up world and pursue a career in consulting, and I felt like an MBA would be the perfect launchpad for my ambitions. The course will give me the opportunity to develop new technical knowledge, improve my communication skills and leadership attributes, and surround myself with intelligent and talented people, whose diverse perspectives and innovative thinking will challenge me to grow, inspire new ideas, and push me to perform at my best.
Why did you choose Yale SOM? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Given my ambition to pivot into consulting, Yale SOM was an obvious choice with its impressive resources and connections to the industry. However, it was far more than career prospects that drew me to apply. The school offers a respected brand recognised around the world, a world-class faculty, an intimate class size – which I felt suited me and would allow me to develop really strong connections – and a hub between both Boston and New York. Every student and alum I met was kind, humble, and incredibly enthusiastic about their time at SOM.
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 comes via my experience of founding, leading, and exiting a start-up. Through my previous role I developed a strong understanding of the common pitfalls and markers of success in early-stage companies and look forward to passing on this hard-earned information to other students looking to launch their own ventures. I feel my past experience has provided me with interesting perspectives and insights that I can add to class discussions and workshops.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
When I was 20 I participated in the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain (and narrowly avoided being hit).
Post-MBA career interests:
Consulting.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would make sure to take my time developing ideas for the application essay and questions. I have always found that my best and most interesting thoughts come to me when not sitting at a desk and therefore each week I would go for a walk through London and let my mind wander – more often than not I would generate something useful for the application process.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Firstly, I would do more research before making any decisions. Early on in the application process I opted to take the GMAT. Given my background in the humanities, perhaps I would have benefited from taking the GRE instead. By the time I realised this, I was too far down the road in my preparations to change course. Secondly, I would read fewer MBA forums. Their polarised discussions confused me and were not at all accurate regarding SOM. If you have any questions about a course or school, just reach out to alums – they’re often delighted to speak about their experiences.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Like many applicants, I would have loved to skip the GMAT. The quant section was a challenge for me given my background and therefore I needed a clear and comprehensive guide to help me tackle all the topics on the test. I found this in Target Test Prep. It was easy to use and affordable, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to ace the GMAT.
What is your initial impression of the Yale SOM students/culture/community?
Not only are SOM students highly intelligent and impressive, but they’re also very humble and self-aware. If I had to summarise the SOM culture in a word it would be ‘collaborative’. My classmates are particularly kind with their time and they constantly go out of their way to help me both academically and professionally. The community is welcoming and although I’m an international student who has never lived in the US, I’ve never felt out of place.
What is one thing you have learned about Yale SOM that has surprised you?
I’ve been surprised by the variety of clubs and events on offer. Not only is there an impressive range of professional and sports clubs, but there are also societies for a whole array of affinities, interests, and hobbies. SOM gives students the chance to pursue their current interests, whilst also offering them scope to try new and exciting activities.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
The one thing I’m particularly concerned about is balancing my time. Each week fills up quickly with classes, recruiting events, and society meet-ups. At times this can feel overwhelming, however the advice I’ve been given is to prioritize well and take time to focus on my wellbeing.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’ve always been a naturally curious person and therefore I’m most excited about exploring topics I’ve not yet had the chance to do so in my career! That plus a whole range of really exciting events and traditions that make SOM the amazing place it is.
