Jack Junker, Washington University Olin’s MBA Class of 2026
Age: 26
Hometown: St. Louis
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Southern New Hampshire University, BS Environmental Science
Pre-MBA Work Experience: 6 years Air Force
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I finished my military service and wanted to do something else with my life. I wanted a career with more autonomy than military service could.
Why did you choose WashU Olin? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I am from St. Louis, and attending WashU has always been a dream of mine. It has been a pillar of excellence in St. Louis for a long time.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
The entire class cohort has so many varying experiences. I think my unique experience in the Air Force will help provide unique perspectives as I work with my classmates in and out of the classroom.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love to rock climb. When I’m not in school or working, I am out trying to climb. I’ve climbed big walls in Colorado and frequently travel to Kentucky to sport climb in addition to any climbing in the local area.
Post-MBA career interests:
An entrepreneurial enterprise or an operations role at a company that I can make an impact at.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Reach out to the recruiters and financial aid offices and ask as many questions as possible to fully understand the program and its offerings.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have spent more time revising my resume.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have skipped the questions in the application process. It is often quite hard to brag about yourself, but I needed to realize I want others to see what I am capable of and get over that hurdle.
What is your initial impression of the WashU Olin students/culture/community?
There are some extremely intelligent people in this program who have left lucrative jobs to pursue this degree. It is a tight-knit group after traveling across the country and the world together, and with our small class size, it is easy to get to know everyone well.
What is one thing you have learned about WashU Olin that has surprised you?
What I am surprised to learn about WashU Olin is the connections the program has. Just in a few months it has put me in rooms with local and national leaders in their respective fields. I have been able to talk to these people and that is priceless in terms of networking, job searching and personal and professional growth.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Understanding the material. I come from the military so many of these business terms are completely new to me.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
All the opportunities for hands on learning: global experiences, Center for Experiential Learning, and Skandalaris activities.
