Brian Rojas, Dartmouth Tuck MBA Class of 2026
Age: 35
Hometown: Brentwood, NY
Undergraduate Institution and Major: State University of New York at Albany, Biology
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Air Force Pararescueman, 12 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After 12 years in Air Force Special Operations, I’ve been spoiled to work alongside high-caliber individuals in challenging, stimulating environments. However, after speaking with mentors who transitioned into strategic corporate roles or built businesses for themselves, I became curious about the world of business.
To grow further, I realized I needed to expand my intellectual range into areas like economics, strategy, and entrepreneurship. An MBA offers the perfect way to achieve this while remaining surrounded by high-caliber peers from diverse industries. Transitioning to the Reserves from Active Duty has enabled me with the time and support to focus on graduate education.
Why did you choose Dartmouth Tuck? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Tuck because of its unmatched personal and human touch. From the very beginning, Tuck’s admissions team, alumni, and current students reached out and consistently checked in on me. This kind of support, which I didn’t experience at other schools, made me feel like I was joining a genuine community rather than just a program.
This consistent support has not stopped upon admissions. Given my lack of formal business training, I knew I needed a transformative, full-time experience to succeed. Tuck offers exactly that, with incredible resources like free tutoring and highly approachable professors.
Lastly, there’s something about being surrounded by pristine air, clean water, and stunning nature that really fosters a close-knit community. This extends beyond Hanover to the global Tuck alumni network, with many involved or leading top companies worldwide, and who are always willing to make time for a chat.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I believe my life experience and background in Pararescue sets me apart. I bring more than a decade’s worth of experience in high-pressure environments and crisis management. I hope to offer my perspective on resilience and adaptability, but honestly, I’m more excited to learn from my peers who have expertise in areas I haven’t yet explored.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
The sorting hat, after much deliberation, placed me in Hufflepuff, which makes a lot of sense when I think about it.
Post-MBA career interests: Search Fund/Entrepreneurship through Acquisition (ETA)
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Reaching out to current students and taking them up on their offers to proofread my resume was incredibly valuable. They provided insights that helped me translate my experiences into the civilian sector while making my resume stand out.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I wish I had read up on and taken intro courses in unfamiliar topics like accounting and analytics, not only to strengthen my application but also to reflect on how I could use this knowledge in the future.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have skipped the hours stressing over GRE scores, it’s only one part of the process and reveals the least about you. I recommend focusing on your strengths that make you unique.
What is your initial impression of the Dartmouth Tuck students/culture/community?
Tuck’s reputation for being close-knit is the real deal. Pretty soon after starting, you’ll know a little about everyone, and everyone will know a little about you. A couple of months in, I had to undergo an emergency appendectomy. The amount of support and care I received from fellow students and faculty far exceeded my expectations.
What is one thing you have learned about Dartmouth Tuck that has surprised you?
As someone who loves global travel, one thing that has surprised me is the amount of diversity and languages I hear as I walk through the hallways. Even though we’re tucked away in the rural Upper Valley, and it feels remote at times, there are moments when Tuck feels like an international hub, helping me stay connected to the wider world.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
After years of jumping out of planes, going back into a formal classroom setting and spending hours reading business cases freaks me out. Fortunately, there are tons of outlets out here for high-energy people.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Shredding the local ski slopes after class.
