In this edition of Real Humans: MBA Students, we get a peek at student life at Harvard Business School through the eyes of some new members of the MBA Class of 2026.
The new class is a diverse and accomplished group, each bringing a unique perspective and ambition to the program. From technology and human resources to venture capital and engineering, HBS students represent a broad spectrum of professional experiences and aspirations, united by their drive to lead and make an impact.
First we meet Austin Regalado, a Miami native and University of Chicago graduate, who entered HBS with a background in HR operations at Google. His journey to business school was fueled by a desire to refine his management skills and make a lasting difference. Drawn to HBS for its rigorous academic environment, inclusive community, and strong alumni network, Austin aims to leverage his experience in workforce management to contribute a human-centered approach to case discussions. Post-MBA, he envisions a career in consulting, potentially leading to executive leadership or entrepreneurship in fields such as commercial real estate or SaaS.
Next, Sabrina Miller, a former Division I soccer player and deep tech product leader, joins HBS with a clear goal: to transition from operator to investor. With experience at NASA and Panzura, she has spent years launching AI-driven products in cloud computing and data management. Her decision to pursue an MBA aligns with her long-term vision of entering venture capital, specifically in generative AI and deep tech. What sets Sabrina apart is her ability to bring levity to high-stakes discussions, ensuring that her peers engage openly and productively. The tight-knit and collaborative nature of HBS solidified her decision to join, and she looks forward to learning from leaders who are shaping the world.
We also hear from Thomas Ostertag, a chemical engineer from Kentucky, who saw business school as the perfect opportunity to pivot from engineering to general management. His four years at Marathon Petroleum Corporation provided him with a technical foundation, but he was eager to build his commercial skillset. HBS appealed to him not just for its case study method and structured curriculum, but also for its supportive community that welcomes partners and families. With aspirations to apply his engineering background in management roles, Thomas is exploring new career opportunities while deepening relationships with his classmates and navigating the wealth of opportunities available at HBS.
These individuals exemplify the breadth of talent and ambition within the HBS Class of 2026. Whether charting a course toward consulting, venture capital, or management, they share a commitment to growth, leadership, and impact—qualities that will define their time at HBS and beyond. Read on for their stories.
