Annicka Webster

Webster uses her hands—in an upward, widening motion – to explain her “reverse funnel,” an unexpected benefit of her first year at Olin. She had come to campus with broad professional interests and ideas for combining her business and social work degrees. “I thought the MBA program would help me funnel down my career choices, but, instead, it has funneled up wonderful opportunities and options in the social-impact field,” she says.

Why she chose Washington University for her dual degree

“I was looking for three pieces in my graduate education: management tools, social programs, and an international component. I was impressed by the strong rankings of Brown School of Social Work and Olin, and by the quality and flexibility of their curriculums. So Washington University was like striking gold. I could create the experience I wanted.”

Webster’s goal is to run a refugee center. Her entrepreneurship courses are teaching her to “move on the fly, be adaptable and resourceful, take risks, and take action.”

On landing her summer internship

The WashU alum who heads Third Plateau Social Impact Strategies spoke to students about his “passion for applying business skills to the nonprofit world. He blew my mind because that’s my story, my line.

“I approached him after his talk and said, ‘I want to work for your organization, and I will be applying for your summer internship.’ I’m really excited I landed it.”

Webster’s advice for prospective students

“Know why you’re going to school but be open to changing your reason when you get there. Washington University supports that evolution and encourages you to explore different paths.”