Olin hosts recruitment event for military veterans

For U.S. military veterans considering a career pivot, an MBA can unlock many important doors.

But finding the right university fit can be a challenge — one that WashU Olin makes much simpler, said veteran students and alumni at a recent Military to MBA information session.

“The friendliness of WashU to veterans makes this one of the best business schools in the country for veterans,” said Jason Carter, EMBA 2020, a U.S. Navy veteran.

This was the first of a planned annual Olin recruitment event focused specifically on veterans and their families. Prospective students heard from experts in admissions, financial aid, and career counseling, as well as a number of veterans and active-duty service members who are current students and alumni.

They praised the deep connections forged in the school’s military community. In particular, they cited the Olin Veterans Association (OVA), which provides support and networking for current and past Olin veterans.

Dan Sullivan, MBA 2025, is this year’s student OVA president. He pointed to the continuing support of veteran alumni in the business world as a differentiator for the Olin MBA experience.

“They keep us involved and plugged in with the local community, with the national community,” Sullivan said. “They provide resources to us as we’re trying to enter into the private sector. The fact that we have access to people like them separates Olin, I believe, from other schools.”

It’s a resource that continues to grow and strengthen, said Jack Senneff, MBA 2008, a U.S. Army veteran whose Olin education led him to a career in private equity. He’s now a managing director at Thompson Street Capital Partners and he is president of the OVA Advisory Board.

“We’re always finding other ways to actively engage to help each other with business, to help each other from a network standpoint,” Senneff said. “I think similar to something we all felt from our time in the military, you’ve got this family, a family within a family, and that’s what (the OVA) has continued to be for me.”

During the event, veterans heard about how to navigate the financial aid avenues that are available to them, especially through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Executive Career Coach Mary Houlihan outlined how they can use WashU’s career resources to help transition to civilian careers. This assistance is available both during their time at WashU and after.  “It’s a life-long benefit,” Houlihan said.

A panel of veterans — both current students and alumni — described their experiences at Olin and answered questions. They noted the school’s Center for Experiential Learning, which matches students with actual business challenges that provide real-world experience, as well as useful connections with businesses in St. Louis and beyond.

They praised the flexibility of Olin professors, who are willing to incorporate case studies and other feedback from students in ways that enrich the classes. “It’s incredible; it’s real-time improvement,” said Jenn Bradley, EMBA 2026, a Navy veteran.

WashU Olin Dean Mike Mazzeo said Olin is committed to continuing its support for veteran students in its MBA programs. “The veterans who join Olin bring so much to our community and we’re so grateful that we’re able to contribute back to your careers through your experience here.”

The event was sponsored by the Graduate Programs Office with assistance from the Olin Veterans Association. Learn about WashU Olin’s MBA options or reach out to us for more details at OlinGradAdmissions@wustl.edu