Keith Eckert, ASU Carey MBA Class of 2027
Age: 34
Hometown: Chandler, Arizona
Undergraduate Institution and Major: United States Naval Academy. Political Science
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Well, I do not come from a traditional business background, I am a former Naval Officer that was Stationed in Coronado, California. Following my military service, I started working as a Disaster Response Specialist with Global Support and Development (GSD), an International Humanitarian Aid Organization. Following 5 years with GSD I made the tough decision to leave and I join the Peace Corps where I served as a Peace Corps Response Volunteer on the Island of Dominica focusing on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Earning an MBA was always something I planned to do, but I was never sure when the right time would be. A mentor once advised me, when I was trying to figure out the direction I wanted to take my life, to look at the leaders I admire and the organizations I believe in and see what they have in common. When I researched the NGOs and nonprofits I look up to, I noticed that many of their CEOs held MBAs. During my Peace Corps service, I finally had the time and space in the evenings to reflect on my next step, and that is when I began my application process.
Why did you choose ASU Carey? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Many schools say they are great for veterans, but ASU truly backs that up through the Pat Tillman Veterans Center. Similarly, while many programs highlight returned Peace Corps volunteers, ASU actively supports them through the Coverdell Fellowship. I was also drawn to the small cohort model. I value the chance to build real relationships with professors and classmates, rather than being just another face in a large program.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
What I bring to W. P. Carey is a service oriented background that is different from the traditional business path. I think that my experiences in the Peace Corps, the Navy, and humanitarian disaster response have shaped me to thrive in uncertain environments, build strong teams, and deliver results under pressure. I bring a perspective that is rooted in resilience, collaboration, and problem solving in real world crises. I think this perspective not only can enrich the classroom discussions but also adds value to team projects, where I can help connect ideas to action and keep groups focused on the outcomes.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I am an avid adventurer. I have run multiple 100 mile ultramarathons, two 200 mile ultramarathons, and twice finished the 350 mile Iditarod Trail Invitational, an unmarked and unsupported winter race through Alaska where temperatures can drop below minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit. I have also twice attempted the full 1,000 mile Iditarod route on foot. Beyond running, I have swum 16 miles across Sebago and Long Lake in Maine, cycled the 1,100 mile 9/11 Memorial Trail, relay raced my bike across America from California to Maryland, and rowed a 28 foot boat across the Atlantic Ocean in just under six weeks where we faced seas close to 40 feet high. I like to seek out events like these because they allow me to manufacture adversity, so that when I encounter real challenges in life or in the workplace I can draw strength from these experiences and remind myself that at least I am not freezing in Alaska or being tossed around in the Atlantic Ocean.
Post-MBA career interests:
After my MBA I plan to pursue roles in consulting, focused on strategy and operations with a sustainability lens. What motivates me most is the opportunity to work on complex, meaningful problems alongside highly capable teammates. I know that with the right opportunity I can contribute, learn, and succeed wherever I end up working. Over time, I hope to grow into leadership positions that allow me to build and guide organizations tackling the world’s toughest challenges.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would constantly reach out and connect with the recruiting team. They were awesome. They are there to answer your questions, and it is far more helpful than doom scrolling through old Reddit threads for vague answers that may not even be accurate anymore.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
ASU provides excellent pre-course material, and I would have invested more time in it. The content has been very valuable, and if I had not rushed through it I would have felt even better prepared at the start of the program.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I did not feel a lot of stress during the application cycle, but there was still some. If I could skip anything, it would be the unnecessary stress. Worrying does not help, and life goes on regardless. What got me through was reminding myself to stay focused on what I could control and let the rest go.
What is your initial impression of the ASU Carey students/culture/community?
I am blown away by the camaraderie here at ASU. The small groups that were set up for the semester are a great way to prepare us for working in teams. I also enjoy the weekly lunch and learns, and I think it is outstanding that we are paired with executive mentors who bring real-world business experience to guide us on our own business journeys.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I plan to join Case Devils to sharpen my casing skills, get repetition, and learn more about different companies. I am also joining Toast Devils, which is our version of Toastmasters, because I believe it is important to speak clearly and confidently. For anyone interested in public speaking, I highly recommend the book I Have Something to Say by John Bowe. It is a great read that might encourage you to join your own Toastmasters group.
What is one thing you have learned about ASU Carey that has surprised you?
I am not surprised that ASU is committed to innovation since it has been ranked number one in that area for many years. What did surprise me was seeing how deeply that commitment runs in person. They truly mean it.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited about bonding with my classmates. This first quarter is already flying by, and I know the full 21 months will be here before we know it. I am eager to dive into the material that ASU has to offer, but I am equally excited to get to know my cohort and build lasting connections.
