Evan Alter, Washington Foster’s MBA Class of 2027
Age: 35
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Rochester, Neuroeconomics
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Senior Manager, Marketing Analytics, Nielsen (11 years)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I want to step into larger leadership roles in organizations and make even more impactful decisions. After 11 great years in the niche domain of Marketing Mix Modeling, I decided to pursue an MBA to broaden my skillset. I see an MBA as key to expanding my understanding of all facets of business, developing my leadership skills, and exploring different roles and industries. My wife and I took a micro-retirement to travel, and now I’m excited to be back in school, preparing for the next phase of my career.
Why did you choose Washington Foster? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Foster because it is the best business school in the PNW. I knew it had amazing faculty, strong alumni connection, and close-knit community. I was also drawn in by elective classes on the environment and sustainability, and the marketing analytics specialization. Spending time in the mountains is also important to me, which makes Seattle a perfect place to live and to learn.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
People are often shocked when they hear I worked at the same company for 11 years. Through many organizational changes, I remained resilient, adaptable, and committed to delivering actionable insights to our clients. I developed a strong ability to tell stories with data and explain complicated topics to non-technical people.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I lived in a camper van for 3 years while working remotely (pre-COVID) and earned promotions twice during that time. I traveled with the weather seeking out the most spectacular places to rock climb, hike, and bike. My favorites were the 2,000 foot limestone cliffs of El Potrero Chico (Mexico), the majestic granite mountains of Squamish (Canada), and the endless sandstone canyons of Moab (Utah).
Post-MBA career interests:
I am interested in exploring the climate tech and clean energy space. As an outdoor enthusiast, I am motivated to help preserve our planet’s natural beauty. Working with data and AI in the broader tech arena to solve problems and minimize environmental impacts would also be an exciting place to be.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I spent a lot of time writing the 4 personal essays. I worked to refine my story, what I wanted to achieve, and how Foster could help.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I wish I gave myself more time to take the GRE and go through the application process. If I had started earlier, it would have been much less stressful.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Foster required applicants to video record 2-minute answers to questions provided 30 seconds prior. That felt awkward and made me anxious but wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.
What is your initial impression of the Foster students/culture/community?
The openness of Foster alumni and second year students has amazed me. Their willingness to chat and offer advice has blown me away. My cohort is also very supportive and friendly. It feels like everyone is in it together and rooting for each other to succeed.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
Net Impact seems like a great organization and works to connect students with the Seattle environmental and social impact community. I want to learn about the organizations working in that space, the roles available, and do what I can to give back. I am also interested in the Tech Club and Data and AI Club – I want to learn about the cutting edge of technology, and where I can improve my skills to meet future demands.
What is one thing you have learned about Foster that has surprised you?
While not Foster-specific, the UW mascot is a real, live husky, named Dubs! I really hope to meet Dubs soon.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
The ski trip to Whistler will be lots of fun, and also mark making it through the hardest quarter.
