Robert Resch, Johns Hopkins Carey MPH/MBA Class of 2027
Age: 33
Hometown: Stafford, VA, but I consider Kentucky home
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Kentucky ’15, B.S. Biology; Virginia Tech ’19, DVM
Pre-MBA Work Experience: US Army Veterinary Corps, 5 years; Multiple roles in veterinary medicine, public health, and healthcare leadership ranging from running vet clinics and executing public health surveillance to supervising Soldiers working in medical research and development.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I’ve had several work experiences, specifically in healthcare and medical research, where there were gaps in communication and understanding between technical experts and administrators. With my background in veterinary medicine and public health, I’m attending business school to better lead multidisciplinary teams as I pursue roles of greater responsibility.
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins Carey Business School? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Johns Hopkins and Carey for several reasons including the two-year dual-degree program with the Bloomberg School of Public Health. Carey’s emphasis on the business of health was another driver for my decision.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I’m the only member of my cohort with active-duty military experience, and I’m also the only veterinarian. I think these experiences give me some unique perspectives that I’ve already enjoyed sharing with my classmates. I’m also a couple years older than many of my classmates, so I’m occasionally able to offer some life perspective too.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I was a D1 college swimmer at the University of Kentucky, and I still care way too much about all of Kentucky’s athletic teams. I got to share the pool with some cool people over the years, including some rockstar Olympians.
Post-MBA career interests:
The intersection of animal health, human health, and the business of health. Eventually, I hope to become an animal health industry leader that touches all those areas.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Finding connections with alumni and discussing the pros and cons of programs. And doing the same with trusted mentors. Also, really thinking through the question of ‘why an MBA, why now, and why school X?’ because you’ll certainly be asked it. It’s important to think through, both for an interview and to be honest with yourself.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I wish I would have been more intentional with the schools I applied to. In hindsight, I probably submitted some applications to schools that I never would have attended, even if it was the only place I was accepted.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Luckily, I was able to skip the only part I wasn’t looking forward to—standardized testing! My doctorate allowed me to apply for waivers to that portion of the application process, and they were granted.
What is your initial impression of the Johns Hopkins Carey students/culture/community?
Carey’s community and culture are incredibly diverse. We have a huge number of international students in the cohort, so it has been exciting to pick the brains of classmates from all different countries and backgrounds. There are also a lot of students in dual-degree programs, so it’s cool to talk to people also pursuing JD’s, MD’s, MPH’s, etc. and seeing where they’re headed by pairing those degrees with an MBA.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’m a dad and a commuter, so my extra-curricular activities aren’t as robust as I’d like. However, I’m interested in joining the Johns Hopkins Student Veteran Network. Every student organization you can think of exists here, but you have to be careful about only taking on commitments that suit your goals and interests or you risk being stretched thin.
What is one thing you have learned about Johns Hopkins Carey that has surprised you?
I didn’t know how heavily the Office of Experiential Learning is involved in our first-year curriculum. Many of the courses have opportunities to partner with real-world companies and clients on projects and class assignments, which makes the learning feel much more applicable rather than purely theoretical.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Leveraging the entire Johns Hopkins ecosystem, not just the Carey Business School. One of my professors just announced a guest speaker event with Mark Cuban on health insurance, which I’m not sure would happen if not for Johns Hopkins’ prominent standing in the medical community.
