Travis R. Brandow, Washington University Olin’s MBA Class of 2027
Age: 29
Hometown: Portland, OR
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Portland State University, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Graduate Institution and Major: University of Oregon, Master of Science in Finance
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Compliance Associate, Financial and Regulatory Industry, Deutsche Bank, 4 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I made the decision to attend business school after spending four years in compliance at Deutsche Bank having gained a broader framework of how business is done in corporate America. With four years of professional experience, and two promotions, now felt to be the most appropriate time to attend business school.
Why did you choose WashU Olin? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose to attend WashU Olin first and foremost because of its stellar reputation. I also elected to attend WashU Olin for its strong sense of community and belonging in its culture. It also provides so much help and resources for entrepreneurs.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I believe my most valuable and differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027 is the depth and breadth of various life experiences that I bring. I have worked a variety of jobs, from customer service at Hertz, to being a package handler at FedEx, to debt collections at US Bank, to compliance and regulatory experience at Deutsche Bank. It has given me a deeper empathy for individuals and how individuals intersect with systems.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love history! It is so important to draw lessons from the past, but it’s also so fascinating seeing what we as a people are capable of.
Post-MBA career interests:
I would really like to work in something service-oriented such as working at the Federal Reserve or within the ESG sphere in a finance-related role.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One thing I would absolutely do again as part of my application process is start early and apply early. It is such a weight off my shoulders receiving that sweet acceptance letter about one year before classes actually start!
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
One thing I would change and do differently was get more involved during the recruiting process, ask more questions, and learn more about the campus.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
To be honest, I cannot think of a step I would have skipped. Every step felt essential towards the school for understanding who I was, from the application package that included my transcripts to the interview to ensure I would be a valuable member of the community. I cannot think of a step that was worth skipping.
What is your initial impression of the WashU Olin students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the WashU Olin community is a sense of community and openness. Everyone has been such a delight to get to know and I feel comfortable asking for help, learning from them, and contributing my own ideas.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I have joined the Impact Investing club to learn more about the benefits of clean energy, and how improving our environment and the bottom line does not have to be mutually exclusive. I joined to make a positive difference.
What is one thing you have learned about WashU Olin that has surprised you?
One thing that has surprised me is the wide variety of electives available. It truly is a program in which you can decide what direction you want to take your educational journey, with 12 specializations and all of them being optional.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited about meeting new people, building strong connections and starting this new chapter of my life. It is a valuable time to make connections and gain some more perspective of the world, meeting so many new people from new cultures.
