Nicholas DiNella, Yale School of Management MBA Class of 2027
Age: 31
Hometown: Americus, GA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: George Washington University; Political Science
Pre-MBA Work Experience: U.S. Army Infantry Officer, 8 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Several experiences during my military deployments exposed me to how coordinated, mission-driven organizations can improve community outcomes even in unstable environments. Over time, I realized that many of the global challenges I witnessed, from fragile healthcare systems to resource mismanagement, stemmed from gaps in organizational and operational effectiveness rather than intent. I chose to pursue an MBA now to build the analytical, strategic, and managerial skills necessary to address those inefficiencies at scale. My goal is to apply those skills within healthcare, an industry where improved coordination and leadership can directly translate into lives saved and healthier communities.
Why did you choose Yale SOM?
My professional aspirations have always been guided by a mission-focused mindset and a desire to create a positive societal impact. Through conversations with faculty, students, and alumni, I saw that Yale SOM’s emphasis on the intersection of business and society perfectly matched my values. The school’s integrated curriculum and collaborative culture mirror the cross-functional environments I thrived in during my military service. Yale SOM doesn’t just teach business; it cultivates leaders who understand the broader implications of their decisions, which aligns closely with the kind of leader I aspire to become.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
During my time in the military, I led teams in high-stakes, multicultural environments where adaptability, empathy, and data-driven decision-making were critical. I believe this experience translates directly to the challenges business leaders face today, balancing operational precision with human understanding in increasingly complex systems. While I hope to learn from my classmates’ diverse technical and industry expertise, I also aim to help them develop the leadership confidence and strategic clarity needed to inspire and empower others under pressure.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I have two Shiba Inus who act far more like siblings than pets.
Post-MBA career interests:
Consistent with my mission-driven mindset, I’m pursuing roles with organizations that share a commitment to improving health outcomes. I plan to recruit for healthcare Commercial Leadership Development Programs (CLDPs), where I can combine the strategic and operational skills from Yale SOM with my leadership background to help address real-world healthcare challenges and expand access to life-saving innovations.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Have genuine conversations with current students and alumni. While websites and brochures provide valuable overviews, only direct conversations can convey the true culture and lived experience of a program. Those discussions were instrumental in helping me understand where I would best fit.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Coming from a nontraditional background, I wish I had spent more time preparing for the quantitative rigor of the core curriculum. The first few weeks of business school can be overwhelming with the combination of academics, recruiting, and social events, so any academic preparation beforehand can make the transition smoother.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could, and what helped you get through it?
I initially dreaded taking the standardized test. Having been away from formal academics for several years, balancing test prep with full-time work was a challenge. What helped me push through was reframing it not as a gatekeeping exercise, but as an opportunity to demonstrate commitment and perseverance, the same traits that will be essential throughout business school and beyond.
What is your initial impression of the Yale SOM community?
Yale SOM is an extraordinarily welcoming and collaborative environment. Students here bring a wide range of experiences, but they’re united by a shared commitment to the school’s mission of using business to improve society. That collective sense of purpose is tangible and makes the community feel both inclusive and inspiring.
What student organizations have you joined or plan to join, and why?
Given my focus on healthcare, I joined the Healthcare and Life Sciences Club, which has been invaluable for students from non-traditional backgrounds like mine who are learning to navigate the industry. I also joined the Veterans Club; during my own application process, the veteran community across schools was incredibly supportive, and I want to pay that forward by helping future veterans evaluate whether Yale SOM is the right fit for them.
What is one thing you have learned about Yale SOM that has surprised you?
I didn’t anticipate how self-contained Yale SOM would feel within the larger university. The school provides nearly everything students need, from collaborative spaces and interview rooms to a fully equipped gym, which fosters an exceptionally strong sense of community. I occasionally have to remind myself to explore more of the broader Yale campus.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited to learn alongside such a diverse and accomplished cohort. The range of professional backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives represented at Yale SOM is unmatched, and I see this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn as much from my peers as from the classroom.
