Mike Wechlo, Florida Warrington MBA Class of 2028
Age: 31
Hometown: Menomonee Falls, WI
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Wisconsin, Actuarial Science and Finance
Pre-MBA Work Experience: I worked as an actuary in the annuity and life insurance industry and consulting. I worked at Transamerica Corporation in Cedar Rapids, IA for ~2 years, at EY in Chicago, IL for ~4 years, at MetLife in Tampa, FL for ~2 years, and at Brighthouse Financial in Tampa, FL for ~2 years.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I decided to attend business school because I want to develop a broader and more well-rounded business skill set. Throughout my career, I have built deep expertise in my functional area, but I have increasingly realized that the most effective leaders are able to connect decisions across strategy, finance, operations, marketing, and organizational leadership. Business school provides an opportunity to strengthen those capabilities in a structured environment while learning from accomplished faculty and diverse peers.
The timing feels right because I have reached a point in my career where I can clearly see how expanding my business acumen will help me make a greater impact. I have gained valuable professional experience and expertise, and now I want to complement that foundation with a more comprehensive understanding of how businesses operate and create value.
Why did you choose Florida Warrington? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Florida Warrington stood out to me because of its strong value proposition, supportive alumni network, and location. As someone who plans to build my long-term career in Florida, attending business school in the state gives me the opportunity to strengthen my professional network where I ultimately want to live and work.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2028?
I believe my actuarial background is one of the most unique perspectives I bring to the Class of 2028. Relatively few actuaries pursue an MBA because the profession typically follows a specialized credentialing path centered around actuarial exams and industry experience.
Through my work in insurance and consulting, I developed strong analytical, quantitative, and risk management skills, along with experience helping organizations make decisions in uncertain environments. As I explore opportunities beyond the insurance industry, I look forward to sharing those perspectives with my classmates while also learning how others approach challenges across different industries and functions.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I am a co-owner of the Green Bay Packers.
Post-MBA career interests:
Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA). My long-term goal is to acquire and operate a small business in Florida, where I can apply both my analytical background and the broader leadership and management skills I am developing through the MBA program.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would absolutely invest the time to thoroughly research every program I was considering. Speaking with students, alumni, and admissions staff helped me understand the unique strengths of each school and determine where I would be the best fit. The process required a significant time commitment, but it gave me confidence that the program I ultimately chose aligned with my goals and would make the best use of the next two years of my life.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Looking back, I would have applied to more programs in later application rounds instead of waiting an additional year to apply in earlier rounds. At the time, I felt I needed more information before submitting applications. While the extra research was valuable, I realized I could have continued learning about programs while still giving myself an opportunity to start business school sooner.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could have skipped one part of the process, it would have been writing the application essays. I felt I could better communicate my experiences, goals, and personality through conversations with students, faculty, and admissions staff. What helped me get through the essays was understanding that they were an important opportunity for schools to learn about my background and aspirations, and that completing them was simply part of the process of reaching my goals.
What is your initial impression of the Florida Warrington students/culture/community?
My initial impression has been how diverse and collaborative the student community is. My classmates come from a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds, which creates opportunities to learn from people with experiences very different from my own. Everyone has been welcoming, engaged, and eager to support one another’s success.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I am particularly interested in joining the Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Club and the MBA Association. The ETA Club aligns closely with my long-term goal of acquiring and operating a small business, while the MBA Association provides opportunities to build relationships across the program, develop leadership skills, and contribute to the broader student experience.
What is one thing you have learned about Florida Warrington that has surprised you?
One thing that surprised me was the size and breadth of the Warrington community. Before arriving, I primarily thought about the MBA program, but I have since learned how many students are involved across Warrington’s various graduate and professional programs. I am excited about the opportunity to connect and collaborate with an even broader network of students as I progress beyond the core curriculum.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited about securing an internship that allows me to apply my existing skills in a new industry. Coming from an actuarial and insurance background, I look forward to challenging myself in an unfamiliar environment, learning how my skills transfer to new business contexts, and seeing how the concepts I am learning in the classroom translate into real-world impact.
