Brian Newhouse, ASU Carey MBA Class of 2028
Age: 43
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Georgia Institute of Technology, Project Management
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Water project manager (Peace Corps Volunteer, Cape Verde 07-09, Zambia 24-26); Home repairman (Independent Contractor, carpentry/plumbing/landscaping, 2021-2024); Farm manager (Small farms in 4 states, 2016-2020); Sustainability instructor (Projects in Thailand and India, 2012-2015); Wind turbine advisor (GE, 2009-2011)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I’d worked many jobs, for many years, in many countries. Mostly jobs in farming, home repair, landscaping, etc. Great experiences, though nothing stuck long term. I’m at business school now to level up my skill sets and qualify for other types of jobs.
Why did you choose ASU W. P. Carey? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I found W.P. Carey through the Coverdell Fellowship with the Peace Corps. I was impressed by the number of Peace Corps Fellowships offered by ASU. I applied to WP Carey because an MBA is a more versatile degree. I considered applying to other schools, though I didn’t want to pass this opportunity up once the Fellowship was offered.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2028?
I’m sustainability minded. I lived abroad for many years, in places where people are living closer to the earth: Communes, farms, ashrams. I’ve written a book and created an online course about things I learned. I look forward to blending what I learned about sustainability with what I learn in business school.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
When I finished college, I rode a bicycle around New Zealand and wrote a book and made a documentary about it. Completing all three was very hard to do because I’d never rode a bicycle that far, never written a book, nor made a movie. Point being, I pulled it off and learned that truly anything is possible.
Post-MBA career interests:
I’m interested in big waste and semiconductors. Trash is treasure–organic waste can be made into compost, plastic can be made into oil. Much can be recycled or reused. I think there is a lot of money in waste, in collecting it and reforming it. For this, I’m looking to work for a sustainably minded sanitation company and hone my skills in logistics.
Semiconductors are also interesting, a new animal that is the pulse of technological innovation. I guess you could say my career interests are in trash and microchips. Looking forward to landing in one of these two industries.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Apply early. Do the best you can on your application and send it in.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have liked to be here for countdown weekend, a weekend in April before starting class in August. I was working in a village in Africa at the time and couldn’t make it.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Nothing before starting school. After starting school, getting through stats. Whew.
What is your initial impression of the W. P. Carey students/culture/community?
The community is very friendly and professional. There’s a small army of mentors, coaches, and administrators helping us navigate the hiring process. I’m really impressed by teachers, administrators, and both the 2nd year cohort and my own. I’m surrounded by very intelligent and hard-working people. It’s great.
The building too, the WP Carey building, is great architecture. It’s very calming, very soothing to be in.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
Supply chain, data analytics, fitness, golf. I like opportunities to hang out with people and talk shop.
What is one thing you have learned about W. P. Carey that has surprised you?
The Sun Devil mascot is modeled off Walt Disney. Ha, that guy sure does look like a devil now that I think about it.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited to be at university again. The college vibe. High energy. Many activities, events, and gatherings to attend. Motivated students roaming sidewalks in between classes, honing our acumen. It’s a positive environment to be in and I’m glad to be here.
