Johnathan Smith, Washington University Olin’s MBA Class of 2028
Age: 25
Hometown: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Washington University in St. Louis, Political Science, English with a Creative Writing Emphasis
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Minnesota House of Representatives – DFL Caucus
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Coming from the world of government and policy, I knew I wanted to continue improving communities but wanted to approach that work from a different angle. I believe achieving an MBA will allow me to understand how and why business leaders make decisions that impact the public, and how we can make decisions that improve the world through public/private partnership. After gaining two years of government experience, I knew it was time to continue learning in the classroom again.
Why did you choose Washington University Olin? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I attended Washington University in undergrad, but I did not interact much with the Olin School of Business. Many of my friends had great experiences with Olin and their focus on developing students academically and professionally. My familiarity with the school, coupled with Olin’s heavy emphasis on experiential learning, drove me to choose Olin for my MBA education.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2028?
Many of my peers are entering the MBA after years of experience in the private sector. Their perspectives vary based on location and industry, but many of them understand the world through a business lens. I’m entering from the public sector, and many of my beliefs have been shaped by how public institutions view the world. By bringing that perspective to our class, I’ve had many great conversations about where public and private interests can intersect for the greater good.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
Before playing college football at WashU, I actually was pursuing a different collegiate activity: choir! I’ve been singing in choral groups for most of my life, and it’s a passion I’m looking to get back to during my time in St. Louis!
Post-MBA career interests:
I’d like to work in foundations and philanthropy, engaging with the confluence of business and policy to solve some of the biggest problems facing our nation. We deliver better results for our communities when we work together, and I’m excited to be a conduit for productice conversations and policy outcomes.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Before starting my application process, I sat down and wrote out exactly what I was looking for from an MBA program. By identifying my motivations and career outcomes, I was able find the best program for me and put my energy into creating the most competitive application I could.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I narrowed my sights on WashU Olin very early on in my search, and that approach worked for me. If I was applying today, however, I would cast a wide net in the application process and truly understand what different programs would do for my development as a leader. Olin is the place I wanted to be, but if you’re unsure of which direction you want to take, open yourself up to different avenues and see which lane leads you to your best fit!
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I wish I could have skipped the stress over application fees. Applying for an MBA is expensive! I pushed through and saved up because I knew this program was an investment in my future. Luckily, Olin made the application process very easy financially!
What is your initial impression of the WashU Olin students/culture/community?
My class at Olin is incredibly diverse, curios, and excited to learn! We cover a wide range of countries, industries, and goals for the future. More than anything, we have a group of people that are excited to be in community with one another. That energy keeps us motivated in the classroom and as we search for future opportunities.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’m excited to join Olin Cares, an organization that gets our program out in the community and provides volunteering opportunities. I also joined the Clark-Fox Graduate Policy Scholars, a policy program that spans multiple schools and focuses on turning research into real-world impacts. Both of these groups are people-focused and will help me apply what I’m learning at Olin into action.
What is one thing you have learned about WashU Olin that has surprised you?
I was surprised by how well-structured our faculty and staff support is. Whether it’s career advice, academic help, or networking access, Olin has a person on staff that knows exactly how to help.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Our community so far is great, and I’m looking forward to learning more form my classmates as we look toward the future!
