Why Tuck?

I chose Tuck because it has a dual degree with the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University, where I was already enrolled, so my arrival at Tuck was serendipitous. I had no direct business experience, but Tuck strikes a great balance between academic rigor, real-world perspective, and fun. Plus, the power of its community can’t be overstated—I think it’s the only reason I got an internship and then a full-time offer in banking. The bank took a big risk on me and it’s the Tuck alumni who really pushed my application forward. All you need is that one chance to prove yourself and Tuck produced that opportunity.

New Professional Directions

Tuck is a great place for a career-switcher. I came from public service where I’d spent three years at the U.S. Department of Justice in New York City and then in Baghdad. I needed an alumni network that would sit down and give me five minutes to explain my story: why moving from Baghdad to banking made sense. At a larger or less supportive school, I think I would have gotten lost in the shuffle. But Tuck’s alumni were willing to listen to me, hear what strengths I had and what weaknesses I was working on, and call me back. Put simply, Tuck is the reason I was able to switch careers.

The Ideal Location

Tuck’s location and size are its greatest strengths. They’re why we have such a great alumni network, why you can make these career switches, and why we place one out of five people to a Big Three consulting firm. Tuck is a two-year sabbatical from the urban locations where we’ll spend our careers. It’s where, in winter, you get to play ice hockey on a pond or ski before class. In spring, you get to hike, mountain bike, visit breweries, and row. It’s not just about the activities, though: the intimate environment cultivates connections that last a lifetime. Tuck isn’t a commuter school and it shows in the loyalty of students, faculty, and alumni.

The Tuck Takeaway

The essence of the Tuck experience is to get a great education, develop an amazing network, and have a fantastic time along the way. Tuck made my career switch from Baghdad to banking possible and I’ll be forever grateful.