Meet Yale SOM’s MBA Class of 2018

Chris Frerichs

Yale School of Management

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: Big thinker and lifelong learner who won’t be satisfied with anything less than excellent performance.

Hometown: Omaha, NE

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’ve sat on the couch that John Adams died on in the U.S. Capital building.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Charleston – Organizational Leadership

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: United States Navy – over 13 years of experience being a part of and leading small, dynamic teams in fast paced, uncertain environments around the globe.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Trying out, being selected for, and being a part of my last unit, Naval Special Warfare Development Group.

Looking back on your experience, what advice would you give to future business school applicants? If you’re unsure whether or not you need a prep course, take one. For me a two week ‘boot camp’ style course really helped. Pick recommenders whom you’ve known for a long time and who have seen you develop as a leader. When you go to interviews, be able to speak to any sub-optimal parts of your application package in an honest, logical manner.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA?  Yale SOM’s relatively small class size, focus on global leadership, and the innovative curriculum really sets it apart from more traditional MBA programs. I like that SOM is not just looking to prepare MBA’s for the current workforce; SOM wants to develop leaders and innovators who will create the new businesses and sectors of the future.

Tell us about your dream job or dream employer at this point in your life? I’m very fortunate because my dream job since I was a young child was to be a United States Navy SEAL which I have been for the last decade. As I transition away from the military, I have become extremely interested in the fusion of tech, biotech, and robotics. Specifically, the roles they will play in the optimization of human performance. I think an ideal job for me would be in a Google[x] type of organization that is focused on ‘moonshots’ in those areas.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? I would like my peers to say that I am a good leader, a great teammate, and better friend.