Jesse Dawson

Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business

“A lifelong learner embracing the tension of an analytical and imaginative mind.”

Hometown: Rochester, MN

Fun Fact About Yourself: I recently launched an organization with a mission to curate engaging conversation topics and provide people a space to think, discuss ideas and build real connections in an increasingly virtual society.

Undergraduate School and Major: Olivet Nazarene University, B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Ford Motor Company, Body Exterior Integration Engineer

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I spent four years as an engineer working on the Lincoln Aviator. I led significant cost initiatives and played a crucial role in launching the vehicle. I feel pride every time I see it driving on the road, knowing I had a hand in creating that vehicle.

What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Curiosity. I am inspired by the commitment my classmates have made to improving themselves, learning new skills, and challenging their own perspectives.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA, and why was it so important to you? I want to work in the financial services industry without living in New York or Chicago. Columbus is a hub for the financial services industry, and I knew Fisher would be well connected to the plethora of global companies headquartered here.

What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? I joined the Net Impact Group to remind myself that business is not simply about making a profit, but should also be about improving lives and communities at the same time.

What was the most challenging question you were asked during the admissions process?              

Part of the Fisher admission process is a rapid-fire, video Q&A to get a better sense of a candidate’s personality. This was the most challenging for me because it was not about my credentials, but rather getting to the core of whether or not I would be a good cultural fit.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? I was at a point where I felt locked into a certain skill set and role. An MBA is a chance for me to become more dynamic and impactful, wherever the rest of my career takes me.

How did you determine your fit at various schools? I wanted a school with an intimate class size, strong connections to the financial services industry, and a culture that would challenge and support me at the same time. I took advantage of student-run events to meet in a less formal environment and get an authentic perspective on the program. I am proud to say that Fisher has worked relentlessly to cultivate a culture that is consistent with the values we espouse.

What was your defining moment, and how did it shape who you are? I was a project manager for community garden irrigation system in Manzini, Swaziland, during my senior year of college. The project gave me a deeper understanding of the importance of understanding a customer’s needs before developing a solution. This was my first chance to set a vision, direct the strategy, and take something from conception to implementation. This experience planted the seed of an MBA in my mind and I haven’t looked back since.

Where do you see yourself in ten years? I see myself as a director in the financial services industry, leading a team, developing new ways to meet customer needs, creating value for my company, and benefiting the community around me.