Jeremy Teague

University of Washington, Foster School of Business

“Mindful problem-solver and avid traveler, always on the quest for new adventures and enriching experiences.”

Hometown: North Pole, Alaska

Fun Fact About Yourself: I trained at a Muay Thai kickboxing camp in Thailand during the summer before the MBA.

Undergraduate School and Major: Arizona State University, Biochemistry

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Surface Warfare Officer, U.S. Navy

What makes Seattle such a great place to earn an MBA? Seattle has so much to offer. It shines as a leading hub for technology and innovation, providing MBAs with a dynamic learning environment through its extensive access to and opportunities across various industries. Also, for anyone who values physical and mental well-being, the natural beauty of Seattle is unbeatable. With easy access to stunning hiking trails and ski slopes just a quick drive away, it’s perfect. Plus, I love the city’s vibrant cultural scene, not to mention the excellent local coffee shops and breweries.

Aside from your location and classmates, what was the key part of Washington Foster’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? A major factor in my decision to choose Foster was its close-knit and collaborative community. During my initial visit as a prospective student, the genuine interactions with current students, alumni, and admissions staff made a strong impression on me, clearly showcasing Foster’s supportive and positive atmosphere. Coming from a military background and making a significant career pivot, I placed a high value on this support and authenticity. Now, as a current student, I’m still experiencing the benefits of being part of this incredible community.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Washington Foster? My favorite course thus far has been our core Corporate Finance class, taught by Professor Thomas Gilbert. When I first entered the MBA program, Corporate Finance seemed like an intimidating subject, especially since I had never taken a finance course before. However, Professor Gilbert truly made the course a rewarding experience, with engaging lectures and coursework that not only helped me build confidence but also sparked my interest in finance overall. Now, next quarter, I’m eagerly looking forward to my first finance elective. Beyond academics, my favorite activities were the home football game tailgates and the Whistler trip.

Washington Foster operates off a philosophy of We>Me. Give us an example of how you’ve seen that among your classmates so far. An instance that truly exemplified the ‘We>Me’ philosophy for me occurred with the Foster Consulting Society, where I experienced amazing support from my classmates. Despite their demanding schedules, second-year MBA students were exceptional mentors, dedicating time to casing interview preparation and offering one-on-one coaching, even during the holiday break. Similarly, my fellow first-year students showcased their enthusiasm by engaging in hours of interview preparation with me over the holiday break. Throughout the consulting recruiting process, all of my classmates were supportive during instances of rejection and eager to celebrate the success of others, truly embodying the ‘We>Me’ philosophy.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: The biggest accomplishment in my career was having the opportunity to aid in the planning and execution of humanitarian efforts to facilitate the safe transit of more than 7,000 evacuees traveling from Afghanistan while I was stationed in Bahrain, during Operation Allies Refuge in 2021. It was truly rewarding to make an immediate impact and assist those in need.

Describe your biggest achievement in the MBA program so far: I would say my biggest achievement during my time at Foster has been the significant growth of both my confidence and business skills, particularly in the initial quarter. Having completed my undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and with a background in operating Navy ships, I entered the MBA program without any formal business education. The transition to Foster’s rigorous academic environment was initially challenging, but ultimately became a great opportunity for growth. Through the core curriculum and key experiential projects like Radical Collaboration and the case competition, I quickly built a solid foundation in essential business principles, equipping me with the skills and confidence needed to excel.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? Throughout my MBA journey, it’s hard to name just one single memory, and I would say that the most memorable moments have stemmed from the genuine connections I’ve formed with my classmates. I’ve valued the opportunity to learn from their diverse perspectives, both inside and outside the classroom. Witnessing the growth of our teams as we collaboratively tackle projects and coursework has been incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed bonding with my classmates beyond our academic challenges, whether it’s through shared potluck dinners, brewery visits, or skiing adventures.

DON’T MISS: MEET WASHINGTON FOSTER’S MBA CLASS OF 2025