Tess Eustace     

University of Rochester, Simon Business School

“Dynamic leader fueled by lifelong learning, Army veteran, and unapologetic Buffalo Bills fan.”

Hometown: Horseheads, New York

Fun Fact About Yourself: I spent 10 months deployed to Afghanistan.

Undergraduate School and Major: West Virginia University, Political Science

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Signals Intelligence Team Leader, US Army

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Rochester Simon’s MBA curriculum or programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Simon provided me the opportunity to begin the program early—starting over the summer—which offered a valuable preview of how intense the next two years will be. I’m so glad I took advantage of this opportunity! It gave me a chance to discover my learning style as an adult before the full program kicks off.

Rochester Simon is known for being “unabashedly analytical.” Why does the program’s focus on quantitative analysis and decision-making appeal to you? How do you intend to leverage this approach as a student and professional? I can definitely attest to Simon’s analytical reputation—I actually carry two calculators on me at all times now just in case! Coming from a non-quantitative background, it was crucial for me to choose a program that would give me a solid foundation in quantitative analysis. I’m excited to soak up everything, not just from the coursework but also from the diverse experiences of my classmates. While I know I bring strong leadership skills, I’m confident that by strengthening my quantitative and analytical abilities, I’ll become a more well-rounded candidate for future roles.

What are some advantages you’ve seen in earning your MBA in Rochester? My answer is probably quite different from most of my classmates, but for me, the biggest advantage of being in Rochester is being so close to my family. In just a few months, I’ve spent more time with them than I have in the past 10 years, which has been so special. They are my biggest source of support and having them nearby during this important chapter in my life has been huge. I honestly couldn’t imagine pursuing my MBA anywhere else. Hi, Mama!

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Simon? I’m very excited to get involved in the Graduate Business Council—it feels like such an amazing chance to make a meaningful impact at Simon! The idea of working with key decision-makers and my fellow students to bring new ideas to life is something I’m super passionate about. I can’t wait to help create programs and traditions that make the Simon experience even better and ensure we’re always thinking ahead for what students need. It’s such a fun and rewarding way to give back to the community and be part of something bigger.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of the proudest moments in my career happened during my deployment when I received a battlefield promotion. They are extremely rare, and it was a huge honor and really affirmed my ability to step up and lead in tough situations. It reminded me how important it is to stay calm, focused, and dedicated when the stakes are high.

What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)? I’m aiming to move into the finance field after graduation, whether that’s in corporate finance or financial services. I’m still keeping my options open, but I’m particularly drawn to Leadership Development Programs (LDPs) because they provide a great way to discover the right fit while sharpening important skills. One thing that’s been consistent for me is my passion for finance, so stay tuned!

DON’T MISS: MEET ROCHESTER SIMON’S MBA CLASS OF 2026