Meet the MBA Class of 2026: Jais K. Jose, Washington University (Olin)

Jais K. Jose

Washington University, Olin Business School in St. Louis

“Driven MBA student with an engineering background; Passionate about finance, marketing, mentorship, and building meaningful connections.”

Hometown: I am originally from Cochin, Kerala, India, but I’ve lived in Austin, TX, for most of my life, so it feels like home.

Fun Fact About Yourself: A fun fact about me is that I have been to 38 states in the United States. I’m always up for an adventure and love exploring new places!

Undergraduate School: The University of Texas, Austin

Major: Electrical Engineering and Economics

Most Recent Employer and Job Title:

Employer: Siemens

Job Title: Senior Systems Engineer

What has been your favorite part of St. Louis so far? What makes St. Louis such a great place to earn an MBA? My favorite part of St. Louis has been discovering the city’s unique blend of culture and community – excellent energy here! I love Forest Park’s beautiful trails, and St. Louis has an eclectic food scene that can satisfy various food palettes.

St. Louis is an incredible place to earn an MBA because it has a dynamic business community. It is home to major corporations, startups, and nonprofits, offering many networking opportunities. St. Louis is a big city with a small-city vibe.

Aside from the global immersion, what was the key part of Washington Olin’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school, and why was it so important to you? A critical factor that led me to choose Olin’s MBA program was its emphasis on experiential learning. I was drawn to the practicum opportunities where students work on high-impact, real-world client projects that develop strategic thinking, leadership, and execution skills.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Washington Olin? One of the most valuable experiences at Olin so far has been the Foundations of Impactful Teamwork course with Professor Giselle Antoine. This course was incredibly helpful in understanding how to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures effectively and uncovering what motivates them. I am also an active member of the Olin Finance Club, Marketing Association, and Olin WAM Club, which have provided fantastic networking and learning opportunities. Participating in case competitions and the Olin Virtual Stock Market Challenge has enhanced my finance and strategic problem-solving skills, making my time here challenging and fulfilling. Additionally, as a member of the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, I’ve had the chance to connect with a diverse group of peers and further broaden my perspective on business leadership.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest career accomplishment was working as part of the sales team on the world’s largest advanced traffic management system bid while I was a sales engineer. I played a key role by spending significant time with the client, building a strong relationship, and gaining a deep understanding of their needs. Through this collaboration, I was able to help position our system on the client’s qualified product list, which was critical in securing the bid. Successfully winning the bid was a significant milestone, showcasing the power of relationship-building and strategic alignment with the client’s requirements.

Describe your biggest achievement in the MBA program so far: My biggest accomplishment in the MBA program so far is being selected for the Center for Experiential Learning’s practicum. This opportunity will allow me to work on a team and solving real-life client projects, which aligns perfectly with my career goals. The selection process was highly competitive, requiring recommendations from a professor and two peers, making this achievement even more meaningful. I’m excited to apply my skills in a hands-on environment and gain valuable experience that will shape my future career.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? One of my best memories as an MBA student so far was in Barcelona, Spain. My birthday happened to fall on the day the final deliverables were due. Despite the hectic schedule, my friend remembered and wished me at midnight, followed by many classmates—without me even having to remind anyone. It was a thoughtful gesture and made me feel incredibly supported and connected with my classmates, especially during such a busy and intense time.

DON’T MISS: MEET WASHINGTON OLIN’S MBA CLASS OF 2026