Connor Elkin

Harvard Business School

“A lifelong learner and connector, I find joy in bringing people together.”

Hometown: Jupiter, FL

Fun Fact About Yourself: I was headbutted by a shark while spearfishing in Florida

Undergraduate School and Major:

University of Florida – B.S. in Computer Science
Georgia Institute of Technology – M.S. in Computer Science

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: United States Air Force / Shadow’s Edge Software – Head of Product

What makes the case method so attractive as a means to learn and become a better manager? Its primary value lies in what it elicits in the classroom. While the case method is attractive for its accelerated learning through reflection on the successes and failures of others, its power comes from the professors who are experts at facilitating discussions that challenge you. The comments from classmates, rooted in their own professional journey, are what truly stick with you. This is especially useful for those with a non-traditional business background, as it provides a crash course in how the business world really works.

Aside from your classmates and cases, what was the key part of Harvard Business School’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? I am fortunate to be one of 31 members of the class of 2027 Harvard MS/MBA: Engineering Sciences joint degree cohort. This joint degree program was a crucial factor in my decision, as it allows me to customize my second year with engineering electives and courses for aspiring tech entrepreneurs.

This “best-of-both-worlds” approach provides the exact blend of skills I need to found a deep-tech venture. As a military veteran who worked in a highly technical field, I know that specialized engineering knowledge is crucial for a technology innovator. This program perfectly complements my professional experience with the business acumen from HBS. The ability to curate the HBS experience to be most meaningful to your post-MBA goals was an essential factor in my decision.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at Harvard Business School? Rock Summer Fellows at the Arthur Rock Center for Entrepreneurship. The Rock Center Summer Fellowship offers rising second-year students a structured environment and community designed to maximize the success of aspiring founders.  Given my military experience and subject matter expertise in cybersecurity and AI, I am excited to leverage the Rock Center’s tremendous resources to build a venture that addresses critical industry needs. For individuals from non-traditional backgrounds who aspire to become founders, the Rock Center offers the perfect complement to help achieve their goals.

When you think of Harvard Business School, what is the first word that comes to mind? Why? Transformative. My six years in the military taught me that great leaders are defined not by a single trait, but by a common thread of curiosity and reflection. Harvard Business School is the perfect environment to deepen these values and to transform oneself. The case method and the diverse perspectives of your peers push you to dive into areas you didn’t know existed, while the programming fosters the self-reflection needed to turn those experiences into meaningful growth.

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized Harvard Business School was the right program for you? Why? The moment I realized Harvard Business School was the right program was on interview day! Stepping onto campus, I was both nervous and excited. My wife accompanied me to sit in on an HBS class where we had a front-row seat to the case method in action. The energy in the classroom was palpable. However, what truly solidified my decision on that day was the kindness everyone showed my wife and me. I knew I wanted a world-class and engaging academic experience, but it was the genuine sense of support and community that made me sure it was the right program for me.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: As the Head of Product of Shadow’s Edge Software, I was the military officer leading a team of civilians, military members, and contractors to deliver capabilities for U.S Cyber Command’s global offensive cyber warfare operations.

My biggest career accomplishment was integrating cutting-edge AI technology into our mission and product portfolio. Leveraging the diverse set of experiences in my team, we combined Air Force Ventures startup investments, in-house software development, and research partnerships to bring first-of-its-kind machine learning and AI capabilities to cyber warfare operations.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Harvard Business School’s MBA program? Be relentlessly true to yourself and what impact you want to make in the world. Don’t let what you think HBS wants to see compromise the personal mission that drives you every day; let that unique story shine through in your application.

For any endeavor, there are courses, professors, and resources to support you. Your unique vision for making the world a better place gives power to the HBS experience and the case method. Your application isn’t just about what you’ve done, but how HBS can empower you to achieve your specific vision for a better world.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE MBA CLASS OF 2027: STUDENTS TODAY, LEADERS TOMORROW, INNOVATORS ALWAYS

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