Jacob Yallowitz

Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

“Passionate leader, husband, and father dedicated to safeguarding America’s maritime interests with courage and compassion.”

Hometown: Little Falls, NY

Fun Fact About Yourself: I met my wife, Ashwathy, in Bahrain during a one-year assignment.

Undergraduate School and Major: U.S. Coast Guard Academy; Operations Research & Computer Analysis

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: U.S. Coast Guard; USCGC VENTUROUS Operations Department Head

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of the Wharton School’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you?  The world-class curriculum. I wanted to attend a school that would best prepare me to positively impact the Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security. Wharton’s renowned academic reputation was a major draw.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at the Wharton School? Kids Club – I am excited to share my MBA journey with my two daughters and integrate them into the Wharton family.

When you think of the Wharton School, what is the first word that comes to mind? Why? Best. My first-year experience has been incredible thus far and I can’t imagine a program that better invests in its students’ futures. The Wharton MBA Career Management team will be my first call when I eventually transition into the civilian workforce.

What makes Philadelphia a great place to earn an MBA? With so many classmates living within one square mile, the experience is especially social and connected. The city is affordable with excellent food – it punches above its weight!

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Completing a successful tour in the White House Situation Room as an Intelligence Watch Officer during globally transformative events.

What is your biggest passion – and how has it helped you make an impact? Leading men and women of the Coast Guard while executing high-impact humanitarian, law enforcement, and defense missions. Together, we’ve rescued mariners clinging to life, stopped a drug-laden vessel transporting $100 million in contraband, and projected peace through strength in the Arabian Gulf.

What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)? Return to the Coast Guard as a Finance Officer.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into the Wharton School’s MBA program? We each have a different path to Wharton, but one piece of advice I’d give is to consistently seek the most challenging roles and projects available to you. Doing so will accelerate growth, open unexpected doors, and differentiate you from peers in your field.

DON’T MISS: MEET WHARTON’S MBA CLASS OF 2027

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