Linden Penner

“I love Jesus, my wife Sarah, and my daughter Abigail!”

Hometown: Mission, B.C., Canada

Fun Fact About Yourself: I am a certified forklift operator.

Undergraduate School and Major: Liberty University, Bachelor of Science in History

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: U.S. Navy, Cryptologic Warfare Officer (I am still on active duty)

What makes Seattle such a great place to earn an MBA?

The Pacific Northwest is a great place to call home. Earning an MBA at Foster and laying down roots in the area is an amazing opportunity for my family. Going to school in Seattle is incredible because you get so much more than just the academic experience. We are close to the water and mountains, which makes every weekend an adventure!

Aside from your location and classmates, what was the one key part of Washington Foster’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you?

One reason I chose Foster is because of its emphasis on teamwork and collaboration. Teamwork is important to me, and being in a program that shares my values was a high priority.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Washington Foster?

The Foster Veterans Association is amazing. I felt welcome right away, and everyone does a great job of looking out for one another. I am in a unique position because I am on active duty while going to school. The veteran’s club has helped me navigate my active-duty requirements while focusing on my academics. Foster is a great school for veterans, and I absolutely recommend it, whether you are staying in or getting out [of the military].

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:

I think my biggest accomplishment is just helping someone reach their goals. My favorite part about being in the military is seeing how all the little things add up and make a big difference in someone’s life. I love going on Facebook or running into an old teammate and finding out they got promoted, got the duty station they wanted, or decided to stay in or get out that positively impacted their life.

Describe your biggest achievement in the MBA program so far:

My biggest achievement in the MBA program so far is just how much I’ve learned. I was very nervous about the academics, and I feel like my hard work paid off, and I know way more now than I did just 3 months ago.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far?

The ski trip to Whistler, B.C., Canada! My wife and I love to ski, and it was super fun to celebrate the end of the quarter with all our new friends.

DON’T MISS MEET THE WASHINGTON FOSTER MBA CLASS OF 2027

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