Meet Notre Dame Mendoza’s MBA Class of 2018

Walter C. Pruchnik, III

University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: Perpetually optimistic, I always look for the best and to better the world around me.

Hometown: Windber, PA

Fun Fact About Yourself: I was a seminarian for about two-and-a-half years, discerning a vocation to priesthood and religious life in the Congregation of Holy Cross.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Notre Dame: Master of Education; Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Major: Computer Science; Bachelor of Arts, Major: Theology

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation:

• Petersburg Catholic High School
  • Faculty Member
• Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg
  • Website Administrator
  • Liturgical Master of Ceremonies
• Walt Disney Parks & Resorts
  • Vacation Planning Host
  • Project Assistant
  • Project Manager

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: When I worked for the Diocese of St. Petersburg, I helped Bishop Lynch to launch his blog. This enabled a much closer relationship between him and the community he serves and helped promote similar endeavors by other bishops.

Looking back on your experience, what advice would you give to future business school applicants? An MBA is not something that you should pursue without goals in mind for how you want it to help you grow as a person and as a professional. Once you have those things in mind, you will be able to find a school that will be the best fit for you and help you grow to your fullest.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? I chose the Mendoza College of Business at Notre Dame for its emphasis on promoting business as a force for good in the world and the corresponding focus on forming and preparing each individual student to be the best that he or she can be to influence their companies and the world around them.

Tell us about your dream job or dream employer at this point in your life? My dream job is one in which I am able to express my values, pursue professional excellence, and contribute to building a better world. I would like to be in a position of leadership so that I can help influence others to grow and develop as well as influence my company. I can see myself accomplishing these as an executive at one of the Disney Theme Parks.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? Walter is a good, honest, and hardworking person who strives to do his best, is always growing and learning, and helps everyone around him to do the same.