Experience Stern | Stern Stories

“I always knew I wanted to be a pilot,” said Wendy Swart, an MBA student in NYU Stern’s Executive MBA program.

Wendy spent nine and a half years in the military, with deployments in Africa, Afghanistan, Germany and Iraq. As a flight commander, she flew a CI30 and managed 40 pilots. “I had the privilege of flying Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to Baghdad during the Iraq War. She hugged me when we landed.”

In 2007 Wendy separated from the military to become a commercial pilot for Delta airlines. She brought with her a track record of success in leadership, management and operations. But she lacked a traditional background in business.

“As a veteran, the post 9/11 GI bill offered me tremendous support to go back to school. In the military, I was making important decisions, and managing people and lives every single day. I missed this responsibility, but I knew I would need a business degree to compete for a role like this in the private sector.

“I knew that NYU Stern had a great reputation, a convenient location and that I’d have the chance to build a professional network,” said Wendy. “Additionally, I bring a different outlook to the discussions with my classmates about how to solve problems based on my military experience.”

Wendy specialized in Leadership and Entrepreneurship, and enhanced her global experience through Global Study Tours to Poland, Croatia and China.

Having just completed her final semester, Wendy reflects on her experience.

“I vastly expanded my business knowledge, and my networking and leadership skills. I particularly valued the team-based environment, especially working in study groups made up of such diverse classmates. I know that I’ve gained important skills that will serve me well in the corporate sector.”


Photo Credit: Pascal Perich