MBA

Profiles

Andrew Kletzing, MBA 2010

After serving a year-long tour of duty in Iraq, Andrew Kletzing assumed command of a company within the Army's Installation Management Command in Seoul, South Korea. "It was a fantastic experience," Andrew says. "I led 130 American and South Korean soldiers and discovered a passion for general management — for making decisions and owning the consequences."

In addition, Andrew participated in the Korea-United States Friendship Council, a joint group of Army officers and South Korean businessmen who, Andrew says, "foster ties to the local community. My experiences with the group and in South Korea in general made me determined to find a career that gives me similar opportunities for leadership development."

Encouraged by an open environment

"HBS," says Andrew, "is a natural fit for military veterans. There's an emphasis on leadership — more than at any other school. The case method can be intimidating at first. But now I'm completely engrossed in the discussions. Diversity of thought is highly valued at Harvard. The majority of my classmates are more liberal than I am, but that encourages me even more to speak up and help my classmates see an alternative point of view. In turn, they've impressed me by the quality of their thinking. My section-mates force me to perform at a higher level."

Leading a balanced life is also important. Andrew lives in Cambridge with his wife, Kelly, who is fulfilling a leadership development program at Wal-Mart. "I've consciously emphasized my personal life," Andrew says. "If family is a priority, it's certainly very doable at HBS. Kelly and I make it a point to cook together most evenings and spend a lot of time together. At most social events, I bring Kelly along. Although we can't do everything, there's plenty to make us feel involved."

Continued service to country

For his summer internship, Andrew will join JPMorgan in New York to work within its Treasury & Securities Services. "This internship combines general management with exposure to the markets and the financial services industry. I am very excited." he says.

Looking five years ahead, "I'd like to be in a general management position leading people within a large organization. Beyond that, I want to serve my country again. Not in the military, but by using my business experience and knowledge. I love politics and would like a public service or government role. Perhaps even in elected office. One of the great things about HBS is that it positions graduates for leadership across all sectors, private, public, and the government."