About Chris: Chris Jager, a native New Yorker, embarked on his academic journey at Drexel University with initial plans to study civil engineering. However, he soon discovered his true passion lay not just in designing structures but in bringing them to life. After graduation, Chris gained valuable experience working for several large general contractors before transitioning into a role managing construction operations for a real estate developer. Despite his East Coast roots, Chris decided to test out the West Coast and is now a first-year full-time MBA candidate at UCLA Anderson. This decision was driven by his desire to complement his hands-on construction expertise with robust financial skills, enabling him not only to build properties but also to invest in real estate. Chris’s unique blend of practical construction knowledge and newfound financial acumen positions him at the intersection of development and investment in the dynamic world of real estate.

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For some, business school is a natural career progression. For others, like me, the path isn’t as clear. My journey from first considering an MBA to actually applying took about two years. At the time, I was managing construction operations for a real estate developer and loved my job, but I knew I wanted more.

Juggling a demanding work schedule with early starts on construction sites, GMAT prep, networking, and program research was challenging. Application deadlines came and went. Working for a smaller company, I felt a greater responsibility to find the right time to transition, ideally when my projects would naturally conclude.

In the real estate and construction industry, I worked with people of varied educational backgrounds. Beyond GMAT prep, I wasn’t sure where to start. The turning point came when I floated the MBA idea to my boss. His unexpected support gave me the confidence to expand my search. I began connecting with MBA candidates on LinkedIn who had construction backgrounds. Living in New York, I attended info sessions and campus visits, learning about others’ motivations and timelines for business school.

A pivotal moment came when I connected with a current Anderson MBA candidate focusing on real estate. Our conversation about the program’s culture of shared success, academics, career support, and life in Los Angeles excited me. However, winter was ending and I realized I only had time for Round 3 applications. I researched acceptance statistics and even consulted an MBA advisor who suggested waiting another year. However, I discovered that Anderson welcomes reapplicants, which spoke to the school’s culture of encouraging self-improvement and persistence.

Despite the conventional wisdom, I decided to throw my name in the hat and apply. The turnaround from application submission to interview invite was just a few weeks. Then came the acceptance call – I was moving to the West Coast!

The decision to pursue an MBA is significant, affecting not just you but also your friends, family, and colleagues. My advice? There’s never a perfect time. Take that first step – talk to a friend, reach out to a current student, attend a coffee chat, or simply open the application to see what’s required. By taking action, your path will start to take shape. Remember, we often miss the chances we don’t take. My MBA journey taught me that sometimes, you need to leap despite uncertainty. It’s a lesson in self-confidence and a reminder that growth often lies just outside our comfort zone.

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• Student Blogger: Chris Jager ‘26
• Undergrad: Drexel University ‘20
• Pre-MBA: Construction Project Manager at SILVERMAN Building (real estate developer)
• Leadership@Anderson: Director of Admissions & Academic Affairs, Association for Real Estate at Anderson (AREA); Director of Prospective Student Affairs, Anderson Ambassador Corp (AAC); Investment Partner A26 Early Stage Fund; Director of Sustainability, Section A; Outdoor Adventure Club (member); Energy & Cleantech Association (member)
• LinkedIn: Chris Jager | LinkedIn