Jason Wynnycky: Reservist

Jason Wynnycky (MBA/MIB '03) is a financial manager with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Washington, D.C. and also serves as a Major in the United States Army Reserve. In July 2001 he began the Katz MBA/Masters of International Business dual-degree program, just before the September 11 terrorist attacks struck fear into the hearts of Americans and shook the country's business firmament. An active reservist even then, Jason balanced the rigors of his dual-degree program with his US Army duties, and even took an internship with Star Alliance Services GmbH in Frankfurt, Germany at the start of his second year. After his reserve unit was mobilized in November 2002, just a few weeks before his international internship was to end, Jason returned to Pittsburgh and quickly completed the final requirements of the program before deploying to Afghanistan. After a nine-month deployment, he returned to Katz in September 2003 and completed his MBA/MIB program. Five years later, Jason would complete a second tour-of-duty to Afghanistan in 2007-2008.

According to Jason, the MBA/MIB program provided him a comprehensive understanding of international issues facing both businesses and governments across the globe. It is an education that has served him well, both as a US Army officer, as well as in his current position with USAID.

"For me, the MBA/MIB program was a great experience, one that not only enhanced my understanding of international issues, but also expanded my interactions with people from all over the world. In Afghanistan, I leveraged my Katz experience to effectively understand and communicate complex issues with both Afghans and internationals alike. It continues to serve me today as I confront and manage numerous issues in countries all over the world."