The decision to transfer universities is rarely made lightly. It often stems from a desire for academic growth, a change in career aspirations, or a need for a more supportive or specialized environment. My own path to seeking a transfer to Pacific Lutheran University’s School of Business stems from a confluence of these factors. While my initial institution provided a foundational understanding of business principles, I’ve come to recognize that its curriculum, particularly in the realm of entrepreneurship and sustainable business practices, does not align with the specific direction I envision for my future career. The opportunity to engage with PLU’s renowned Center for Innovation and a faculty actively involved in community-based social enterprise initiatives presents a unique and invaluable next step.
During my time at Evergreen State College, I developed a strong academic record, maintaining a 3.7 GPA while majoring in Economics. My coursework provided a solid grounding in micro and macroeconomics, econometrics, and data analysis. I particularly enjoyed projects that involved market research and competitive analysis, culminating in a senior thesis project that examined the economic impact of local food initiatives on small towns in Washington State. This project, completed in the spring of 2023, honed my research skills and cemented my interest in how businesses can operate as engines for positive social and environmental change. However, I found Evergreen’s interdisciplinary approach, while broad, lacked the depth in specific business functions that I now seek. The absence of dedicated courses in strategic management, marketing analytics, and corporate social responsibility meant I had to supplement my learning through independent study and external workshops, highlighting a gap that PLU’s curriculum appears poised to fill.
Pacific Lutheran University’s School of Business, with its emphasis on ethical leadership and its proximity to the vibrant business community of Tacoma, offers precisely the environment I need to thrive. The specific mention of the Center for Innovation, which supports student ventures and connects them with mentors, is particularly exciting. I envision myself not just as a student absorbing knowledge, but as an active participant, contributing to the entrepreneurial spirit on campus. My experience organizing the Evergreen Economics Club’s annual career fair in 2022, which attracted over 30 local businesses and alumni, demonstrates my capacity to initiate and manage projects, skills I am eager to bring to PLU. Furthermore, the opportunity to learn from faculty like Dr. Anya Sharma, whose research on circular economy models in the Pacific Northwest is directly relevant to my interests, is a significant draw.
My long-term goal is to establish a consulting firm focused on helping small and medium-sized enterprises integrate sustainable practices into their core operations. I believe that profitability and purpose are not mutually exclusive, and PLU’s commitment to developing “leaders for a better world” resonates deeply with this conviction. The business school’s emphasis on experiential learning, such as the capstone projects that often partner with local organizations, would provide crucial real-world experience. I am eager to contribute my unique perspective, shaped by my experiences at Evergreen and my passion for sustainable business, to the diverse intellectual community at Pacific Lutheran University. I am confident that my academic preparedness, my demonstrated initiative, and my clear vision for the future make me a strong candidate for transfer, and I am excited about the prospect of contributing to and learning from the dynamic environment at PLU.