During four years of active duty in the Marine Corps, Sean Egan traveled to and lived in Europe, the Middle East, and both coasts of the United States. His passion for travel and experiencing various cultures continues, but when it came time to attend graduate school for his MBA, he returned to his alma mater, the University of Illinois. “I didn’t have to be convinced of the value of an Illinois MBA,” said Sean. “Having attended the University of Illinois as an undergraduate student, I knew just how strong the academic reputation is there.”

Besides his affinity for the University of Illinois, Sean also found the curriculum of the Illinois MBA, where the foundational classes are taught in eight-week modules, suitable for someone who had not studied business as an undergraduate student. Now as a second-year MBA student, Sean has also discovered that the general management concentration allowed him the flexibility to explore his interests in entrepreneurship and international business. Sean identified the study abroad trip to Warsaw, Poland, last winter as the most memorable experience during his time at the Illinois MBA. The study abroad trip allowed Sean to learn about another culture and to visit businesses there, which is so beneficial for understanding the local economy and their business practices.

Ultimately, though, Sean hopes to utilize his undergraduate degree in natural resources and environmental sciences along with his business training. “I believe businesses are in the best position to have the greatest positive impact on addressing the many environmental challenges around the world,” said Sean. Sean started this path of environmental work by accepting an offer to intern at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency last summer. While there, Sean was involved with a compliance project that helped local retail businesses meet state regulations regarding the use of fluorescent bulbs and their hazardous waste. “This helped me understand the challenges that businesses face in actually implementing practices that meet regulations,” said Sean. “I feel that I am in a strong position to seek solutions that are mutually beneficial for the business and the environment.”

Sean takes pride in his work, and that includes his prior service as an intelligence officer in the Marine Corps. If there’s one thing he would like to be remembered for, it’s that he proudly and humbly served his country as a United States Marine. He has continued to stay rooted to his military background by helping organize and serve in the Illinois MBA Veteran’s Association. As part of this group, Sean helped organize the First Annual Veteran’s Career Conference, which brought veterans from many Midwestern MBA programs to meet with recruiters.

When he has a chance to get away from his responsibilities as an MBA student, Sean enjoys the outdoors. Returning to Illinois has allowed him to take up his hobby of deer hunting again. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, Anna, and sharing his passion for travel and the outdoors with her.