Get to Know Lawrence Tu, US Naval Officer and Co-Chair of the Armed Forces Group

Lawrence is originally from Irvine, California. For undergrad, Lawrence went to the United States Naval Academy where he majored in Quantitative Economics and competed as a Division I Golfer. Following graduation and commissioning as a Naval Officer, he reported to flight school in Florida to begin his naval aviation career. Over the course of six years, Lawrence had the privilege of operating some of the world’s most advanced aircraft and leading combat air crews on multiple deployments across the globe. As his time in the squadron concluded, Lawrence set his sights on a new arena in the private sector, which is why he was thrilled to join Chicago Booth’s Evening MBA Program for its rigorous academics and flexible curriculum format. Now in Chicago, Lawrence is finishing up his active-duty military service as an IT Director at Naval Station Great Lakes while building the foundation for his post-military career.

My decision centered on finding a program with unparalleled academic rigor in business fundamentals and a format that actually fit my life. Chicago Booth's top-tier rankings and its renowned, disciplined approach to finance were the most critical factors for me. I needed a curriculum that would provide a robust foundation for my post-military career, and Booth's elite academic pedigree was unmatched. The flexibility of the Evening MBA Program was the key that made this world-class education attainable, allowing me to continue serving on active duty while I learn. It was this powerful combination of premier academics and practical accessibility that sold me on Chicago Booth.

The Armed Forces Group is one of Booth's most inclusive and supportive communities. For veteran applicants, we are here to help you navigate the entire process and coach you toward a successful career transition. I strongly encourage anyone with a military background to connect with the group early. For students without military experience, the AFG offers a fantastic opportunity to understand a unique leadership perspective and build a more diverse network. It is a resource that actively enriches the Booth experience for everyone involved.

My involvement as a co-chair in the Armed Forces Group has been a cornerstone of my Booth experience. It provided an immediate community of peers who understood the unique context of transitioning from military service, which was invaluable in building my initial confidence. Beyond that camaraderie, the AFG was my most practical resource for career navigation, offering tailored guidance on recruiting and translating my skills for finance roles. Engaging with the group has not only smoothed my transition but has deeply enriched my network, making my overall MBA journey both supported and strategic.

The overlap is profound. In the military, I learned to make high-stakes, life-or-death decisions with incomplete information in dynamic environments. Now at Booth, I'm building the quantitative toolkit and financial principles to scale that leadership beyond a single mission. Booth provides the frameworks to translate the strategic mindset I developed on the front lines directly from the battlefield to the boardroom. This synergy has made my transition from a military to a business leader feel highly effective and natural.