Meet the MBA Class of ’26: Austin Smith

Austin Smith (MBA '26)
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Austin Smith is specializing in Business Analytics at Tulane University with a solid foundation in finance and economics from Louisiana State University. He was previously a Risk Analyst at B1BANK, where he managed a multi-million-dollar portfolio with a perfect repayment record, demonstrating his meticulous attention to detail and expertise in financial risk management. Self-taught in coding, Austin is proficient in languages like Python, JavaScript and SQL and is passionate about exploring roles in software development and programming. Beyond his professional pursuits, Austin is an active member of the New Orleans chess community, where he enjoys playing in tournaments around the French Quarter. Fluent in French, he is eager to leverage his diverse skill set to explore opportunities in finance, asset management and technology.

What's a fun fact about you?
I am a certified advanced scuba diver.

Why are you pursuing an MBA?
To expand my network and pursue new career paths.

What attracted you to Freeman?
The small program size, the city and Tulane's reputation.

Where do you hope to be in five years?
I don't want to plan out my life that far ahead. I'd rather just let it happen. But in five years, I hope to be a much more confident leader and a more well rounded person.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to work out, read, walk around Audubon Park, trade on the stock market and compete in chess tournaments.

Learn more about the Freeman School's full-time MBA program.