Alex Kilbourne

Alex Kilbourne is a veteran of the United States Army, in which he served from 2009 to 2019. During his time in the College, he explored his interest in finance. After graduating with a degree in mathematics and economics, he will work as a quant trader.

What drew you to UChicago?

I was actually accepted to UChicago before I officially left the military. If I was going to leave the military to pursue a degree, it needed to be a top-tier, challenging environment with reputable STEM programs. After I got my congratulatory welcome email from the University, the choice between a new phase of intellectual and personal growth with UChicago or staying in the military was an easy one.

How have your past experiences influenced your academic and career interests?

For my part, the military was a very competitive, very stressful environment, but the rewards for mastering the stress and competition were many. I'm sure plenty of students would use the same words to describe their own experiences at the University! What the military lacked, however, was a broad, coherent set of intellectual and professional challenges. After leaving, I made sure that my studies, my hobbies, and my professional avocations were all reflective of an intellect and breadth that the military simply cannot offer. I think the confidence and maturity bred by a decade in the military helped me filter a host of academic and professional options down to the ones where I was most apt to both excel and be happy.

What RSOs or other programs at UChicago were you a part of?

I was active in The Blue Chips for several years, and I participated in the co-curricular Financial Markets program offered to undergraduates.

What advice would you give to future Veteran Scholars?

First, we're very lucky to be here, and we're very lucky to have been accepted. Show your gratitude for this opportunity by honestly and intentionally pursuing your next phase of life. Second, there are unique challenges to being an older student: my wife and my son have been incredibly patient and supportive over these past four years as homework, RSOs, academic requirements, problem sets, long papers, group projects, and the general background frenzy induced by a nine-week quarter were a constant challenge to my work-life balance. I could not have made it through this without their help. All said, life here is much easier with the aid and support of others. Lastly, I could not have made it through without the company, help, and optimism of so many undergraduate friends! Thank you all.

After graduation, what are your future plans?

I will be here in the Chicago area.

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