Why did you pursue an MBA after the military?

“I chose to pursue my MBA after the military because I wanted to ensure I had the tools and the qualifications necessary to pursue my new career and would not run into a ceiling as a result of not having a master’s degree or an MBA. I originally looked into using one of the many junior military officer recruiting firms. However, I quickly realized that the price of being rapidly placed into an open role with many companies came at the price of not being academically qualified for the career progression I wanted. I confirmed this by connecting with friends and colleagues that had also transitioned from military to civilian employment. Many confirmed what I realized, and expressed that they wished they had pursued their MBA before joining the civilian workforce.

Also, pursuing my MBA through a full-time program provided me the time and environment that helped me psychologically and emotionally make the transition from military to civilian life. I had been wearing the uniform for 8 years as an Army officer, and 4 years as a West Point cadet. It was the only thing I had known since I was 18 years old. Having two years to connect with my classmates in the classroom environment and to further explore life working with a major corporation through my internship was invaluable. I know many individuals who struggled to make the transition from military to civilian life, and I wanted to prepare myself as much as I could to avoid struggling in the same way.”

Why did you choose MSU’s MBA specifically?

“For me one of the most important things I was looking for in an MBA program was ensuring it was the right fit for myself, and my family, and provided a good support structure. The military culture and communities always provided that for us as we were trying to settle into a new unit and a new base. Broad and MSU provided that for us as well. For me it provided an outstanding academic experience for what I learned with great facilities and faculty, as well as a strong veteran’s presence within the program and on campus. For my family, we really enjoyed the supporting and accepting Lansing community and the Spartans Spouses and Significant Others organization (now called Spartners) within the Broad MBA program. In fact, in my second year, my wife and I were the co-leads for the organization.

In addition, knowing that I had limited civilian work experience, I wanted a program that would allow me as much access to my professors, and the program staff, as I could get. The class size of the Broad MBA program helped ensure I had that access. Additionally, the class size allowed me to get to know every classmate in my year group, as well as the other year group in the program. As important as the classroom instruction was for giving me the tools I’ve needed since graduating, I think what I learned from my classmates was just as important. I owe it to everyone for helping me grow into who I am now, and I’m sure I would not be as successful as I have been these past few years without what I learned both in and out of the classroom at Broad.

On the family side, I entered the program with a spouse who worked full-time as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a two-year-old daughter, and two Golden Retrievers. The support my family and I received really made the difference for ensuring the two years I was in the program was successful for all of us. The program staff helped me get the most out of my academic classes, but also helped me realize how to avoid overextending myself. The Broad Veteran’s Association combined with the MSU Veteran’s Affairs Office helped me know how to ensure I had no issues using my GI Bill. Additionally, the S3 organization, Broad MBA Veterans (BMBAV) organization, and local community were fantastic resources for my wife and daughter.

Overall, the Full-Time Broad MBA program was the best choice I think I could have made to not just set up myself for success, but also the success of my family as well. I’m proud to be a Spartan!”

MBA Grad Year: 2017

Military Service: U.S. Army

Undergraduate University: U.S. Military Academy at West Point