Transitioning from military service to the civilian business world can feel like navigating uncharted territory. For veterans, the question isn’t just about finding a new career, but also about leveraging their unique skills and experiences in a corporate environment. One common path for veterans seeking this transition is pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA). But a critical question remains: do employers actually care about MBA programs, and what tangible skills are acquired that make veterans competitive in the eyes of hiring managers? This was a question I, Makena Timmins, grappled with during my own transition from a U.S. Army officer to a business consultant. My journey, culminating in an MBA from Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and a role at Bain & Company, offers a firsthand perspective on the value employers place on MBA programs and the skills veterans gain through them.
My decision to leave the Army in 2017, after years as an artillery battery commander in Alaska, was driven by a desire for a lifestyle change and a new professional challenge. Like many veterans, I faced the “sunk cost” dilemma – hesitant to leave behind a career I had invested so much in. I also questioned whether my military skillset would translate to a civilian resume and lacked a professional network outside the military. Exploring graduate programs, particularly MBA programs marketed as “veteran-friendly,” became a pivotal step.
Attending Tuck’s Military Visit Day in 2017 was a turning point. Hearing Tuck Veterans Club members share their reasons for choosing Tuck resonated deeply with my own aspirations. The Tuck Career Services presentation illuminated the vast professional opportunities an MBA could unlock. The accessibility and support offered by Tuck veterans during the application process further solidified my decision. Receiving my acceptance call from Kristen Roth on a cold Alaskan morning remains a cherished memory, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Leaving the Army three months later, I was eager to immerse myself in the Tuck MBA experience.
“The best decision I ever made in my life was to serve in the US Army. A very close second was to leave the Army after eight years to attend Tuck.”
Arriving at Tuck in 2018, I was immediately struck by the diverse, supportive, and talented community. Classmates from varied backgrounds became invaluable resources, encouraging me through challenging academics, competitive job recruiting, and the nuances of civilian life. Tuck professors proved exceptional, readily offering guidance on complex topics, from finance to local insights. The MBA program fostered an extensive professional network through peers and alumni, forging lasting friendships and connections.
Reflecting on my transformative Tuck experience from my current role at Bain & Company in Dallas, TX, the impact of those two years is undeniable. Beyond rediscovering myself outside the military uniform, the MBA equipped me with essential business skills for post-military success. Today, as a consultant at Bain, I daily leverage the team problem-solving skills honed in the Army, combined with the business acumen and refined leadership techniques cultivated through Tuck’s rigorous curriculum. While my military service recedes into the past, my gratitude for that experience and for my Tuck MBA grows stronger. Tuck’s unwavering support throughout my transition from soldier to business leader makes it, in my view, the premier choice for veterans seeking an immersive MBA program. For veterans contemplating their post-military careers, exploring Tuck’s offerings is a highly recommended first step towards building a successful future in the business world, demonstrating definitively that employers do care about MBA programs, especially when those programs equip individuals with the skills and networks to excel in demanding roles.
