This blog post offers different strategies for a military-friendly MBA. It includes tips on how to choose the right school and gain admission, advice on what to study in order to make your application shine, and an interview with a ranking executive of an MBA admissions consulting firm.
What are the best MBA schools for a military career?
Military members often face unique career challenges that can be best addressed by an MBA. Some of the top schools for a military-friendly career include the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Academy. Each school offers a unique educational experience that can help you succeed in a civilian career as well as a military one.
At West Point, for example, you’ll gain skills in leadership and strategy development that are essential for any career in the military or business world. You’ll also learn how to think outside the box and problem solve in high-pressure environments.
Naval Academy students learn about naval operations, logistics, engineering, and other core skills necessary for successful careers in naval service or business. In addition to an MBA, you’ll receive training in ethics, leadership and management principles, and maritime law enforcement techniques.
Air Force Academy students learn about both traditional air force objectives and unconventional warfare tactics necessary for careers in the modern military or business world. You’ll also receive training in financial management, marketing, human resources management, information technology systems administration, strategic planning, and more.
Tips to get accepted into an MBA program
If you are looking to pursue an MBA program, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Below are five tips to help get accepted into an MBA program:
1. Do your research. MBA programs are competitive and many schools have limited enrollment. Make sure you consider the schools that interest you and research their admissions requirements.
2. Be prepared to submit supplemental materials (if requested). Many schools request letters of recommendation, transcripts, GMAT scores and other items. Make sure you have everything ready to go when you apply.
3. Put yourself out there. Network with people who work in the industries you hope to enter after graduation and attend career fairs and other events that might be relevant to your interests. Ask about scholarship opportunities as well.
4. Take the GMAT exam if offered. Many MBA programs require applicants to take the GMAT exam as part of the admissions process. The GMAT is a difficult test but it can help you stand out from a pool of applicants.
5. Be flexible with your timeline for applying and attending interviews (if invited). Some programs require applications be submitted by a certain date, while others do not require an interview until later in the process. Work towards making a timeline that works best for you and stick to it!
The benefits of being in a military friendly MBA environment
There are a number of benefits to being in an MBA program that is military-friendly. First and foremost, many jobs in the private sector require an MBA, so having a degree from a school that welcomes military students is a major advantage. Additionally, many MBA programs have partnerships with businesses and organizations within the military community, which allows students to gain real-world experience while still enrolled in school. Finally, many military veterans find that attending an MBA program provides them with skills and knowledge that they can use immediately upon leaving the military.
Benefits of working with other veterans
Veterans make great employees because they have the experience and knowledge to handle difficult situations. MBA programs are designed to train future leaders, so veterans can benefit from unique insights into how business works. Additionally, many schools offer military discounts for students who are currently serving or have served in the armed forces.
The benefits of working with other veterans go beyond just a strong team environment. Veterans often know what it’s like to struggle and persevere, so they are well-equipped to deal with difficult situations on the job. For example, many veterans are familiar with leadership and management styles that are different from those found in civilian workplaces. This makes them ideal candidates for positions that require strong delegation and communication skills.
Moreover, veterans often possess a sense of duty and responsibility that is central to successful careers in business. They understand the importance of meeting deadlines and taking care of customers, which makes them well-suited for roles that involve customer service or sales. In fact, some studies have shown that veteran employees are more than twice as likely as non-veterans to be promoted within their first two years on the job1.
Working with other veterans can be an incredibly beneficial experience for both you and your career. If you are interested in pursuing a career in business, consider attending one of the top MBA programs listed below – all of which offer military discounts for current or former servicemen and women2:
Harvard Business School
Stanford Graduate School
Choosing a school that aligns with your career goals
If you’re looking to pursue a career in the military, it’s important to choose a school that aligns with your goals. Here are the five best MBA schools for military-friendly careers.
1. Brigham Young University – Provo, UT
Brigham Young University is well known for its religious affiliation, but this shouldn’t be a deterrent when choosing this school as a Military-Friendly MBA program. BYU offers an online program that can be completed entirely from home, and they have an excellent reputation for graduating successful entrepreneurs.
2. Northeastern University – Boston, MA
Northeastern is another top choice for those seeking a Military-Friendly MBA program. The university has one of the best business schools in the country and also offers many opportunities for extracurricular involvement such as service learning and study abroad programs.
3. George Washington University – Washington D.C., DC
George Washington University has been ranked consistently as one of the best schools in the country, and their Military-Friendly MBA program is no exception. GWU offers both an online program as well as a traditional on-campus option, and their graduates have gone on to successful careers in both the private sector and government organizations.
4. San Diego State University – San Diego, CA
San Diego StateUniversity is another top choice when it comes to Military-Friendly MBAs due to their focus on real world applications