When I decided to hang up my Army uniform after eight years as an engineer officer, I knew I was stepping into unfamiliar territory. I went from jumping out of planes in the 82nd Airborne Division and leading soldiers to sitting in a classroom surrounded by people whose backgrounds were completely different from mine. It was both exciting and intimidating.
Transitioning from the military to civilian life isn’t easy. The Army gave me structure, purpose, and a tight-knit community, all things I knew I’d miss. When I began looking at business schools, I wanted to find a place that mirrored that same sense of camaraderie and shared mission. Fuqua stood out immediately. From my first conversations with students and faculty, it felt like home.
I’ve always thrived in team environments. I grew up an athlete and spent my professional life leading teams in high-pressure situations. The idea of “Team Fuqua” wasn’t just a catchy phrase; it was a culture I instantly connected with. From my first visit, I could see that everyone genuinely cares about lifting each other up and growing together, and that resonated deeply with me.
Orientation was my first real taste of that culture, and honestly, it was a bit of a shock at first. I remember thinking, “Am I at summer camp?” There were cheers, icebreakers, and team-building exercises, a far cry from the structured formations of the Army. But before long, I found myself completely immersed. Just like I once “drank the Kool-Aid” in the Army, I bought into the Fuqua way, and I haven’t looked back since.
What’s impressed me most so far are my classmates. They come from every industry imaginable, consulting, tech, health care, nonprofits, and each brings a unique perspective that challenges me to think differently. I’m constantly learning from them, whether it’s during a case discussion in class or while grabbing coffee on a break.
Another reason Duke was such a natural fit for me is its deep connection to sports. I’ve always been passionate about athletics, and the chance to work with Duke Athletics while exploring a future career in sports or sport-adjacent industries was a huge draw. Being on campus surrounded by that level of energy, from Cameron Indoor Stadium to the student section at Wallace Wade, makes every day exciting.
Looking back, the transition from the Army to business school has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I came to Fuqua searching for a new team and a new mission. What I found was a community that pushes me, supports me, and reminds me daily why I chose Duke.
The post From Service to School: Why I Chose an MBA After the Army appeared first on Duke Daytime MBA Student Blog.
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The Veteran Transition
Transitioning from the military to civilian life isn’t easy. The Army gave me structure, purpose, and a tight-knit community, all things I knew I’d miss. When I began looking at business schools, I wanted to find a place that mirrored that same sense of camaraderie and shared mission. Fuqua stood out immediately. From my first conversations with students and faculty, it felt like home.
I’ve always thrived in team environments. I grew up an athlete and spent my professional life leading teams in high-pressure situations. The idea of “Team Fuqua” wasn’t just a catchy phrase; it was a culture I instantly connected with. From my first visit, I could see that everyone genuinely cares about lifting each other up and growing together, and that resonated deeply with me.
Orientation was my first real taste of that culture, and honestly, it was a bit of a shock at first. I remember thinking, “Am I at summer camp?” There were cheers, icebreakers, and team-building exercises, a far cry from the structured formations of the Army. But before long, I found myself completely immersed. Just like I once “drank the Kool-Aid” in the Army, I bought into the Fuqua way, and I haven’t looked back since.
Immersing Myself in Team Fuqua
What’s impressed me most so far are my classmates. They come from every industry imaginable, consulting, tech, health care, nonprofits, and each brings a unique perspective that challenges me to think differently. I’m constantly learning from them, whether it’s during a case discussion in class or while grabbing coffee on a break.
Another reason Duke was such a natural fit for me is its deep connection to sports. I’ve always been passionate about athletics, and the chance to work with Duke Athletics while exploring a future career in sports or sport-adjacent industries was a huge draw. Being on campus surrounded by that level of energy, from Cameron Indoor Stadium to the student section at Wallace Wade, makes every day exciting.
Looking back, the transition from the Army to business school has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I came to Fuqua searching for a new team and a new mission. What I found was a community that pushes me, supports me, and reminds me daily why I chose Duke.
The post From Service to School: Why I Chose an MBA After the Army appeared first on Duke Daytime MBA Student Blog.
More...
How does this impact your International MBA decision?
I'd be glad to learn your thoughts on this story : From Service to School: Why I Chose an MBA After the Army