Service, Strategy, and Success: The Veteran's Advantage in the UC Davis MBA

As a lieutenant in the U.S. Coast Guard, I didn't take the decision to pursue an MBA lightly. After serving for a decade and building a career I am deeply proud of, I wanted to find a way to expand my leadership skills and broaden my professional horizons. That’s when I set my sights on pursuing an MBA. UC Davis stood out to me from the beginning.

There are plenty of MBA programs nationwide, but UC Davis offers something special.

The first thing that drew me to the Graduate School of Management (GSM) was its supportive, tight-knit community.

Coming from a military background, where camaraderie and teamwork are essential, I wanted to find an environment that shared these values. UC Davis offers academic excellence and a community where collaboration, mutual respect, and mentorship are emphasized.

The School's commitment to veteran success was another major factor in my decision. I currently serve as the director of veterans success as a student ambassador, which allows me to support fellow veterans transitioning into civilian life while pursuing higher education.

UC Davis offers comprehensive support systems for veterans, including the Veterans Success Center, which fosters community and provides crucial resources like GI Bill assistance and networking opportunities

These resources give me the confidence that I will continue to thrive as I earn my MBA.

My Growth and Development

The UC Davis MBA program has been instrumental in shaping both my professional aspirations and personal growth.

The curriculum offers a perfect blend of academic rigor and real-world application. The diverse perspectives in the classroom expand my understanding of business strategies and leadership techniques, allowing me to bridge the gap between military leadership and corporate management.

One of the standout experiences for me has been the teamwork and collaboration that the program fosters.

Coming from a military background where team dynamics are everything, I immediately saw parallels in how the program encourages students to work together on complex projects.

This collaborative spirit is woven into the culture, from group assignments to the support I’ve received from faculty and fellow students.

Being a part of the GSM community pushes me to think more creatively and approach problem-solving innovatively.

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Powerful Hands-on Learning Opportunities

One of the most impactful learning experiences in the UC Davis MBA program was in the Managing for Operational Excellence course. This course, particularly the final project, involved my team working with a local firm that is a global leader in healthcare diagnostics.

For this project, we analyzed the firm’s operational processes through continuous improvement principles, from raw materials procurement to final product packaging.

Based on our findings, we recommended specific operational changes, such as expanding the filling room capacity and automating parts of the solution preparation process to reduce idle time and manual errors.

This hands-on project allowed me to apply the operational strategies I learned in class to a real-world scenario, refining my problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. The experience underscored the importance of lean operations and how effective operational management can drive efficiency and innovation.

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Looking Ahead and Reflecting on Veterans Day

As I begin my second and final year of the MBA program at UC Davis, I reflect on the journey that brought me here and the path ahead.

The MBA program has provided me with tools to enhance my effectiveness, foresight, and strategic decision-making and leadership, already my work in the U.S. Coast Guard.

I’m eager to integrate the business acumen into leading teams and tackling challenges.

This reflection feels particularly meaningful as Veterans Day approaches. My time in the military has deeply influenced my personal and professional growth, and UC Davis has allowed me to build on those experiences in new ways.

The values of service, leadership, and teamwork I’ve carried throughout my career are echoed in the UC Davis MBA program, making it an ideal environment to further my education.

For veterans considering an MBA, UC Davis offers a supportive community that encourages academic and personal development. Pursuing this degree has allowed me to challenge myself and prepare for the next chapter of my career.

I’m proud to reflect on the road that led me here this Veterans Day and excited for the future that awaits.