Brian T. Lohr
Director of MBA Admissions
University of Notre Dame
Brian.Lohr.1@nd.edu 

Jason Frei served as a Marine during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Currently, Jason is a Business Strategy Analyst for the Naval Integrated Logistics Department at the Boeing Company.

Former branch of service, rank, position and station:
Major, United States Marine Corps (Retired) - 0802 Field Artillery

Why I Decided to Attend the Notre Dame MBA Program: "I joined the military out of a sense of duty and a feeling that I had a responsibility to give something back to our country. I decided to attend the U.S. Naval Academy and to serve in the Marines because of their strong esprit and their deep sense of purpose. These were the same things that led me to Notre Dame. I wanted to attend a program that offered more than an academic education. I wanted to attend an MBA program that had a higher sense of purpose and the same strong sense of family I had experienced in my time in the military. The Mendoza program met those expectations."

Advice for military personnel considering an MBA: "First, get an MBA!  Having a military background is great, but you will be competing in the civilian world with sharp, competitive people who have several years of relevant business experience.  An MBA really levels the field.  Second, find a program where you feel comfortable and that matches your values. Transitioning from military to civilian life has enough challenges without adding extras from a program that does not understand veterans. Third, network. You will be surprised by the people who will answer your calls because of your service. Find both high level contacts who have been in industry for a while, and recent grads who can share their experiences finding a job and entering a new company."

Currently an Enterprise Business Architect at USAA in San Antonio, Mark served as a field artillery officer in various duty stations throughout the United States and Europe.

Former branch of service, rank, position and station:
US Army, Field Artillery Officer, Captain, Various stations in the U.S. & Germany.

Why I Decided to Attend the Notre Dame MBA Program: "Three main reasons: (1) The deliberate combination of ethical leadership within business context provided a distinctly valuable environment, curriculum and peer group. It was important to be in a diverse environment where people were aligned with Thought, Action, and Values Leadership. (2) Notre Dame's dedication to community service was equally valuable and distinctive. It's understanding we're all part of something bigger, and that your contributions as an individual aren't confined to what you do in the world of business. (3) Where you are from is as much a statement of who you are or what you know. Notre Dame has an incredible global network, but I also knew that my background and education would be the primary framework to describe how I want to work, learn and lead."

Advice for military personnel considering an MBA: "Develop general business acumen. You can lead anywhere, in any industry. There will be time to specialize later. Even if you have a driving, relentless passion for a specific industry, function, etc., broaden your experience. It's all about making informed decisions."

Anita Allen is originally from Star City, IN and graduated from the United States Military Academy.

Former branch of service, rank, position and station:
Captain, U.S. Army Assistant Training Officer- 10th Combat Support Hospital, Athlete and Officer in Charge- Army World Class Athlete Program, Fort Carson, Colorado

Why you decided to attend the Notre Dame MBA Program: "Notre Dame has a long history of not only supporting, but more importantly developing men and women in uniform. The University recognizes the breadth of experience a military career provides an individual and draws upon these varied skills in the classroom. Conversely, your classmates have a great deal of experience as well and force you to think out-of-the-box when problem solving. The mutual respect you have for one another fosters trust and greatly enhances the learning environment."

Your advice to those military personnel considering an MBA: "Not all programs emphasize personal and professional values like Notre Dame. I encourage you to take a pointed look at the role of values in and out of the classroom. Talk to alumni, current students, and professors about the ethical culture of their school. It’s an aspect that doesn’t just play a role while you’re in school; it stays with you for life."

Mike Burns is originally from San Antonio, TX and graduated from the United States Military Academy.

Former branch of service, rank, position and station:
Army Aviation, CPT, Commander, 16th Cavalry Regiment, Fort Knox, KY

Why you decided to attend the Notre Dame MBA Program: "ND, West Point, and the Army have the same core values and ethics."

Your advice to those military personnel considering an MBA: "Culture is just as important in an MBA program as it is in the service. Do not choose a culture that you feel uncomfortable in just because of name recognition."

Heather Burns is originally from Boonsboro, MD and graduated from The Pennsylvania State University.

Former branch of service, rank, position and station:
U.S. Army, CPT, UH-60 BLACKHAWK pilot, Fort Campbell, KY

Why you decided to attend the Notre Dame MBA Program: "I wanted to change careers and I thought business school would be a great way to do that.  After my first visit to Notre Dame, I was hooked. The administration at Notre Dame recognized my talents and experience and answered any and all questions I had prior to attending for the first semester. Additionally, there are a number of other veterans in my class, which helped make the transition from military to civilian life even easier. The alumni network at Notre Dame is unbeatable, and I believe I could not have the opportunities that I have had anywhere else."

Your advice to those military personnel considering an MBA: "An MBA is a great way to change careers. Unlike other advanced degrees, you do not have to have an undergraduate degree or work experience in the field to be successful." 

Keith Flately is originally from Elmhurst, IL and graduated from Marquette University.

Former branch of service, rank, position and station:
U.S. Army Captain, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY.

Why you decided to attend the Notre Dame MBA Program: "I needed to gain technical business knowledge. I had plenty of leadership experience but not much business experience. Employers pigeonholed me into sales and logistics roles. There was a natural break in my career, and I was in the right frame of mind to gather new perspectives. I chose ND because I felt they really wanted me to be a part of their program. How can you say no to ND? I felt my prior experience combined with the knowledge that I will gain here will allow me to outwork, outthink, and outperform graduates from other top programs."

Your advice to those military personnel considering an MBA: "Do your best on the GMAT. Don't think your combat time will get you into the best programs. Most top programs are ignorant of what is going on in the Middle East. I was a Ranger and one Big Ten school asked me at which National park I worked (not kidding!). Combat experiences allow you to handle the pressures of school. Realize you won't know what you don't know until you get there."

Drew Hill is originally from Philadelphia, PA and graduated from The United States Naval Academy.

Former branch of service, rank, position and station:
US Navy, Lieutenant, Congressional Liaison stationed in Washington, D.C. on Capitol Hill in the Rayburn House Office Building. Formerly served as an instructor at nuclear prototype in Saratoga Springs, NY and a submarine division officer on USS Maryland in Kings Bay, GA.

Why you decided to attend the Notre Dame MBA Program: "I chose Notre Dame after applying to and visiting several top tier MBA programs. Overall, the decision was a mix of finances, family history, alumni, and school fit. In the end, though, the overwhelming decision factor was school fit. Notre Dame offered a profile, which resembled many of my favorite aspects of the Naval Academy and the Navy – it was clearly an incredibly close group and the students and staff portrayed themselves as teammates. The support staff also went out of their way to help me familiarize myself with the school, and help my wife learn about the support functions here, the facilities, and the experience. In fact, the alumni network found her a job in town as a lawyer 5 months before we even got here, which was a huge benefit for us and spoke volumes about the school’s network. This all happened before I was even admitted to the school – which was the starkest difference from other top-level programs I considered, where I frequently had trouble talking to anyone beyond the front desk until after they accepted me."

Your advice to those military personnel considering an MBA: "My advice to military considering an MBA is to reach out, talk to current service alumni who are currently pursuing an MBA. We are represented at every major institution across the country, and are all happy to spend some time to share our experiences and point of view. The same service was extended to me and I found it really helpful. Additionally, visit the school. I can’t stress this enough. Numbers and ranks do carry some meaning, but in reality you do yourself a disservice if you have not spent the 2 days of vacation and airfare to see the campuses and classes of the schools you are interested in. Not only does it show your interest to the school, but the true character of the schools are revealed in person, not on paper. A couple school visits were the best cement to my decision."

Chris Ziener is originally from Chevy Chase, MD and graduated from Dickinson College.

Former branch of service, rank, position and station:
USMC, Sergeant, Platoon Sergeant and Vehicle Commander, 1st LAR BN, Camp Pendleton, CA

Why I Decided to Attend the Notre Dame MBA Program: "I was in the process of applying to 3 schools on the East Coast when I got a letter from Brian Lohr at Notre Dame suggesting that I take a look at the MBA program at Mendoza. I contacted the school with little knowledge of the program. After speaking with several members of the admissions staff I decided to apply. Soon thereafter I interviewed in San Diego with a Notre Dame MBA /Marine Corps Colonel (Reserve). The Colonel really sold me on the Notre Dame family, network, and tradition, something that I was familiar with in the Marine Corps. When the school accepted my application, I did not hesitate to enroll."

Advice for military personnel considering an MBA: After spending four years in the Marine Corps Infantry, I knew that I needed additional training to attain the type of position I wanted in the civilian world. Although I had my degree and had run a business before enlisting, I felt additional "real world" knowledge and skills could provide me with more opportunities to find a career in which I could excel. Four years and two tours in Iraq later, I also realized that taking a couple of years re-acquainting myself with the outside world has its benefits. Notre Dame is a great place with lots of caring people who want to help former military personnel achieve their goals.