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."

Why ND:
I'm working in an area that can have a significant positive impact on the cost of healthcare for individuals, employers, health insurance companies, and our government - directly addressing the affordability and rising costs of healthcare. There is a greater purpose behind the work that I do. I'm focused on the company's bottom-line and am fortunate the bottom-line focus is aligned with making progress towards an important issue in our country right now.

Responsibility:
Currently a training program, but will be an associate on a trading desk in the fixed income area for UBS. Client-facing role, providing sell-side broker/dealer relationship for investment firms.

Why ND:
I am convinced now more than ever that Notre Dame was the right choice for me for MBA school. ND provided a solid education, and good access to future employers, but more importantly, the school cared about ME. The network of military alumni was strong, and those of us in school together not only knew each other, but were all able to be involved with the administration in making the school an attractive place for former and current military to get a degree. The small classes meant you had personal attention whenever you needed it, and that you had the ability to influence and change the program when you wanted to. The Business on the Frontlines course which I took part in is the only course of its kind I know of, and something I feel privileged to have been a part of. ND is a special place, where somehow the same brotherhood you feel in the service can be found in your classmates.

Keith Flatley
Ernst and Young
kflatley@alumni.nd.edu

Responsibility:
Senior Consultant - Finance Specialization

Why ND:
Notre Dame plugs you immediately into a huge alumni network.

Responsibility:
In my first assignment in a two-year rotational leadership development program. Currently I am part of the Government Relations, US Stimulus Support Team, Operations, aligned to Enterprise Solutions. My team and I are tasked with supporting the larger GE effort to make government a larger customer.

Why ND:
ND’s MBA structure emphasized teamwork as well as individual accomplishment which has allowed me to more easily integrate into the workforce.