Former branch of service, rank, position and station:
Army, Captain, Communications Officer, Fort Richardson, Alaska

Why you decided to attend the Notre Dame MBA Program:
"The history, camaraderie, and spirit of the school is rooted in great faith and tradition; similar characteristics that drew me to my alma mater."

Advice:
"Do not be afraid to reach out and talk to people who have been in your shoes."

Former branch of service, rank, position and station:
Army, Captain, Infantry Platoon Leader, Infantry Company XO, Fort Richardson, AK

Why you decided to attend the Notre Dame MBA Program:
"I chose Notre Dame because of the tight knit community here that resembles the military. The Notre Dame network is second only to the military network."

Advice:
"Contact military members at the schools that interest you. Use the military network to gain a better understanding of the different business schools. There are a lot of military personnel at all of the top schools. More often than not, they will give you an honest assessment of the school and give you the strengths and weaknesses of the school."

Why you decided to attend the Notre Dame MBA Program:
"I was originally attracted to Notre Dame because of the balance they struck in incorporating faith, service, and academics into the educational experience. More specifically I chose the Notre Dame MBA program because of the people and the opportunities Notre Dame provides. We have a small class of approximately 140 students and I have been able to interact with everyone. Notre Dame gives me the best opportunity to prepare for the business world by solving problems. Case competitions, study abroad opportunities, and in class discussion with professors and students who push me beyond my limits give me the best chance to broaden my perspective in this ever changing business world."

Your advice to those military personnel considering an MBA:
"Find an MBA program and concentration that fits your personality. If you are choosing a school based on its ranking and nothing else, you are probably choosing it for the wrong reasons. I was immediately attracted to the Notre Dame family. From before I was accepted into the program the Notre Dame program made me feel at home. That bond has become stronger since school started and it will not end when I graduate."

Why you decided to attend the Notre Dame MBA Program:
"The primary reasons for my decision to get my MBA were to develop business skills that I hadn't acquired through my background in the Marine Corps or my undergraduate experience (BS in Economics) and to learn how best to modify the skills I did acquire in the military to fit civilian industry. With its renowned academic reputation and its closely knit student body and alumni (that fostered the type of camaraderie I had grown accustomed to in the military), I decided that Notre Dame was my perfect fit. Notre Dame also offers a substantially higher Yellow Ribbon Program scholarship and number of scholarships awarded than I had found at other top rated schools."

Your advice to those military personnel considering an MBA:
"I would recommend making the trip to visit the Notre Dame campus and compare it to other schools you visit. I found that the school had an atmosphere and the student body had a kind of camaraderie that can't be adequately captured in words."

Why ND:
" I was looking for a program that fostered a values-based culture, emphasized a team environment, and understood the value of military experience. Notre Dame has a long tradition of all three. Brian Lohr, the admissions staff, professors, and students that I spoke to embodied that tradition. I knew very early on that it was the place for me. I did not hesitate to commit upon being accepted to the program."

Advice:
"An MBA combined with your military experience will be very valuable when competing for a job. It will get you noticed. Also, take the initiative to visit the school and talk with the students, especially those that have been where you are. Transitioning takes time, but is easier if you find a program that fits your values and goals. As a member of the armed forces, you are part of a life-long community with shared values and experiences. Notre Dame's alumni network has those same qualities."

Why you decided to attend the Notre Dame MBA Program:
"Great program, great people, emphasis on leadership and ethical decision-making."

Your advice to those military personnel considering an MBA:
"Talk to current students or recent graduates of the program.  It is the absolute best insight into the program and whether it's a good fit for you."

Why I Decided to Attend the Notre Dame MBA Program: 
"I chose ND not only because of its core values but also for where the graduate school is going. The smaller class size allows for Notre Dame to constantly evaluate its marketability within the work place for its graduates, and I think the admissions staff is doing an excellent job at recruiting impressive peers for me to study with."

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."

Why I Decided to Attend the Notre Dame MBA Program: 
"Besides the great faculty, staff and current students that are committed to helping veterans succeed... Have you ever been to a place that just felt right? I visited many different schools prior to choosing ND. This is a truly special place and it is a university that is committed to service and having an opinion that counts in society. I came to ND because I wanted to make a difference in the world. Go Irish!"

Advice for military personnel considering an MBA:
"First, I encourage you to visit ND as soon as you can. It is important to do this early in the application process so you can develop a good relationship with the MBA program. Talk to as many veterans in the program as you can and you will see that this university values the contributions that veterans make in MBA classrooms."

Why I Decided to Attend the Notre Dame MBA Program: 
"My decision to attend Notre Dame was a natural career step for me, building upon the leadership opportunities I had received in the Air Force.  I knew I wanted to pursue an MBA, and the unparalleled support and interest I received from the University for my military experience made my decision easy."

Advice for military personnel considering an MBA:
"My decision to attend Notre Dame was a natural career step for me, building upon the leadership opportunities I had received in the Air Force.  I knew I wanted to pursue an MBA, and the unparalleled support and interest I received from the University for my military experience made my decision easy."

Why I Decided to Attend the Notre Dame MBA Program: 
"Notre Dame’s active outreach to veterans and its celebration of its long standing relationship with the military were major factors which convinced me to pick the university for his MBA studies. Additionally, Notre Dame is a participant in the Department of Veterans Affairs 'Yellow Ribbon Program'."

Advice for military personnel considering an MBA:
"My advice for military veterans for selecting MBA programs is to make sure that the program they chose understands and appreciates their unique skills and experiences."

Why I Decided to Attend the Notre Dame MBA Program: 
"The University of Notre Dame MBA program was the only choice for me, for a few reasons. First, Notre Dame's values are aligned well with the Marine Corps core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Second, the history and traditions of Notre Dame are taught with the same passion as the history and traditions of the Marine Corps. Third, there is a loyalty and dedication to Notre Dame that parallels that of the Corps. While I was in boot camp, a drill instructor was trying to explain the esprit de corps and aura of the Marine Corps. As I sat there listening intently, the drill instructor paused and said "The only way I can describe the Marine Corps to you is to tell you that it is like Notre Dame." I have never forgotten that statement, and it has proven to be true. The feeling I got when I was admitted to this program was very similar to what I felt on the day I became a Marine."

Advice for military personnel considering an MBA:
"I have two pieces of advice for military personnel considering an MBA. First, focus on your direct and indirect leadership skills. As a member of the military, you have had leadership opportunities that will help you stand out above the crowd. Use this to your advantage both during the admissions process and the time you are enrolled in the program. Second, spend time before the application process clarifying your speaking and writing skills so that you can become an effective communicator. It is important to remember that your classmates and potential hiring managers may not understand the specific details of your military experience. Learn how to translate that work experience to the civilian world and articulate what unique value you bring to the table. Getting an MBA is a serious commitment, but your military background has prepared you well for the challenge. I wish you the best of luck during your research and application process. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. Go Irish!"

Why I Decided to Attend the Notre Dame MBA Program: 
"Notre Dame is different from many other programs I looked at. The program prominently stresses the core values of integrity and community service throughout its curriculum, rather than just one or two classes. As such, ND is unique in that in addition to building a great foundation of business skills, ND continues to develop you as a person. I know that with a background of leadership from the Army and an MBA from ND I will be well positioned to find a job."

Advice for military personnel considering an MBA:
"For any school you apply for, prepare for the business school interview as you would for a job. Make a good first impression with the interviewer and the rest of the interview will run smoothly."

Former branch of service, rank, position and station:
Marine Corps, Infantry, Captain, 22 MEU Training Officer/Security Platoon Officer, Executive Officer, Platoon Commander
Camp Lejeune, NC

Why I Decided to Attend the Notre Dame MBA Program: 
"Having gone to Notre Dame as a undergrad, I knew that the quality of education and values that Notre Dame provided was going to be first-rate. Since everything I had learned as an undergrad had prepared me so well for combat and the Marine Corps, it was only logical for me to assume that a ND MBA was going to provide me with all the tools I needed to be successful in business. The students, staff, and professors are all exceptional and have done nothing short of promote the highest standards, values, and professionalism. "

Advice for military personnel considering an MBA:
"You are going to be unmatched in your leadership experience. Your peers are not going to have been given the opportunities and responsibilities that you carried out during your Military Career. That said, realize that you are also not going to have the business experience that your peers had. The best piece of advice i can give you is to feed off of your deficiencies. While you help your classmates with leadership and management principles, take every opportunity to learn from them and soak up as much of their business acumen as you can get. "