By Matt Beer
When I arrived at Washington State University in 2018, I quickly realized creating spaces to have in-depth conversations and build lasting partners would be key pillars to success for military-affiliated students in the Carson College of Business’s Online MBA program.
Since that time, 658 military-affiliated students have joined the WSU community to pursue their online MBA. While these student veterans bring a tremendous amount of life experience, resilience, and leadership cultivated during their military service, many also face unique challenges as they prepare for civilian careers.
According to assessments completed by students beginning their MBA, 25 percent of veterans leaving service lack a clear plan for their post-military career, and 45 percent say they don’t have a professional mentor. The common thread is a desire for business insight and professional opportunity through the WSU community.
That community includes more than 500,000 veterans who live, work, and study in Washington state. WSU’s veteran alums and community partners continue to serve as a rich resource for mentorship and employment connections with our students. For veterans who are transitioning to civilian careers, these connections and conversations build both trust and confidence that they’re headed in the right direction.
Veteran mentors from multiple industries offer insights
Holly Connley, a career consultant for online MBA students, works closely with veterans preparing for career transition.
“Moving from a military to a civilian role is like moving to a new country—from the language you speak, the clothes you wear, and the new cultural norms you must learn,” Connley says. “And while I can help veterans articulate their story to a civilian audience, the mentorship of a seasoned veteran can help these students tremendously as they explore and navigate new career opportunities.”
This year, the Carson Veterans’ program, a component of the Online MBA that supports military-affiliated students, hosted a monthly Lunch and Learn mentorship series featuring veterans and experts from consulting, digital communications, aerospace, and financial industries.
WSU alum and Boeing executive Craig Bomben (’85 Elec. Eng.) kicked off the series. Bomben reflected on the leadership he exercised as a career officer in the US Navy and the new leadership skills he’s had to develop for his current role as vice president of flight operations and enterprise chief pilot. He shared his struggles transitioning to the corporate world, its different forms of communication and culture, and the need to continue evolving as a leader.
“It’s different,” he says, “And like one of my favorite books says, ‘What got you here won’t get you there!’”
Carson Veterans were also joined by Cisco strategy leader Brian Lewis (’15 EMBA). Lewis discussed his journey from Marine officer to Cisco’s Transformation Office and how he perfected the art of the informational interview along the way.
“Take advantage of your status as a student to reach out, do your research, and stay in touch,” he says. “You aren’t just looking for connections; these are long-term relationships you’re building.”
First Command’s Johnathan McKinney (’20 MBA) offered student veterans in-depth insight on product management during his mentoring session. McKinney’s military experience found him leading teams, receiving tough feedback, and managing highly technical programs. He blended this experience with a growing passion for technical innovations and his MBA to venture into product management.
“To be a successful product manager, you have to be an independent operator who embraces data and is open to honest feedback from your biggest critics,” he says.
Our mission creates opportunities
The Carson College Online MBA program remains committed to its unique connection to veterans and has its sights firmly focused on strengthening industry connections for the future.
In addition to offering industry events like the Lunch and Learn series, the Carson Veterans’ program is supported by dedicated veteran staff, like me, who understand the challenges veterans face, because we’ve faced them too. Compassionate faculty members will work with veterans to help them balance course work and military commitments.
One-on-one career consulting sessions, reduced tuition, and a waived application fee are just a few examples of the college’s enduring commitment to military-affiliated students that separates us from other schools.
Student success is our priority. To learn more about how you can help support the Carson Online MBA and Carson Veterans’ programs, contact Matt Beer at matthew.beer@wsu.edu.
