How well an MBA can help military members transition to a civilian career? Does an MBA need to be from a "top 10" school?

It is important to know that many people seek a MBA with hopes of becoming a manager.  I received my MBA after completing a doctoral degree in computer science, MS in management information systems security, and managing a large portfolio as a senior program manager in the defense industry.  I think it depends on what you plan to do with that MBA.  For example, if your intention is to go into management consulting with a big firm then a top 10 school would be highly desirable.  If your intention is to go into a managerial role then seek a program that has AACSB International or ACBSP at the least.  Remember not all military occupations translate into careers even if you were an officer.  Also you may not need a MBA if you are seeking to be a specialist such as data analytics, software design, or systems engineering.  If you are seeking a MBA but yet are not an expert in your field find a dual masters program where you can complete a MBA and then another graduate degree in an additional 18 months or less.

Lt Col Fleshman - thanks for starting this discussion. I believe the MBA is the best graduate degree for transitioning from military to business in today's economy - and here is why:<div>(1) The largest relative weakness when a civilian recruiter sees a veteran is lack of financial understanding, and lack of overall business acumen, the MBA helps give credibility and help fill those two gaps (arguably in a better way than any other degree or program)</div><div>(2) Even the most connected veterans fall way short in terms of "network" with their civilian counterpart, while an MBA experience does not give access to everyone, it helps a lot versus relying on on friends from the military or other experiences</div><div>(3) Placement into a job and direct interactions with top companies and recruiters is a part of the MBA experience (for two years in most cases of US programs) this means time to fail is built in, and the veteran can learn and develop in many ways over the two years, and in almost all cases I know of land a job prior to graduation of shortly thereafter</div><div>(4) Two years to "re-tool" and "re-set" along with an internship to "learn and experience" are huge. Especially for today's veteran who often comes transitions right after a combat experience - it takes time to get into the swing of a completely new world, and the MBA experience gives an ideal setting for this transition</div><div><br></div><div>As to the "Top 10" question...I have no view. While many who attend the Top 10 programs would love to say they are the only way to go and have the best chance of landing a veteran in a great network and great post-MBA job, the facts are a bit more murky. My veteran mentors with the most success (by most worldly standards such as position and wealth) did not attend top 10 MBA programs, and at the same time I have veteran mentors who did well from top 10 MBA programs as well. I think it is entirely case-by-case dependent. If you want to succeed in the business world and are willing to work hard enough for long enough - as a veteran with some smarts you probably will do very well, and it probably matters very little what school you went to as long as you learned the skills.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>I am interested to hear the views of others - this is just one set of ideas from one set of experiences.</div>

This was a great discussion, Sir. I recently started my MBA in Project Management and this discussion has really helped in giving me some realistic expectations for what my degree will do for me outside of the military.