Posted on Mar 30, 2018
Which branch sets you up the best for a future MBA?
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Hi all, I'm looking at the military as a possibility after I graduate from college. Currently I'm a junior at the University of Michigan studying economics with a minor in computer science. I was curious which branch has the best MBA preparation and/or develops skills that translate well to business.
MBA
OCS
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 10
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None,
I know this sounds brash, however, your goal should not be an MBA. Your goal should be to join and become a successful and servant leader. Make sure you look into ROTC otherwise you may have to go enlisted regardless of education level. We have helped many a young successful Soldier with a degree get into the officer "Green to Gold" program. Getting back to the original thought, the follow-on degree should not be your primary goal. Serving and being successful in whatever career field should be your goal. Also, understand you may not always get your first branch of choice. Often the Army or military will choose the branch you go into. Regardless of the branch, the skills you learn as an officer will be of a value seldom achieved anywhere else in the civilian world. Good luck in whatever future endeavors you choose.
I know this sounds brash, however, your goal should not be an MBA. Your goal should be to join and become a successful and servant leader. Make sure you look into ROTC otherwise you may have to go enlisted regardless of education level. We have helped many a young successful Soldier with a degree get into the officer "Green to Gold" program. Getting back to the original thought, the follow-on degree should not be your primary goal. Serving and being successful in whatever career field should be your goal. Also, understand you may not always get your first branch of choice. Often the Army or military will choose the branch you go into. Regardless of the branch, the skills you learn as an officer will be of a value seldom achieved anywhere else in the civilian world. Good luck in whatever future endeavors you choose.
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I don't believe that you are going to find a specific branch or even MOS for that matter that will do anything special for you in regards to preparing you for an MBA.
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The branches are basically immaterial. All provide opportunities to lead, which forms a base of relevant experience for pursuing an MBA. The functional areas are a more appropriate guide for development in business-related areas. Unfortunately, the MBA is often a prerequisite for moving into many of those functional areas.
The MBA curriculum doesn't assume you have a business-related background. They teach all of that from scratch. Given that you are coming in with an economics background, as well as a more quantitative foundation (from the CS curriculum), you will be just fine. Most programs draw students from all across the academic spectrum (math, sciences, liberal arts, business, etc.), so you will already be ahead of many of your peers. I would just focus on doing well on the job in whatever branch you pursue, and then prepare for doing well on the GMAT (or GRE, which many business schools also accept these days).
The MBA curriculum doesn't assume you have a business-related background. They teach all of that from scratch. Given that you are coming in with an economics background, as well as a more quantitative foundation (from the CS curriculum), you will be just fine. Most programs draw students from all across the academic spectrum (math, sciences, liberal arts, business, etc.), so you will already be ahead of many of your peers. I would just focus on doing well on the job in whatever branch you pursue, and then prepare for doing well on the GMAT (or GRE, which many business schools also accept these days).
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LTC Jason Mackay
Matthew Douglas I wish to build on my distinguished colleague, LTC Kevin B.'s Comment. When I did my MBA, I noticed that my counter parts had largely never been in charge of anything but themselves and three feet around themselves. I had commanded two Army companies (the second in combat) and led hundreds of people and subordinate leaders. What that did was bring to life decision making, interpersonal issues, motivating, and integrating those activities. I was also able to actively debunk so of the management guru hokum because I had practical experience. The debate between leadership and management.
I did specialize my MBA in Supply Chain Management. I happened to be an Army Logisitician. I was well suited to do that, but I also had no business academic preparation as my bachelors degree was in Civil Engineering.
Doing well on the GMAT is a critical entrance requirement, especially for an AASCB accredited program.
You may want to consider the following: if you enter the Military, it is not to posture for a graduate degree. When you enter you need to focus on your craft as a Soldier. focus on leadership and tactical/technical competence as a junior officer. While I was sent to complete an MBA, I was selected for the assignment because I had proven myself as an Officer that also had a GRE score on file.
I did specialize my MBA in Supply Chain Management. I happened to be an Army Logisitician. I was well suited to do that, but I also had no business academic preparation as my bachelors degree was in Civil Engineering.
Doing well on the GMAT is a critical entrance requirement, especially for an AASCB accredited program.
You may want to consider the following: if you enter the Military, it is not to posture for a graduate degree. When you enter you need to focus on your craft as a Soldier. focus on leadership and tactical/technical competence as a junior officer. While I was sent to complete an MBA, I was selected for the assignment because I had proven myself as an Officer that also had a GRE score on file.
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