As Veterans Day approaches, student veterans and recent graduates reflect on how lessons from military service continue to guide their leadership and learning at Tuck.
The military taught me to lead with confidence but also to recognize when to step back, listen, and learn. At Tuck, I’ve leaned into that balance; knowing when to absorb the insights of classmates with deep business experience, and when to offer my own perspective on leadership and teamwork shaped by my Army background.
Tuck offers the same sense of camaraderie and shared purpose that you miss after the military, but in an environment that challenges you to grow in new ways. It’s a place where genuine connection truly fuels both personal and professional transformation.
My military experience taught me to lead with empathy and purpose, which has helped me build authentic relationships at Tuck. I approach every team project like a mission, listening first, aligning goals, and empowering others to succeed alongside me. The last part is key. We don’t succeed unless we all succeed. “We can’t be great without the greatness of others.”—Coach Nick Sirianni
Don’t underestimate how transferable your skills are. The teamwork, discipline, and resilience you’ve built will translate seamlessly at Tuck, where collaboration and trust are central to the experience.
My military experience has shaped the way I lead, learn, and connect at Tuck by teaching me the value of inclusion and shared purpose. The military, much like the Tuck community, brings together people from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to work toward a common goal. That experience instilled in me the importance of empathy and curiosity, constantly striving to understand things from others’ points of view because I know I have blind spots. It’s that same mindset that allows me to learn from my classmates and contribute meaningfully to the inclusive, team-oriented environment here.
Veterans leave the military with many valuable skills but often struggle to communicate or translate those experiences in a way that civilian employers or university admissions officers easily understand. Effectively marketing yourself is one of the biggest hurdles in the transition. If you’re pursuing an MBA, connect with as many veteran students and alumni as possible. They can help you present the best version of yourself, set realistic goals, and inform on which MBA program would best fit you
Serving in the Coast Guard taught me the importance of showing up for others and taking ownership of the mission we share. At Tuck, that commitment translates into being an active, supportive teammate (and neighbor), while contributing to the close-knit, uplifting community that makes this place unique.
Embrace the opportunity to re-define yourself, clarify your values, and explore opportunities with confidence. Your choice of MBA program will shape your network and, just as importantly, reflect who you are. I chose Tuck because it reflects the kinds of leader I aim to be: genuine, dependable, and committed to others' success.
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