Departing Sachem Village on May 1, 2020 will forever be etched in my memory. My family’s abrupt departure amid the COVID-19 pandemic marked the end of an amazing chapter in our lives. In the time I have had to reflect since, I realized that what made leaving Tuck so difficult would have been the same regardless of the circumstances. All Tuckies fondly remember their experience in the Upper Valley. If I were to offer my thoughts as to why, I would argue that Tuck provides an unparalleled learning experience coupled with a quality of life found nowhere else.
Learning Experience. The first-year core curriculum took the guesswork out of deciding what knowledge and skills I needed to develop as I transitioned from the military. It allowed me to dedicate precious time to recruiting and building relationships with my classmates. The strong foundation of business fundamentals taught in the core ensured that I could excel during my summer internship and prepare for a more individualized second-year course load. By maintaining a small class size, Tuck allowed me to explore multiple leadership and professional interests outside of the classroom. In a setting free from many distractions, Tuck encouraged purposeful reflection, which formed the habits that have continued to foster my personal development.
Quality of Life. Tuck aligned perfectly with the strong culture and close-knit community that I experienced in the military. Teamwork is at the core of the military, and I found that it was at the heart of Tuck. Students unfailingly offer support to one another whether it be with coursework or recruiting preparation. For me, a key differentiator of Tuck was how that strong sense of community and support extended to Tuck Partners and Tiny Tuckies. My family joined in the MBA experience and benefited from building lifelong friendships and lasting memories. Lastly, the scenic outdoors that surround Tuck served as the perfect backdrop and escape from the challenges of business school. The ease of going on a quick hike on the trails behind Sachem Village or going skiing at the Dartmouth Skiway after class are simple but significant benefits that added to my quality of life as an MBA student.
A two-year MBA is an excellent way to smooth your transition and build upon the strengths of your military experience. As you prepare to take the next step in your professional journey, here is some advice:
Do your research. Know why you want to pursue an MBA and what differentiates each school.
Network with veteran clubs. Current students, especially veterans, are invaluable resources who want to support you on your path to an MBA.
Prioritize fit. After narrowing your list of schools, pick one where you know you’ll thrive. I often say, “choose the right school for the right reasons, and only you (and your family) can make that decision.” Of course, I believe the right choice is Tuck!
Learn More about How Tuck Supports Military Veterans
Brent Quimby T’20 grew up in Upstate New York and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2009 (BS). He spent eight years in the Marine Corps as an artillery officer. Brent deployed to East Asia and Afghanistan, and he also completed additional assignments in the UAE, Jordan, and Kuwait. After graduating from Tuck, he joined Deloitte as a management consultant.
Create a profile to learn more about Tuck and receive news and updates
