From Military to MBA: 10 Years of Tuck Military Visit Day

Now in its tenth year, Military Visit Day (MVD) is tailored directly to military applicants, inviting them to create meaningful connections between their personal experiences and the personal, connected, and transformative Tuck MBA.
 
This year’s event will include sessions on academics and student life with senior leadership, life in the classroom, admissions and financial aid, housing, shared meals with attendees, Tuck Veterans, and other Tuck community members. A Tuck veteran alumni panel will feature Hannah Cohen T’16, U.S. Marine Corps; Dave Dauphinais T’18, U.S. Navy; Christina Fanitzi T’13, U.S. Army; Josh Hotvet T’18, U.S. Marine Corps; and Derek Odom T’22, U.S. Army.

As we look ahead to MVD, some of our student veterans—T’25s Joe Barrett, U.S. Navy; Will Burroughs, U.S. Navy; Mike Carps, U.S. Marine Corps; Billy O’Brien, U.S. Navy; Matt Ouellette, U.S. Army; Morgan Rennekamp, U.S. Army; and Zac Seeber, U.S. Air Force—reflect on why Tuck is the best place for veterans and how Tuck supports veteran applicants and students.

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ON TUCK’S ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

Joe Barrett T’25, U.S. Navy
“As a Navy veteran with no prior business experience or education, the prospect of leaving the military to attend business school felt like a daunting challenge. Like many other veteran MBA students, my time in uniform was primarily spent honing leadership and MOS-specific skills, rather than developing the business acumen necessary for success in the corporate world. Despite the steep learning curve, within just one year, Tuck transformed me into a confident, capable business professional.

From the moment I stepped into my first Tuck classroom at the start of Math Camp, it became clear that I wasn’t expected to summit this steep learning curve alone. Although the curriculum is rigorous, the unwavering support of world-class faculty and the camaraderie of classmates who are always willing to help made all the difference. This supportive environment enabled me to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in any business setting.

Tuck’s MBA program is more than just an education; it’s a transformative experience. It takes individuals from all industries—whether they have a business background or not—and molds them into confident, knowledgeable business leaders. For someone like me, and many other veterans like me, who entered the program without prior business experience, the education I have received at Tuck has truly been life changing.” 

Morgan Rennekamp T’25, U.S. Army
“Tuck’s curriculum and class size was a huge draw for me as a veteran. Entering an MBA program with no business experience, and a non-business related undergraduate degree, I knew that I would need a more supportive environment. The accessibility of professors is outstanding and due to our smaller class sizes you get to develop real relationships with your professors that is unique to the Tuck experience. The study groups at Tuck are designed specifically to place people of different cultures and professional backgrounds together to help each other during your first year. I absolutely loved my study group! They were extremely supportive of me and helped me through some of the tougher curriculum, and we learned from each other just as much as we learned in class.”

Will Burroughs T’25, U.S. Navy
“The Tuck Core Curriculum is an advantage for Tuck Vets due to the general scope and breadth. You will experience all aspects of the business organization throughout your first year courses and have an opportunity to dive deeper with Electives in the second-half of your first year. The single program focus of Tuck means that your Professors are “your” professors, you will see them outside of class and have the opportunity to grow relationships with them during your time at Tuck and in the Upper Valley.” 

Matt Ouellette T’25, U.S. Army
“Once the school year started, I was amazed by how much I was learning in class. The combination of lecture and case-style classes made getting back into an academic setting much easier. There are numerous resources to ensure all students are grasping the material. The environment at Tuck is the farthest thing from cut-throat, with other classmates helping me through tough material as well. The classes provide fundamental business skillsets that are extremely helpful for interviews. I also used these skills regularly during my summer internship.” 

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ON CAREER SUPPORT AT TUCK

Zac Seeber T’25, U.S. Air Force
“Tuck uniquely supports veterans through comprehensive career mentorship provided by mentors who are well-versed in veterans’ experiences. With guidance from the Vets Club, Tuck veteran alumni, and the Career Services Office, the transition to corporate America becomes significantly smoother. Throughout the recruiting process, I had access to a network of veterans at Tuck, Tuck alumni, and career services professionals who not only understood my background but also helped guide my transition. This network was invaluable in expanding my understanding of industries I had interest in, making connections with firms, and developing the skill set needed to succeed in a new career.” 

Joe Barrett T’25, U.S. Navy
“Whether you’re a veteran who is 100% committed to a specific job in a particular location, or someone like me who is interested in exploring various career paths across multiple industries and locations, Tuck is the place to be! Like many other veteran MBA students, I arrived at Tuck with a general idea of the career I wanted to pursue, but I was still eager to explore other opportunities.

Through the unwavering support of Tuck’s incredible career services team and its expansive alumni network, I was exposed to hundreds of different careers across a wide range of industries. This exposure allowed me to explore, narrow down, and ultimately identify the right career path at the ideal company for me.” 

Matt Ouellette T’25, U.S. Army
“I truly believe that there is no better MBA program to transition from the military than Tuck. The application process, class experience, and recruiting experience are all designed to ensure you have every opportunity to get the job you’re looking for after Tuck. I came in with the goal of getting a job offer from an MBB firm and Tuck was able to help me realize that goal. Tuck provided me every resource I needed to be successful in my transition from the military to the private sector. Career Services are extremely helpful in making sure you have every resource to recruit and interview and second year students are instrumental in ensuring you are ready for these interviews.” 

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ON TUCK’S UNPARALLELED COMMUNITY

Mike Carps T’25, U.S. Marine Corps
"The deciding factor for me when it came to choosing a school was the support system available. Every time we talked to current Tuckies or alumni, they raved about the amazing, tight-knit Tuck community. My wife and I had two kids under two at the time of enrollment and our nearest family was a 10-hour drive away– we really took the leap of faith on this Tuck community. Tuck has done nothing but exceed our expectations. Here’s just a glimpse of what Tuck has done for my family:

1. Early in the first year, we found out we were pregnant with our third, and we moved to a larger home. I met the majority of the Vets Club through this move as they showed up on a Saturday morning and moved our whole house within 3 hours. 
2. When my wife went into labor during finals, my professors were extremely flexible and accommodating. Professors Argenti, Debo, and Kleinbaum all made it very clear that my family’s well-being was the priority.
3. Postpartum, multiple Tuck Partners took turns babysitting our two older children, allowing me to be with my wife and newborn in the hospital. When we returned from the hospital, the meal train set up for us by Tiny Tuckies kept us fed for a month with nearly 20 different meals.

What a blessing it has been to have so many genuine and caring people all in the same place at once. It is truly incredible how much this community takes care of each other."

Morgan Rennekamp T’25, U.S. Army
“Attending Tuck with a long distance partner was daunting. My husband was stationed in Washington state my first year at Tuck which was a great challenge for us. Knowing that Tuck’s community is arguably the strongest amongst MBA programs, I knew that I would find a support structure here from not only my other Veterans in the Vets club, but from my classmates as well.

Tuck’s MBAPO and staff have been some of the most supportive relationships I’ve made here. I was surprised at the level of involvement and care that the staff here display towards their students and families here. When my elderly mother, living across the country in Oregon, fell and needed immediate surgery I wasn’t sure what to do. We had all our course exams that week, and as the sole caretaker for my mother I wasn’t sure how soon I could get out to her. Talking with one of my professors and mentors here, she immediately told me to talk to the MBAPO. Before even making it down the hallway to our MBAPO, our Associate Dean, Sally, found me and sat me down and told me to leave immediately to go to my mom. She would take care of everything back here for me, notify my professors, coordinate for me to take my exams at a later date, and handle any follow-on questions. I was given the trust and flexibility to fly out without knowing when I would return. That kind of support was completely new for me and took my breath away. I still, to this day, cannot thank the Tuck faculty enough for their support of me and my family through my time here.”

Billy O’Brien T’25, U.S. Navy
“Many people have asked me if I miss the Navy or being in an aviation squadron, and my answer is always the same: “I don’t miss the lifestyle, but I miss going to work every day with my closest friends.” In the months between separation and starting my MBA, I worked briefly as civilian contractor and found myself missing that sense of teamwork and a little apprehensive about the decision I had made to leave the military.

However, when I arrived at Tuck, it did not take long for me to experience the personal and connected approach to learning that I had heard and read about so many times throughout the application process. The community here is truly something remarkable. My classmates and I are not only colleagues, but close friends and neighbors. We look out for one another and will go well out of our way to help each other succeed.

During my first two weeks at Tuck, my wife gave birth to our daughter. As a first-time parent, balancing life at home while navigating the core curriculum and job recruitment process was difficult. To show support, my classmates organized a meal train for us, and for six weeks, fellow Tuckies generously delivered home-cooked meals to our door (some of whom I had not even met yet). This act of kindness was a testament to the strength of this community and confirmed that my family and I were in the right place.

Like the military, a Tuck MBA can be challenging at times. However, having close friends with me every step of the way makes it all the more rewarding.”

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ON THE TUCK VETERANS CLUB

Morgan Rennekamp T’25, U.S. Army 
“The Veterans Club at Tuck was one of the main reasons I chose Tuck for my MBA degree. When starting my application, Tuck’s Veterans club immediately responded to my request for more information. They followed up with me, encouraged me, and even supported me in my pursuit of looking at other programs, in order to make sure I found the right program for me. They just wanted to help other veterans to succeed in any capacity. I knew immediately that it was the right community for me. Here at Tuck, our veterans’ community is an amazing cohort that supports and lifts each other up. It’s a feeling of being at home here, even when you’re in a new place. You know immediately you have a family at Tuck, before ever stepping foot on campus.” 

Matt Ouellette T’25, U.S. Army
“Starting with the application process, the Vets Club was extremely helpful in ensuring that I could put forward my best application. I was paired with a mentor who reviewed my resume and essays and answered every question I had. After being accepted, this mentor helped me through the summer, making sure I was ready to start strong at Tuck. The Vets Club was instrumental in my recruiting process, providing mentors and info sessions to make sure you are prepared for the recruiting process. Tuck alumni who are vets are also eager to hire vets currently in the program, lending a helping hand from target firms as well.” 

Will Burroughs T’25, U.S. Navy
“The Tuck Veterans Club is intentional about our interactions with prospective students. From Military Visit Day to application support we try to meet each applicant where they are in the process and connect them with the best Tuck Vet mentor(s) through the cycle. We all received help from Tuck Vets and want to return the favor.” 

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Meet T’25 Student Veterans

Joe Barrett T’25 was born in San Diego, CA, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2018 with a B.S. in Political Science. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Surface Warfare Officer and was stationed onboard USS SAN DIEGO (LPD-22). While attached to LPD-22, he served as the Main Propulsion Officer, Training Officer, and Visit Board Search and Seizure Officer. During this assignment, Joe deployed with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, seeing service in Southeast Asia, the Horn of Africa, and the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and other named operations. After four years attached to LPD-22, Joe was selected to return to Annapolis to teach Seamanship and Navigation during his final year on active duty. In his free time, Joe enjoys golf, trail running, watching Boston sports, and spending time with his family.

Will Burroughs T’25 grew up in Yuma, Arizona and graduated from Brown University in 2005 with an A.B. in Biology. Upon graduation, he taught Biology at Tolleson Union High School in Tolleson, Arizona as part of the Teach For America Phoenix Corps. Will then attended Notre Dame Law School and received his J.D. in 2010. Following Notre Dame, he started his career with the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps. In his most recent tour, he was assigned as the Deputy Assistant for Legal and Legislative Matters for the Office of the Vice Chief of Naval Operations. His previous tours include serving as a deployed legal advisor over multiple deployments and serving as the Professional Development Officer for the Western Pacific. Will and his family enjoy exploring the Upper Valley, attempting to play tripod hockey, hiking, and snowboarding.

Mike Carps T’25 grew up in Wadsworth, Ohio, and attended the United States Naval Academy. He graduated in 2014 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Ocean Engineering. Mike was commissioned as a Marine Corps pilot, completed flight school, and earned his wings in 2016. He flew the KC-130J out of Cherry Point, NC, and deployed to Europe and Africa. In 2020, he went to Pensacola, FL, to fly the T-6B and be a primary flight instructor for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Mike is married to Ryne and has two sons named Henry and Callan. Mike enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, camping, and playing basketball.

Billy O’Brien T’25 grew up in West Roxbury, MA and graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 2013 with a B.A. in Spanish and Pre-Medicine. Upon graduation, he was commissioned in the U.S. Navy and attended Naval Flight Training, subsequently being designated as a Helicopter Pilot. Billy was then assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Nine in Norfolk, VA where he served as the Standardization (NATOPS) Officer, Search and Rescue Officer, and Avionics Division Officer. While there, he completed a 2017 deployment onboard the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier supporting Operation INHERENT RESOLVE and accrued over 1,000 flight hours. He then took orders to Naval Intelligence Activity (Pentagon) where he served as a Foreign Attaché Liaison, facilitating engagements between allied navies and senior U.S. Navy leadership, to include the Secretary of the Navy and Chief of Naval Operations. While in D.C., he also served as a White House Military Social Aide providing direct support to the President of the United States and facilitating diplomatic protocol at White House events over the course of two administrations. Billy is married to his wife, Elizabeth, and they have one daughter, Ginny. In his free time, Billy enjoys playing hockey, golf, skateboarding, watching the Bruins, and spending time with his family.

Matt Oullette T’25 grew up in Norfolk, MA and graduated from The United States Military Academy in 2018 with a B.S. in mechanical engineering. Upon graduation, he commissioned as a Military Intelligence Officer and attended Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Huachuca, AZ. Matt was then assigned to the 500th Military Intelligence Brigade – Theater at Fort Shafter, HI where he served as an Executive Officer, Deployable Intelligence Support Element OIC, and Ground SIGINT Detachment Commander. He took part in and led multiple operations across the Pacific Theater. Following his time in Hawaii, Matt completed a Skillbrige internship in Boston with BV Investment Partners prior to attending Tuck. Matt is recently engaged, plays on the AB hockey team, enjoys all things outdoors, and is a diehard Boston sports fan.

Morgan Rennekamp T’25 grew up in Beaverton, Oregon and graduated from the United States Military Academy in 2016 with a B.S. in Psychology. Upon graduation, she was commissioned in the U.S. Army as an Adjutant General (AG) Officer and attended the Adjutant General Basic Officer Leadership Course where she graduated as the Distinguished Honor Graduate. Morgan was then assigned to Wheeler Army Airfield, HI where she served as the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade Deputy Brigade S1 and the Squadron S1 for the 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 25th CAB. She was then assigned to Schofield Barracks, HI and served as the Battalion S1 for the 65th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2IBCT. In 2021 she attended the Adjutant General Captains Career Course where she graduated as the Distinguished Honor Graduate of her class. She was then assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment in Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA where she served as the Rear Detachment Commander. Morgan is currently still Active Duty and will return to the Army and be stationed as an Assistant Professor of Management at the United States Military Academy upon graduating from Tuck. Morgan is married to CPT Collin Pratt of St Louis, MO. Morgan enjoys baking, outdoor activities, and movies.

Zac Seeber T’25 grew up in Charleston S.C. and graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 2017 with a B.S. in Management. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an Air Force Contracting Officer and assigned to the 19th Airlift Wing in Little Rock, Arkansas, from which he deployed to Kuwait. Further assignments included advising the Royal Saudi Air Force in Riyadh, as well as leading DCMA Denver’s Contracts Group as the military deputy. Zac is a graduate of SOCOM’s Ghost program, where he supported named operations in the Horn of Africa as well as Eastern Europe. During his free time, Zac enjoys running, snowboarding, and spending time with his Golden Retriever, Cooper.