Military -> MBA -> MBB
Hey everyone, I'm a currently serving U.S. Army officer looking for advice from veterans who have successfully transitioned from the military to an MBA and then into consulting.
I'm an ROTC scholarship recipient who commissioned from a T15 undergrad with a 3.9 GPA into active duty military intelligence, detailed into combat arms (I spend my first 4 years as a combat arms officer before switching to MI). I'm a little under halfway through my initial four-year service obligation and am unsure whether to push into MI time or get out at 4. Especially looking at vet clubs for M7 MBAs, a lot of the people featured stayed in for 7-8 years and did some level of command or "cool" assignment, but they're older than the average age/work experience for those in their program, and I'm wondering how that impacted personal/professional life and development entering a high demand job such as a consultant older then what's typical.
I'm on the fence about staying in/getting out and see myself doing both of these routes. At this stage, I'm trying to maximize my chances of an M7 MBA and going into MBB, and am looking into insight on whether getting out at 4 vs 7 will maximize that. I'm not going to be staying in/getting out based on which route is "best" for this, but I just want some insights as which route is "best" for my goals. I'm new to this journey and didn't even realize what management consulting was or how strong the MBA pipeline was for officers until after I commissioned, so I feel kind of behind.
For vets who have transitioned out/who are currently transitioning out, what made you get out when you did? Did you find staying in worth it/wish you got out sooner? Do you think staying longer makes you a stronger candidate for MBA admissions and breaking into MBB, or is it kind of person-dependent?
Any insights/advice is welcome! Thank you!
Based on the most helpful WSO content, transitioning from the military to an MBA and then into MBB consulting is a well-trodden path, and your background positions you well for success. Here’s a breakdown of insights to help you decide between staying in for 4 years versus 7 years, and how it impacts your goals:
1. Impact of Service Duration on MBA Admissions
2. M7 MBA Admissions Considerations
3. Breaking into MBB
4. Personal and Professional Considerations
5. Insights from Veterans
Recommendations:
Ultimately, both paths can lead to your goals. The key is to craft a compelling narrative that ties your military experience to your aspirations in consulting and demonstrates your readiness to excel in an MBA program and beyond.
Sources: Join the Military, See the World! - Pivot into being a Leader and Perks of Serving YOUR Country!, Marine Officer/Aviator Ask Me Anything, People wondering whether they should quit their IB job to join the military, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/timing-mba-with-military-service?customgpt=1, People wondering whether they should quit their IB job to join the military
Vet here, got med sep'd early and eventually went back to school. Do you enjoy the military? MBB may not be what you expect, but it could also be very rewarding and fulfilling. It will be pretty brutal, and not sure about your specific job, but the military isn't necessarily "hard" the way the real world is. In terms of M7 potential, the truth is that veteran helps, but GMAT will be a differentiator. There are plenty of resources online that show military candidates get into better B-schools with lower GMAT scores. The "leadership" and discipline sell well for admissions. 4 vs 7 years doesn't matter in admissions as much as you desire to get a good GMAT/recruit. MBB lifestyle may be easier the younger you are. I didn't have a choice in getting out, but I am glad it happened when it did, I am still young and ambitious. Another potential route is getting out now, going for a different master's and saving MBA, but thats very situational and based on knowing exactly what you want. I'd gun for m7 now if gmat is solid.
You're more likely to be competitive for HSW after 7 years. That said, you would already be very competitive for MBB with just 4 years + a non-HSW M7 (or Tuck, Ross, Darden, Haas). Especially in the context of your undergrad.
If you're sure you want to land at MBB, get out at 4 and use the extra 3 years to build your civilian career.
Shot you a DM with some advice.
I did an T10 MBA post military service and worked at a MBB for 4 years. Medically retired after my last deployment but did a total of 6 years. Advice would be take the GMAT and see how you do. If you do not score 670+ that answers the question for you.
MBB recruiting is difficult it does not matter if you go to M7 it is still incredibily challenging. Not every top MBA program places well in MBB, and even then you need to find a way to be competitive.
The big piece of advice I will give you is do not be that guy who still acts like they are in the military and have other things to talk about besides the military. I saw this a lot especially with guys who just got out or guys who where still on active duty doing their MBA. Do not be that guy who wears Ranger silkies to class.
In terms of Veterans groups the veterans in my class had a very tight group. In terms of military experience it varied but overall well diversified. We did have a few active duty officers getting their MBAs so they where in a different position.
Focus on networking with your cohort and network outside of school. Reach out to people for coffee and meet as many people as humanly possible. Don't be that guy who does no networking. I have gotten every job I have ever gotten through networking.
Contribute in your case groups do not be that guy who does nothing or has nothing to add.
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