Veterans Day 2022: What It’s Like Being A Veteran At An Elite MBA Program

Noy Franco, MBA Class of 2024

Israeli Defense Force Sergeant

What does Veteran’s Day mean to you?

As an Israeli Defense Force vet, this will be my first Veteran’s Day in the U.S. Though I did not serve in the U.S., Kellogg’s tight-knit community of veterans makes me feel a sense of belonging and solidarity. What makes this even more of an honor is the tremendous focus at Kellogg. Kellogg Veterans Association hosts an entire week around Veterans Day with dedicated events that spotlight vets and aim to increase awareness among the student body. This is an incredible opportunity to share personal service stories with classmates during “Hear My Story” and small group dinners, meet with alumni and hear inspiring experiences. Kellogg and KVA are doing a great job making veterans feel included no matter where they come from.

What has been the greatest challenge about the transition to civilian life?

Unlike most veterans, I have worked for several years in the private sector. However, moving from Tel Aviv to Evanston had the potential to be an overwhelming experience for me. Kellogg has created the ideal surrounding to let me feel I am never alone. The orientation week, called Culture is Made (CIM), was tailored to create a culture among the incoming students through enlightening moments and fun activities. I also learned to appreciate KWEST, an old Kellogg tradition, where I traveled to Brazil with a group of complete strangers who became my best friends. Building relationships through mutual experiences created a rare welcoming environment that was fundamental in this transition.

Why did you choose Kellogg?

One word: People! When I applied to B-schools, I talked with students and alums from most of the top MBA programs in the U.S. The impression I got from Kellogg’s students and alums was extraordinary. I could immediately imagine them as my classmates and friends. Now that I am here, I understand Kellogg has a supportive and empowering culture — not only among students and alums but also with faculty and staff.

What value does Kellogg’s Veteran Association provide to you and your fellow classmates? 

As veterans, we are used to teamwork and we bring that mindset to business school. Vets were the first to connect with me when I was admitted to Kellogg. Socially, KVA hosts many opportunities for vets to connect— from happy hours to Cubs games. Professionally, KVA and the veterans are undoubtedly the best career peers — their support in recruiting is vital and valuable. They host exclusive company events and plug into an incredible alumni network.

I’ll share a personal experience: one night, I contacted KVA to help me solve a mini-crisis with recruiting. I immediately got a response with all the support I needed (shout out to Greg!). It feels like a privilege to be a vet at Kellogg. In my opinion, Kellogg has the most well-connected and supportive Veterans association of all top business schools.

How has Kellogg prepared you for your post-MBA career goals?

Coming from another country, I was expecting a pivot in geography, industry and function. At Kellogg, I have an exceptional opportunity to pause the rat race and reflect on my leadership skills, learn new tools from countless academic and hands-on experiences and build an exclusive global network that would stay with me for my entire life. Professionally, I would like to peruse opportunities in entrepreneurship and venture capital. Kellogg offers numerous academic programs and experimental learnings to explore those opportunities, like Venture Lab, where you can work with funds or startups during school year and exclusive entrepreneurship programs to start a venture. So far, I feel that my experience at Kellogg has pushed me out of my comfort zone and empowered me to dream bigger.

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