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

Braylon Gurnell, MBA Class of 2023

United States Air Force Major

What does Veteran’s Day mean to you?

I did not come from what I would call a military family, but I did have one uncle who served as an officer in the Air Force before me. When he learned I was being recruited to play football at the Air Force Academy he was ecstatic, even if I was skeptical. We had many conversations leading up to my decision, but one stuck with me many years later. In his excitement, my uncle had pulled out one of his old uniforms. He pointed out our last name on the right side of the uniform and then the tape reading “United States” on the left. He then told me, “When you wear this uniform, remember both of these names are what you represent.”

For me, Veterans Day provides an opportunity for introspection. Service is often marked by sacrifices big and small, but there many elements of my service that I can look back on fondly. While in the Air Force I lost friends, deployed to remote locations, and missed family gatherings, but I also formed lifelong friendships and had the opportunity to work what was essentially my dream job at Cape Canaveral.

I always appreciated the sense of mission and purpose I felt when wearing my uniform. One of the last things I had an opportunity to do prior to leaving active duty and starting business school was host my promotion ceremony in my hometown of Houston, TX. For many of my friends and family this was the first time they had ever seen me in a uniform or had the chance to learn more about what I did in the Air Force. Memories like these are the ones I’ll carry with me as I transition to civilian life, and they’ll be especially prominent on days like Veterans Day.

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

Choosing to leave the Air Force and attend business school was not a trivial decision. It was a choice that would have a profound impact on my family’s future. My wife was initially apprehensive about moving forward and with good reason. In the long-term, we had to consider how my new civilian career would complement her career as an Air Force officer and attorney and of more immediate concern we needed to figure out how we were going to afford all of this.

As I’ve gone through Kellogg’s program, I’ve witnessed her transition to becoming one of Kellogg’s biggest advocates.

In October, we hosted our annual Black Management Association Conference which is attended by prospective students each year. While I was working in the background to ensure the conference ran smoothly, my wife was engaging with future students and sharing the benefits of Kellogg as if she was a student herself.

One of the most special things about the Kellogg community is how it embraces all of you and the relationships that you hold dear. My friends and classmates have been extremely inclusive in welcoming my wife as part of the community. Without this level of acceptance, I truly believe our transition might have been more challenging.

Why did you choose Kellogg?

There were two primary reasons I felt Kellogg was the best choice for me: community and flexibility.

Once I decided that I wanted to attend business school, The Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) MBA Prep program played a significant role in my research and recruiting process. Through the program I had the opportunity to visit several schools and build relationships with current students and alumni from those schools.

Each of the schools were special in their own way, but at Kellogg, I felt accepted immediately. My first-time walking into the Global Hub as a prospective student I was met with a surprise hug (more like a tackle) from a teammate that played football with me at the Air Force Academy.

As I learned more about the school, I experienced warm and enthusiastic receptions like this from students that I didn’t know in the Kellogg Veterans Association (KVA) and Black Management Association (BMA). It made it clear to me that the Kellogg community was one I wanted to be a part of.

More practically, as I transitioned from the Air Force, I had an idea of my interests, but I still valued the opportunity to gain exposure to new industries. Kellogg offered the curriculum and resources to allow me to explore new opportunities while also ensuring that I would have a successful outcome.

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

At its core the KVA provides a group of students that understand your experience in a way that’s differentiated from the rest of the community. Regardless of your branch (or country) of service we can all find common ground and a place to relate with one another.

Beyond the community and social aspects, KVA leadership has partnered with the school’s administration to make sure that Kellogg remains financially accessible to veterans by increasing GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon contributions substantially over the past two years.

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

Immediately following Kellogg I’ll be joining Boston Consulting Group’s Washington, D.C. office. In the short-term, consulting allows me to quickly develop skills that I will need to be successful in the corporate world. It also provides the geographic flexibility needed to pair with my wife’s career.

In the long-term, I plan to continue exploring my interest in venture capital and entrepreneurship. On this front, Kellogg has provided countless resources and opportunities to help me achieve my goals. The school’s Finance curriculum has helped me gain the knowledge to feel confident walking into interviews and internships with funds on multiple occasions. The unique chance to lead industry treks and conferences has helped me develop a robust network that cuts across sectors and stages. Experiential programs like Venture Lab offer practical experience working with venture funds and startups that can’t be replicated in the classroom.

When the time comes for me to pivot towards my long-term plans, I’m confident that I’ll be successful, attributed in no small part to the resources available to me during my time at Kellogg.

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