Service Over Self: A Veteran’s Path To A Stanford MBA

James Brown in his dress uniform. Courtesy photo

‘I DON’T THINK VETERANS GIVE THEMSELVES ENOUGH CREDIT’

James Brown says one of the most important parts of the MBA application process is in translating military experience — such as stories, achievements, and accomplishments — into a narrative that makes sense. Plus, focusing on their specific skills like leadership and ability to navigate interpersonal relationships in their story can give them an edge. “I don’t think veterans give themselves enough credit for all of the experience that they’ve picked up over their careers,” says Brown.

Whether or not a veteran gets admitted to their preferred school or not, he advises that they approach the process with an open mind — while also taking it seriously. “It takes a lot to really define what you want to do for at least the next decade of your life, which is what’s being asked by these admissions officers,” he explains. “If you find authentic answers about where you want to go, you’ll find success in the application process.”

GSB’S VETERAN RESOURCES

Aside from the Veterans Club, Brown also felt supported by the GSB administration. “The staff really goes out of their way to recognize service and make sure that veterans feel welcome,” he shares. “I truly appreciate that.”

But the GSB goes even further; it participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, a post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008, which offers a grant available that matches up to full tuition and mandatory fees for MBA students who are Yellow Ribbon eligible. Plus, application fees are waived for active-duty U.S. military service members, U.S. military veterans who have been honorably discharged, and those serving in the U.S. military reserves.

On top of the Yellow Ribbon Program, the school also runs the Stanford Ignite – Post-9/11 Veterans program, which is a live, virtual four-week certificate program in entrepreneurship and innovation for active duty, transitioning, or retired military personnel. Participants get the chance to engage with Stanford GSB faculty during live lectures and Q&A sessions focused on business.

RECOGNIZING PAST SACRIFICES

To celebrate Veterans Day, there will be several meetups on campus as well as the Marine Corps birthday draw on the 10th, which involves a formal cake cutting put on by the Hoover Institute. “That goes to show how deeply the veteran community is supported here at Stanford,” says Brown.

For Brown, Veterans Day provides an opportunity for recognition of past sacrifices. “For me, I think the thing that I reflect on the most is all of the shoulders that I’ve stood on to be where I’m at, to have the lessons that I’ve learned in service, and to have the freedom and liberties that I have as a citizen of the United States,” he explains.

“I don’t think we do enough in our daily lives to really stop, reflect, and be appreciative,” he continues. “This day is meant for that, and should be recognized as such.”

DON’T MISS WHAT IT’S LIKE BEING A VETERAN AT AN ELITE MBA PROGRAM and A MILITARY VETERAN’S JOURNEY TO AN MBA ADMIT