Why Anderson Works So Well For Veterans and Active Military
Our highest-ranking student, U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Chris Lee (EMBA ’23), describes the fit and gives a special Veterans Day message
When military veterans leave service, we bring with us real-world leadership experience that most other MBA students have yet to learn. However, we also know that we need to catch up in important areas like accounting, statistics and financial modeling. I knew that if I were to pursue my dreams of running my own business someday, I would need to improve in these areas. Earning an MBA at Anderson is how I chose to fill those gaps and, predictably, it was a great choice.
What I did not predict was the incredibly supportive and collaborative broader network of alumni who had been members of the Association of Veterans at Anderson (AVA) while they studied here. I would not be where I am today if it were not for them.
It’s why I chose to get involved with AVA — because of the enduring commitment of its members. Even after graduation, alumni connect with current students to help them successfully pivot into the next phase of their careers. I want to continue that tradition and leave no AVA member behind.”
Alexander Corbett (’23)
President, Association of Veterans at Anderson
On Veterans Day, we honor those who serve and have served in our nation’s armed forces. Military service requires many sacrifices: time with family and friends, personal goals and interests, and the physical and mental well-being often tested by the experience.
I’m proud that the UCLA Anderson community of students, alumni, staff, faculty and donors includes many veterans from all branches of the military. Individually and collectively, they have a profound influence on Anderson, through their dedication and discipline, their teamwork and their bold approach to new ideas. Anderson’s veterans also embody our school’s values to share success, think fearlessly and drive change. I’m gratified that the Anderson experience has enabled so many veterans to pursue their education and make successful transitions to civilian lives and careers.
Please join me this Veterans Day and throughout the year in honoring those who have served.”
Tony Bernardo
Dean and John E. Anderson Chair in Management
U.S. Army, 6 years of service
Clubs, Associations & Specializations: Association of Veterans at Anderson, Korean Business Student Association, Soccer Club at Anderson
Professional & Career Interests: Aerospace and Defense Technology
U.S. Navy, Lieutenant, 6.5 years of service (active)
Clubs & Associations: I have enjoyed specializing in marketing and taking some awesome electives that align with my interests.
Professional & Career Interests: Representing a global brand in sports and entertainment and enjoying life with my husband and our future kids.
U.S. Marine Corps, Captain, 8 years of service
Clubs & Associations: Investment Finance Association, Association of Veterans at Anderson, Association for Real Estate at Anderson, ETA
Professional & Career Interests: Finance, Entrepreneurship
Space Force, 6 years of service (active)
Clubs, Associations & Specializations:
Anderson Craft Beer Club
Professional & Career Interests:
In 10 years I want to be a successful professional in the technology or space industry.
U.S. Marine Corps, 6 years of service
Clubs, Associations & Specializations:
Anderson Student Association (VP of Social), Association of Veterans at Anderson (VP of EDI)
Professional & Career Interests:
Consulting, Technology
U.S. Navy, Petty Officer, 2nd Class, 4 years of service
Clubs & Associations: Alliance for Latinx Management at Anderson, Entertainment Management Association, AnderTech, Women’s Business Association, FirstGen
Professional & Career Interests: Cybersecurity
U.S. Navy, Lieutenant, 6 years of service
Clubs & Associations: Association of Veterans at Anderson, Management Consulting Association, Golf Club, Outdoor Adventure Club
Professional & Career Interests: Consulting
U.S. Marine Corps, 10.5 years of service
Clubs & Associations: Management Consulting Association, Association of Veterans at Anderson, Strategy & Operations Management Association
Professional & Career Interests: Consulting, Private Equity, Technology
U.S. Navy, Lieutenant, 7 years of service
Clubs & Associations: Association of Veterans at Anderson
Professional & Career Interests: Technology
U.S. Coast Guard, Chief Petty Officer, 14 years of service
Clubs & Associations: Association of Veterans at Anderson
Professional & Career Interests: Cybersecurity, Entertainment
U.S. Navy, Captain, 24 years of service
Clubs & Associations: Association of Veterans at Anderson
Professional & Career Interests: Leadership Development, Consulting
U.S. Marine Corps, Captain, 6.5 years of service
Clubs & Associations: Association of Veterans at Anderson, Black Business Students Association, Association for Real Estate at Anderson
Professional & Career Interests: Real Estate Development
U.S. Navy, Lieutenant, 8 years of service
Clubs & Associations: Association of Veterans at Anderson, Outdoor Adventure Club, Management Consulting Association
Professional & Career Interests: Finance, Entrepreneurship
U.S. Navy, Lieutenant Commander, 10 years of service
Clubs & Associations: Association of Veterans at Anderson
Professional & Career Interests: Career Navy
U.S. Army, Captain, 8 years of service
Clubs & Associations: Association of Veterans at Anderson, AnderTech, FEMBAssadors
Professional & Career Interests: Technology
U.S. Navy, Lieutenant, 6 years of service
Clubs & Associations: Management Consulting Association, Association of Veterans at Anderson, Strategy & Operations Management Association
Professional & Career Interests: Consulting, Sports
U.S. Marine Corps, Captain, 4.5 years of service
Clubs & Associations: Entrepreneur Association, Korean Business Students Association, Association of Veterans at Anderson, Energy and Cleantech Association
Professional & Career Interests: Energy, Cleantech
U.S. Air Force, Senior Airman, 4 years of service
Clubs & Associations: Association of Veterans at Anderson, Healthcare Business Association
Professional & Career Interests: Venture Capital, Health Care, Consulting
UCLA Anderson’s Real Estate Concentration Drew this U.S. Marine
A Compassionate Military Learner, Ready to Change the World
The Business of Sports and Entertainment Drew Him to UCLA Anderson
U.S. Navy Veteran Feels UCLA Anderson’s Embrace
From the Blog
Engineering His Transition
Teamwork — in the Navy SEALs and Business School
U.S. Navy Captain Gary Ryals (’08) and Duncan Smith (’91), retired U.S. Navy SEAL officer
Balancing Everything
Class of 2020 graduate and John Wooden Global Leadership Fellow Rob Busalacchi is an investment banking associate at Barclays. He looks back on his experience balancing priorities while he went through the FEMBA program as a former U.S. Marine. Featuring: Rob Busalacchi (’20), Investment Banking Associate, Barclays
From Marine to Movie Maker
Why does a U.S. Marine Corps veteran earn an MBA from UCLA Anderson? And what can his military training teach the rest of us about dealing with COVID-19? Joel Searls reflects on these topics as well as his decision to reinvent himself as an associate producer of a feature-length Hollywood movie, Running with the Devil (2019), starring Nicholas Cage and Laurence Fishburne. Featuring: Joel Searls (’17), Investment Banking Associate, McCafferty & Company
Honoring Veterans Day
Four great voices in the FEMBA Class of 2022 chimed in to describe how UCLA Anderson is bridging their world-class military training with new corporate chapters in their careers. Austin Carroll Keeley, a U.S. Marine Corps. infantry officer who describes military service as public service, invited U.S. Navy Lieutenant Stacey Mercado (B.A. ’12), U.S. Coast Guard veteran Bob DeLullo and U.S. Air Force Captain Jamie Long to talk about where they started life, what their service has entailed and what’s next as they pursue their degrees.
“Success is peace of mind that is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best you are capable of becoming.”
— Coach John Wooden
“As a transitioning veteran, this quote helps remind me that hard work is done for self-satisfaction and rewarded by peace of mind. At the end of each day, I find comfort in knowing that if I dedicate 100 percent of myself to personal and professional growth, achievement is merely a side benefit.”
Captain Luke Goessman (EMBA ’18), U.S. Marine Corps
EBV trains veterans for a new kind of challenge.
The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) offers cutting-edge, experiential training in entrepreneurship and small business management to soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines disabled as a result of their service to operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
LEARN MORE
Major, U.S. Army
Andrew Chan (B.S. ’05, ’13)
Manager, Deloitte Digital
Major, U.S. Army
Why did you decide to get an MBA?
Getting an MBA was a part of my plan to transition from active military service to pursue a career aligned with technology. I graduated from UCLA with a degree in mechanical engineering, was stationed in Korea and deployed to Iraq. At Anderson, I was able to combine my technology undergraduate training with my military leadership and management experience, while gaining an underlying business foundation.
What is the most important skill we should be teaching our students today?
Being part of the Deloitte Digital team has allowed me to see how pervasive the digital world is. More than ever, students should be acutely aware that their name will be their brand, especially in the business world. Personal brand management and the management of your professional brand as you engage with diverse audiences worldwide is a key skill Anderson should be teaching today.
What three things did you learn at Anderson that have been most helpful to you in your career?
- How to identify my career goals and achieve them through structured and formalized networking
- A solid understanding of business fundamentals, including finance, marketing and operations
- The importance of brand management as we embarked on our careers
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever gotten?
Never stop learning. I see it every day as the digital world evolves and inspires new possibilities. Continuing education is essential in challenging your point of view and expanding your mind. I grow through industry updates, Twitter and even courses like the Command and General Staff course that the military provides. Always seek to learn and grow through continuing education.
How did your experience as a veteran help you in your journey at UCLA Anderson?
In the army I had the opportunity to lead more than 200 troops. I learned that when time is limited, it’s better to move forward with 80 percent of the information than to wait for all of it and possibly miss critical deadlines. That lesson directly translated to success in group projects and presentations. Being in the military gave me the confidence to take action. That was definitely helpful when working through case studies and group leadership opportunities.
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
Evan Milnor (’17)
Co-Founder & COO, Office Bites
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
Why did you decide to get an MBA?
My undergraduate and military experience provided me with a global perspective and a thorough understanding of our government, but I had always had entrepreneurial ambitions that I was eager to pursue. When evaluating business schools, I knew I wanted an environment that could prepare me for starting a business. UCLA Anderson was the perfect fit, with its collaborative environment and its entrepreneurial focus. The BCO program was also a key attraction, as it allowed me to develop my business concept during my student experience.
What is the most important class/topic/skill that we should be teaching our students today?
UCLA Anderson provides students with entrepreneurial essentials like building a business plan and understanding the start-up journey. A class that would be a great addition to this mix would be entrepreneurial finance, where students learn about start-up accounting and how to build financial models and projections that resonate with the VC community.
Whom do you admire most in the business world today, and why?
Peter Diamandis, the founder and chairman of the XPRIZE Foundation, is the business person I admire most. He had a clear vision and took an enormous leap of faith in launching the first prize competition without having a prior commitment for the $10-million prize. He used his passion and creativity to inspire the world to accelerate the commercial space industry, and proceeded to launch additional prizes across industries and global challenges.
What are you reading right now?
Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip Heath and Dan Heath. This is really a book about the psychology of marketing, and it delves into why some ideas become “sticky.” It’s a great business tool, revealing how you can leverage psychology principles to make marketing more effective.
Tell us how your experience as a veteran helped you in your journey at UCLA Anderson.
My military experience provided me with the understanding of the importance of systems, structure and discipline. It taught me to be deliberate and to get the most out of each day. That really came in handy, especially in my first year at Anderson! My experience also gave me perspective, really helping to put the artificial stressors of homework assignments, exams and public speaking in check. This certainly helped me stay in balance during my MBA experience.
Lieutenant Junior Grade, U.S. Navy
Bo Cross (’16)
Operations Lead, MedArrive
Former Lieutenant Junior Grade, U.S. Navy, with operations expertise in a range of fields.
What’s your one-sentence definition of success?
Success is being happy with the delta between where you started and where you are now.
Why did you decide to get an MBA?
After the Navy, I wanted to build a good foundation of business knowledge to tie in with my leadership experience I gained in the military. I wanted to be as confident in my business skills as I was with my people skills and my Anderson experience helped me achieve that goal. In fact, I can honestly say that, without my MBA, I wouldn’t be able to do my job. Every day I use tools that I learned in class, and it has allowed me to personally contribute to the growth of Lyft, which is really gratifying!
What is the most important class/topic/skill that we should be teaching our students today?
Every day, people are asked to make decisions in scenarios where there’s lots of data and facts that may actually be irrelevant. A skill that students today can certainly utilize is the ability to sift through this noise. Don’t be too quick to make a judgement, simply based on what you initially see or hear. Make sure you understand the scenario, the people you are interacting with, the entire picture before making a judgment at first glance.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever gotten?
If you get knocked down, get back up. In the military, you are judged by the outcome, so it’s important to finish what you start, even if you encounter obstacles along the way. At Officer Candidate School I learned that, no matter how difficult things got, it was only temporary. I now know that with persistence you can push through any barrier to achieve the outcome you desire.
Tell us how your experience as a veteran helped you in your journey at UCLA Anderson.
My experience as a veteran encouraged me to be fearless when it came to challenging myself by putting myself in uncomfortable situations. During orientation week, I found other veterans and built a connection based on our common experiences. In addition to that welcome camaraderie, my military experience gave me an overall confidence to share my point of view in class, to speak in front of groups, and to stay calm during the routine homework and final exam "fire drills".
Mandatory student charges will be covered up to your eligibility percentage.
Application fee waivers are available for all U.S. military applicants. To request a fee waiver for the program you’d like to apply to, please reach out directly to MBA Admissions, FEMBA Admissions or EMBA Admissions.
Even if you are not eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill® Yellow Ribbon Program, all full-time MBA students are automatically considered for fellowships. No separate application is needed.
A professional club at UCLA Anderson for all military veterans, both U.S. and foreign: Association of Veterans at Anderson
UCLA Veteran Resource Center
UCLA provides a wealth of resources for active-duty military service people and veterans: veterans.ucla.edu
Financial Aid for Military
Even if you are not eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill® Yellow Ribbon Program, all full-time MBA students are automatically considered for fellowships. No separate application is needed.
resources
UCLA Veterans Facebook Group
Facebook page maintained by the Veterans Resources Center, where you can find out about events and important resources for Vets @UCLA
Resources
UCLA Veterans Resource Office
UCLA has been serving veterans for nearly 70 years! Whether through on- or off-campus support for student veterans, UCLA serves those who serve in myriad ways.
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