What do an X-Ray technician, nuclear submarine captain, a PMP managing construction projects in Japan, and an attack helicopter pilot (who interns at Goldman Sachs for vacation) have in common? They are just a small cross section of the Olin Business School MBA Class of 2018. More specifically, they represent about half of this year’s 11 veterans in the full-time program. In fact, they are the most diverse group of veterans in every facet. A majority of these incoming veterans—from all branches of service—are transitioning out of the military and joining the “real world” civilian society.
Boot Camp is a two-day concentrated program to help veterans assimilate into their new academic community here at Washington University in St. Louis.
This transition is tough and can seem daunting for those who spent their entire adult lives in the military. To assist in this transition, the Olin Veterans Association (OVA) held its 3rd annual Boot Camp on August 1st and 2nd. This Boot Camp is a two-day concentrated program to help veterans assimilate into their new academic community here at Washington University in St. Louis. Topics include resources available to graduate students and navigating the GI Bill and health insurance to getting a crash course on how to do a case study. At the end of the two days, these veterans have a grasp on the functional areas of business and how to pursue their interests at Olin through the platforms. The Weston Career Center was instrumental to the Boot Camp success, interweaving career preparation during the entire program.
Olin’s support to veterans doesn’t start with Boot Camp. Joe Fox, Associate Dean for MBA Programs at Washington University in St. Louis, has made a commitment to actively recruit Veterans. Joe stated, “Veterans bring an incredible amount of experience in leadership and they have unrelenting desire to succeed in a team environment.” As part of that commitment, Olin Business School takes a holistic sponsorship approach in attracting and preparing veterans for business school before they step foot into Boot Camp.
The Olin Veterans Association works with the Admissions office throughout the admissions and matriculation process, answering questions and assisting in the transition from the military and settling into the Saint Louis area. This year, the Olin Veterans Association hosted a BBQ picnic at Clayton’s Shaw Park with the incoming veterans and their families, building that sense of community that veterans have grown accustomed to while on active duty. Interim Dean Kurt Dirks hosted a reception in honor of the incoming veterans, introducing them to alumni and supporters of the Olin Business School at the Olin Veterans Association.
This level of commitment and action is why Olin Business School, a Yellow Ribbon School, is designated a 2016 Veteran Friendly School by MilitaryFriendly.com. “The OVA and Faculty at Olin have exceeded my expectations and the Boot Camp has set a strong foundation for my success in the program. It really opened up my eyes to the horizon,” said Jerrod Anderson, a former Marine Intelligence Officer and 2018 MBA Candidate at Olin.
We look forward to their leadership and contribution!
James Jacobs and Tony Nuber, Vice Presidents in the Olin Veterans Association, are 2017 MBA Candidates in the Fulltime MBA Program at Olin Business School.
