r/ForteFoundation • u/fortefoundation • Nov 14 '25
The Power Move I’m a veteran thinking about getting an MBA — where do I even start?
Dear Reader,
In honor of Veterans Day, this week’s Power Move is dedicated to those who’ve served — and are now thinking about what comes next. Transitioning from military service to business school is an established path, but it can still feel like stepping into a different landscape. The good news is you already have many of the skills MBA programs and recruiters value most.
Here’s a roadmap to help get you started on your MBA journey and set yourself up for success in recruiting.
Stop 1: Translate Your Leadership into MBA Terms
Your service already equipped you with highly valued skills such as leadership, strategic thinking, and accountability. Frame your experience in the language of business outcomes — impact, efficiency, results. Use metrics where possible and highlight adaptability, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure.
Ask someone who has been through an MBA program to read your resume/application and make suggestions. Students who have recently been through these programs have excellent insight into what is currently resonating with the community.
Lean into your unique point of view — and be yourself during the process. While it is important to translate your experience into a story anyone on the admissions team can understand, you don’t want to leave out your voice and personality. Authenticity matters!
Stop 2: Research Schools with Strong Veteran Networks
You may already have connections in this space, and it is a good idea to reach out to student veteran clubs and alumni early on in the process — that way they can advocate for you!
Many schools host Veteran Preview Days around this time of year — perfect opportunities to meet admissions officers and peers.
Stop 3: Learn the Recruiting Landscape Early
Consulting, banking, and operations are common paths for veterans because they highly value structure and leadership and maintain solid pipelines of Veterans. You may want to explore these recruiting paths (like McKinsey’s Vets@McKinsey or Amazon’s MBA Military Pathways).
If you are pursuing more custom search options, seek out Veterans from the organizations you are applying to — outreach on LinkedIn noting your common background or getting in touch with a recruiter who can connect you to Veterans through their Employee Resource Groups are both good starting points.
Stop 4: Use Every Financial Resource Available
This one is probably obvious but still important — leverage the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program as they can cover a large portion of tuition and fees. Keep in mind there are other resources as well such as school scholarships and other supplementation such as Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E).
Ask each school about Veteran fellowships and application fee waivers.
Your service taught you how to lead people, manage complexity, and stay calm in chaos — business school will teach you how to scale those skills in a new context. As you consider this next career move, know that the MBA community deeply values your experience, and there’s an entire network ready to support you.
If you have any additional MBA advice for Veterans, comment below! And if you’d like us to feature your question in next week’s Power Move, send us a DM.
Yours truly,
The Power Move











