This section answers questions that we have received from military students related to an MBA education or career. We have omitted names of individuals to protect their privacy.

Subject: New JMO/MBA Transition
Question
I am transitioning out of the military and finished my MBA in 2010. Do you have any recommendations on where I should begin looking for corporate jobs?

Answer
There are multiple sources for you to start an MBA career. Military MBA just published a list of top employers who hire MBA grads on the front page of our website. That list pulls info from UNC’s Kenan Flagler. In addition to this list, I would also suggest that you give consideration to companies founded by MBA grads. These include younger companies such as Capital One, StubHub, Match.com, Trader Joes, eTrade and Gilt Groupe.

Many CEOs at top established companies have earned an MBA and they also have a background in the military. These CEOs and companies usually place premium value on your combination of leadership and bskills. We participated in a report conducted by The Economist and Korn Ferry Int’l. a few years ago that highlighted several of these companies’ CEOs. They include organizations such as: Rockwell Collins, American Power, EDS and ITT Industries. There is also a list (i.e., albeit from 2005) of S&P 500 CEOs with Military Experience on page #10 of the report. You can download and read the report at www.militarymba.net/resources/MilitaryCEOReport.pdf

Please let me know if I may be of further service.

Subject: MBA & Second Career
Question
I'm 43 years old and planning to retire from Air Force soon. Am I too old for top ranked MBA program?

Answer
The route you should consider taking is an executive MBA, which is a degree program set up for older students who have more professional experience and leadership attributes. While I would not view your age as too old for an MBA, I would give careful consideration to the actual application of an MBA degree.

In other words, do you plan on building a second career where having the skills and credentials you acquire earning an MBA degree can help you succeed? This is a critical question that you may, or may not, be able to answer at this stage of your inquisition. If you can provide more information on your future plans or interests, I would be glad to offer you another perspective that might be able to help you determine the value of advancing your education.