MBA for Military Community Members

Class: Full-time MBA, 2027
Branch: U.S. Army
Concentrations: Supply Chain & Operations Management
Undergraduate Institution: Florida International University
Scheller Involvements: MBA Veterans Club President, Peer Leadership Committee, Consulting Club, Operations Club, Human Capital Club, Latin Club 

About

 After completing my bachelor’s in political science and international relations at Florida International University in Miami, Florida, I commissioned into the Army as a Medical Service Corps Officer and Aeromedical Evacuation Officer. I deployed on two peacetime rotations to the Republic of Korea and Europe. I had the privilege of piloting the UH-60M Black Hawk and UH-72 Lakota helicopters. I served in various leadership roles, including Battalion Flight Operations Officer, Area Support MEDEVAC Platoon Leader, and Medical Operations Officer. I’m grateful for the experience and opportunities I was afforded in the military and look forward to helping military members transition, navigate the MBA experience, and navigate the post-military career recruitment process.   

Why I chose Scheller

During my transition out of the military, I realized that a formal business education through a top-ranked MBA program would bridge the gap between my leadership experience and the business acumen needed to be an effective leader in a corporate environment. I saw Scheller’s full-time MBA as the perfect program to equip me with the skills needed to achieve my professional goals and make a meaningful impact in the Atlanta community. After speaking with Scheller veterans during the application process, I was impressed with the tight-knit community and professional network that the Scheller College of Business offered through their full-time program.  

Advice for a prospective MBA student

Academic classes or materials may change your mind and interests about an industry or role; come in with an open mind and try everything until the right fit happens. The first semester is important; make sure you have a list of target companies and start networking early. Most importantly, have fun! It’s a unique life experience that passes quickly. 

Contact Michael Parra

Class: Full-time MBA, 2027
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Concentrations: International Business
Undergraduate Institution: American Public University
Scheller Involvements: Veterans Club, Consulting Club, Tech Club

About

I enlisted in the Marine Corps at 18, in the infantry, in 5 years I completed 2 deployments to the Middle East and Asia. When my 5 years were coming to an end, I decided to pursue a skillbridge, where I learned to code and develop websites long before AI was even a thing. Eventually, I worked as a contractor for the Air Force Reserves and later the Army Reserves.

Later, I moved into consulting at Deloitte, working as a software developer and consultant supporting federal agencies, including the Department of State, IRS, and the U.S. Army. Throughout my career, I have worked at the intersection of technology, operations, and strategy. I helped modernize government systems, developed analytics solutions that improved decision-making, and built operational dashboards that provided leadership visibility into critical business processes. Most recently, I worked at Deloitte, where I supported leaders through process improvement initiatives, operational analysis, AI-related modernization efforts, and strategic problem-solving.

At Scheller, I am focused on leveraging my military, technology, and consulting experience to pursue opportunities in product management, corporate strategy, and AI-driven innovation. I am particularly interested in how emerging technologies can improve decision-making, create operational efficiencies, and solve complex business challenges. I am also interested in the international landscape, as a dream of mine is to move and live abroad in the near future.

Why I chose Scheller

I chose Scheller because it felt like home, especially since I am from Atlanta. The school has a well-established reputation in technology, innovation, and analytics, along with a collaborative culture. As I aim to blend my consulting and technical experience with business leadership, Scheller provides an ideal setting to develop both strategic and analytical skills. Its close-knit community, robust veteran network, and proximity to Atlanta's expanding tech scene made it particularly appealing. I was especially attracted to the chance to learn from classmates with diverse backgrounds and to be supported by faculty and alumni who are deeply committed to student success.

Advice for prospective MBA students

Have a clear understanding of what you want to gain from the MBA experience, but remain flexible as new opportunities arise. Business school offers access to incredible resources, people, and experiences, but the students who get the most value are intentional about how they spend their time.

Veterans should especially tap into their community. Start networking early, ask questions, and recognize that your military experience holds significant value. Skills like leadership, problem-solving, and resilience garnered during service often directly apply to the business world. Since the MBA program progresses rapidly, it's important to be proactive, foster meaningful connections, and seize opportunities both in and out of
class.

Contact Nicholas Smith

Class: Full-time MBA, 2027
Branch: U.S. Army & U.S. Army Reserve
Concentrations: Supply Chain & Operations Management
Undergraduate Institution: United States Military Academy at West Point
Scheller Involvements: Georgia Tech MBA Veterans Club, Consulting Club, Operations Club, Tech Club

About

After graduating from West Point with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, I commissioned as an Engineer Officer and served seven years on active duty before transitioning to the U.S. Army Reserve, where I continue to serve today. My military career spanned deployments to the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and the Eastern Pacific, with assignments ranging from Engineer Platoon Leader to Battalion Operations Officer to Facilities/Contract Construction Management Engineer, all in high-tempo environments focused on engineering, logistics, and large-scale operational planning.

Before Scheller, I brought that same engineering and operational mindset to the private sector through roles at Amazon and Johnson Controls. At Amazon, I led large-scale operations and supply chain initiatives, while at Johnson Controls, I managed cross-functional teams and multimillion-dollar infrastructure projects. Those experiences deepened my passion for supply chain, strategy, and driving organizational performance through complex challenges.

Why I chose Scheller

I chose Scheller because of its strong focus on collaboration, small class sizes, and deep connections. From my first interactions with the program, it was clear that Scheller genuinely invests in its students and creates an environment where veterans can thrive both academically and professionally.

The curriculum's emphasis on strategy, operations and supply chain, and analytics aligned directly with my background and long-term career goals in aerospace and defense. But beyond the academics, it was the people and culture that confirmed Scheller was the right choice: supportive classmates, a tight-knit veteran community, and faculty who are genuinely engaged.

Advice for a prospective MBA student

Come in with a clear sense of your "why." Take the time to understand what you truly want out of an MBA experience; the people, culture, and support system matter just as much as the academics. For veterans especially, finding a program with a strong community and leadership-focused environment can make a huge difference during the transition.

I'd also encourage prospective students to network early, ask questions, and lean into opportunities outside the classroom. Some of the most valuable experiences at Scheller have come through conversations with classmates, alumni, faculty, and industry partners. The students who get the most out of it are the ones who are intentional: about the internships they pursue, the relationships they build, and the skills they develop.

Contact Jason Rho