MBA Stories: Veterans Day

Seventy-six years ago, on Nov. 11, what was then Armistice Day, a World War II veteran organized a march and festivities that would honor all veterans and how they contributed to the United States. A few years later, Congress passed a bill that designated Armistice Day as “Veterans Day.” This year, we continue supporting and honoring Broad Full-time MBA veterans by highlighting their service and and asking them how the business community can learn from their experiences.

Conner Gaskins (MBA Supply Chain Management ’25)

Conner Gaskins (he/him/his)

Hometown: Aztec, New Mexico

Military Branch and Title: United States Marine Corps, Captain, Field Artillery Officer

Broad News: Why did you choose Broad?

Gaskins: I chose Broad because it has the No. 1 supply chain management program. I put it like this: if you want to study law at the best institution, you go to Harvard. If you want to study supply chain management, you go to Broad.

Broad News: What does Veterans Day mean to you?

Gaskins: Veterans Day to me is a celebration of those who joined before me. Those brave men and women paved the way for service members like me to have successful careers.

Broad News: What do you think is the most pressing issue veterans are facing outside the business community?

Gaskins: The most pressing issue that veterans face in my community is transferable skills. I am a Field Artillery Officer in the Marine Corps, and I’m sure that you can judge by the title that there aren’t any jobs that truly relate directly to that.

Broad News: How can the business community be more inclusive of veterans?

Gaskins: I would say a more comprehensive outreach program would certainly assist in reaching more talented people.

Sawyer Jacobs (MBA Supply Chain Management ’25)

Sawyer Jacobs (he/him/his)

Hometown: Grand Haven, Michigan

Military Branch and Title: United States Marine Corps, Captain, Air Support Control Officer

Broad News: Why did you choose Broad?

Jacobs: I chose Broad because I love the close-knit culture. The staff and professionals in our program create an outstanding environment to learn. The team dynamics of Broad MBAs gives us an amazing competitive advantage.

Broad News: What does Veterans Day mean to you?

Jacobs: To me, Veterans Day is an opportunity to reflect. It reminds me to take time to truly be intentional about recognizing the sacrifices the fallen and their families have made for this great nation. Amongst times of division, we must remember that unity and love for one another must be at the forefront of progress in spite of our differences.

Broad News: What do you think is the most pressing issue veterans are facing outside the business community?

Jacobs: I believe the biggest challenge for veterans is understanding the importance of mental health as they transition to a new civilian life. The military provides a family-oriented atmosphere that is challenging to replicate.

Broad News: How can the business community be more inclusive of veterans?

Jacobs: The best way for the business community to be more inclusive is by encouraging veterans to utilize mental health services and by being advocates for veterans when they are learning to adapt to a totally new space in life after military service. Through program opportunities and a sense of newfound community, veterans can be supported and successful!

Jordan Fu (MBA Supply Chain Management and Business Analytics ’25)

Jordan Fu (he/him/his)

Hometown: Renton, Washington

Military Branch and Title: United States Army, First Lieutenant, Infantry Officer

Broad News: Why did you choose Broad?

Fu: It is No. 1 in supply chain management, and I also wanted to move to a different part of the United States I’ve never been to before.

Broad News: What does Veterans Day mean to you?

Fu: It is a source of pride. Nowhere else in the world celebrates their veterans like we do. It is an honor to be a United States veteran and share that status with the many great individuals that have served our country.

Broad News: What do you think is the most pressing issue veterans are facing outside the business community?

Fu: Perhaps a sense of purposelessness could be a pressing issue. I’m aware that the initial shift out of the military can prove challenging for numerous individuals. The transition can feel immensely overwhelming, particularly because the military culture is deeply embedded in every aspect of our lives. It’s as though we’re venturing into uncharted territory, creating a fresh existence beyond the well-defined boundaries and regulations we once adhered to.

Broad News: How can the business community be more inclusive of veterans?

Fu: Initially, veterans often encounter a challenging transition. The resources provided for service members during this process are typically suboptimal. For instance, we’re advised to create a three-page resume with graphics, which is an inadequate way to reflect our unique experiences and qualities. Often, we lack the guidance on effectively showcasing our acquired skills and intangible traits (i.e., selling ourselves), as our accomplishments are typically intertwined as collective efforts.

So, I don’t suggest that the business community needs to fully understand the intricacies of all service branches’ cultures. However, it would be mutually beneficial if the business community displayed a genuine curiosity about veterans’ experiences. We’re more than willing to discuss our time in the military, just as we’re eager to learn about the diverse careers and achievements people have pursued outside of the military!