by Steve Cummings, Captain, U.S. Army, Executive MBA Class of 2021
Steve is an active duty infantry officer transitioning from the military after 10 plus years of service. He is a 2010 graduate of the United States Military Academy (West Point) and has deployed twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. As a current student, Steve has accepted a position with Johnson and Johnson in their Military Veterans Leadership Development Program (MVLDP) with a July start date.
“In the military, success is achieved because we are a team of teams working together toward a common goal. That same mindset and environment permeates the Smeal Executive MBA due to a highly successful peer group, dedicated faculty and staff, and supportive alumni.”
Career Transition Preparation
The decision to make a major career transition is inherently complex and filled with uncertainty. However, it is possible to manage the uncertainty through focused preparation and planning. With a growing family, I thought it imperative to gain knowledge and experience to properly and immediately support them following my military transition. Just as the Army prepared me to be a leader through multiple schools and experiences, I similarly sought to prepare myself for a new civilian career. With a background and passion for project management, process improvement, and organizational leadership a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) felt like a necessary developmental step.
Why an Executive MBA? Why Smeal?
As I set out to plan my military transition, three main priorities drove my decision-making: family support/stability, geographic location (Greater Philadelphia Area), and finding a new career that gave me a sense of purpose. To provide financial support and stability to my family, it was necessary to work immediately upon my transition. A 2-year resident MBA program would not support such a goal, yet I still desired a non-virtual education experience. As I searched for in-person EMBA programs, Penn State Smeal rose to the top. The combination of a convenient class location (Chubb Conference Center), a flexible class schedule, and a focus on strategic leadership all appealed to my priority set. Additionally, an afternoon program visit to the Chubb Center during a class weekend made my decision clear. Witnessing the highly collaborative team environment built on mutual respect was vastly different from other programs I visited. In the military, success is achieved because we are a team of teams working together toward a common goal. That same mindset and environment permeates the Smeal EMBA program due to a highly successful peer group, dedicated faculty and staff, and supportive alumni.
What has the Smeal EMBA done for me?
First and foremost, the program has provided an unparalleled professional experience. Included in that experience is a top-notch education from a world-class faculty, the ability to learn business lessons from proven civilian leaders, and the development of a vast network to support future opportunity. Furthermore, the respect the Smeal name carries in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions was instrumental through the hiring process at Johnson and Johnson. Without the knowledge and experience gained in the Smeal EMBA, I would not have received an offer from my target company during my transition.
How does Smeal and Penn State University support veterans?
Currently, 100% of my Smeal EMBA tuition is funded by the Veterans Administration and my Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits. As a public institution, Penn State is committed to providing veterans with extraordinary support. Between the Penn State EMBA staff and the Office of Veterans Programs, the use of your hard-earned benefits is user-friendly and streamlined. My questions regarding BAH, MAH, and stipend payments were always answered efficiently and accurately. Additionally, the EMBA staff is committed to decreasing the financial burden as much as possible to support furthering your career growth. My goal of receiving a top-ranked MBA education, without incurring additional loan debt is close to being realized!
Whether you are currently on Active Duty, in the National Guard or Reserves with a civilian career, or have already transitioned, the Smeal EMBA could make a significant positive impact on your career. The program has been an exceptional use of my military benefits, effectively preparing me for my career beyond the military. If you are seeking a program that will allow you to balance your home life and career, while providing a quality education, consider the Smeal Executive MBA!