As I planned my transition from the military, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do next. The job offers that I had did not excite me, and I felt that I was limited to positions hiring managers were actively seeking to fill with veterans. I also recognized that this was a natural inflection point for me and that there would no better time to pursue a master’s degree, which was a personal goal of mine, while also making myself a more competitive candidate for employment. Through a master’s program I could become exposed to different career fields and industries that might interest me while also earning the competitive edge necessary to choose my future career path and geographic location.

The internet is filled with articles discussing how traditional MBAs are losing value, but I knew from my interviews with employers that management skills were as in demand as ever. When I learned about the Master of Engineering Management degree, I knew that this would be the perfect way to stimulate my passion for complex-problem solving while simultaneously providing me with the business skills necessary to excel in today’s market.

When researching what institution to attend, Purdue very quickly stood out from the rest. Of all the top schools offering an on-campus Master of Engineering Management graduate program, Purdue offered the greatest flexibility. I could choose courses that best aligned with my interests, and could also choose to either pursue an internship/co-op industry role as part of the academic curriculum or to complete the program in just 12 months in order to get back to work. The Purdue MEM staff were also the most engaged of any school I considered. They helped me build transition plans and offered personalized advice regarding the best way to achieve my goals.

Since entering school at Purdue, I have not only benefited from the exceptional courses, but I have also become a more well-rounded Engineer from the structured professional development opportunities offered through the MEM program. The professional development program has helped me to build a better resume and improve my interview skills, while the interactive discussions with industry professionals have introduced me to new opportunities that are helping to expand my network.

I am confident that I will be a more competitive candidate in the job market because of my experiences within the Purdue MEM program. Furthermore, I know that I am in a better, more informed, position than I was initially when I transitioned out of the military. I look forward to the challenges ahead!

Boiler Up!