Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Joining the blog today is W. Isaac Lyons, a former Army officer and current student at the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m 30 years-old and married to my wife Kaitlin and we have a 14mo old son (Will). In my free time, I like to read, golf and get in the gym. Also, I love Thai food and beer.
What did you do in the military?
You should know this one as we were stationed together, Mark. (I shouldn’t let my interviewees talk back to me like this). I was an Infantry Officer for 8 years. First serving with 1-325 Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT, 82nd Airborne Division as a Platoon Leader, and Company XO. Later I deployed to Iraq with Division Headquarters in 2015/2016 as a Bureau Chief. I then moved to Fort Benning and attended the Maneuver Captains Career Course (MCCC), completed a Company Command at the 198th Infantry Brigade (One Station Unit Training) and a brief stint as a Battalion XO before transitioning in July of 2019.
How did you decide on pursuing an MBA?
Pursuing an MBA is something I had wanted to do since about 2014, however, I just wasn’t ready. At the time (2014) I had just moved into a new position and was really enjoying the Army and the people I worked alongside. After attending MCCC in 2016, my attitude changed and, to be blunt, I graduated MCCC feeling like a droid who’d spent 6 months in a factory, I was simply ready for a change and a new challenge. After completing my command in the 198th BDE in 2018, my desire to pursue an MBA was renewed, and I began studying for the GMAT and applying to business schools.
What attracted you to Mcdonough?
The McDonough School of Business (MSB) is incredibly diverse and is located at the heart of business and politics, both of which are inextricably linked together. I believe the leaders in multi-national corporations of this century, perhaps more than any other, will need non-market strategy skills to be successful. Non-market strategy, that is the strategy which involves navigating public policy and global organizations (World Trade Organization, United Nations, etc.), is something that is inculcated in every Georgetown MBA. Additionally, the school’s brand enjoys a reputation as equipping candidates with skills recruiters desire. Last year, MSB was ranked #1 by Bloomberg as having the best-trained graduates.
Is there anything you would have done differently in applying to MBA programs?
Yeah, I would have hired a tutor during the application process. I ended up using Magoosh which also has an app you can download to study on your phone and that was very helpful. It was really a struggle having been out of the standardized test game for 10 years to jump back into essay writing and polynomials (feel free if you need to pause here and search what a polynomial is).
What have you found the most challenging as an MBA student?
I’m not going to fib, it’s a lot of work. The course load is heavy at MSB but it’s not unbearable. I know a lot of schools, and I won’t name-drop, but I know a lot of the Ivys do a High Pass, Pass, Low Pass grading system which really allows for more student networking and social events. McDonough is not one of those schools. MSB has a max mean policy and grading can be really competitive–you really have to focus, study, and keep up! However, this has also been really good for me because I feel like I am being stretched and learning a lot which is why I came here in the first place.
What are your plans post-MBA?
I have an internship lined up with a healthcare company working in their health economics division this summer, so we’ll see where that goes. I remain open to new opportunities and roles, which is another big reason I went back for an MBA. The credential gives you much more optionality in what sectors, and in what functions you can work. The few exceptions which prove the rule would be IB/Consulting.
Looking back on your transition, what would you have done differently?
Save more money, and research healthcare options. My wife and I budgeted fairly well, and we are doing fine, however, the more you save now the better off you’ll be once you receive your DD-214. A good rule of thumb suggested by a friend of mine was to create a budget of what you think you’ll need to save and add 30%. Also, find out if you qualify for VA healthcare. If you do, that could save you a lot of money if you are currently on a prescription for a permanent medical condition. If you’re still active duty go see your VA rep at your local transition center and ask them if you qualify. If you do, you can have healthcare set up through the VA before you even out-process. I know Fort Benning, GA has this and I would highly, highly recommend you ask.
What were some unexpected challenges in the transition process?
The transition process is long. Six months plus out from my ETS and I was still trying to curb the use of jargon and acronyms, while also adjusting my writing style for the civilian world. There can be some pressure to kind of fake who you are a bit, (imposter syndrome is a real thing), you see other people do it and it’s just not a good look. I admit I myself was going through that for a while when I first got to MSB. What helped me drop it was during the interviews on-campus recruiting events, going through my background and resume and talking about my experience in the military brought it all back for me. It’s not a transformation on your character or your personality but a transformation on your career you should be focused on.
Most importantly: what’s the best chow hall you experienced in the military?
Hands down, 6RTB chow hall at Eglin AFB. (I will attest that NOTHING can beat the French toast here. And I’ll stand down anyone on that.)
Related:
Military to MBA (Part 1/7): Is It for You?