Veterans Advancing Through Data-Informed Leadership

The High-Impact Advantage: How CMU’s Online Hybrid MBA Propels Veteran Careers

For veterans and those in the military transitioning into business leadership, analytics skills offer a powerful advantage. They enable strategic decision-making and drive meaningful impact across organizations. With their background, including a mission-driven mindset and overall adaptability, veterans are uniquely positioned to thrive in today’s business environments. However, starting with the right training and education program is essential. 

Business analytics coursework in MBA programs can be particularly beneficial. Carnegie Mellon University’s Online Hybrid MBA program offers a data-informed curriculum with a robust support system that provides veterans and those transitioning out of the military with the tools they need for success. 

Jose Zarate chose the Online Hybrid MBA as he prepared to transition out of a 21-year military career. “I knew I needed more than just a rigorous academic curriculum—I needed a place that would help me build a powerful and meaningful network of business leaders across the country,” he explained.

What Makes Veterans Well-Suited to Launch Careers in Business?

Military service fosters leadership, strategic thinking, and decisive action - core qualities that directly translate to success in the business world. Service members are trained to assess complex situations, develop solutions under pressure, and lead teams with integrity and resilience. These strengths mirror the demands faced by today’s business leaders and position veterans to thrive in high-impact roles across industries; including launching successful ventures of their own.

According to a recent report from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 10.8% of veterans work in management roles or similar positions. Nearly 5.4% of U.S .businesses are veteran-owned, with approximately 80% considering themselves successful. Given that veterans have the skills, drive, and motivation needed for business management, these findings are unsurprising. 

Yet, the shift from military to civilian leadership isn’t always intuitive. An MBA program can serve as a vital bridge—helping veterans sharpen their business acumen, translate military experience into strategic insight, and build a network of peers and mentors. Our program is dedicated to supporting service members as they take the next step in their leadership journey, offering the tools and environment they need to lead with confidence and impact.

How Does Carnegie Mellon’s MBA Program Foster Data-Informed Leadership in Veterans?

Our Online Hybrid MBA program was named the third-best Online MBA Program by U.S. News & World Report in 2025, the second-best Online MBA Program by Fortune in 2024, and the second-best Online MBA Program among U.S. schools by the Financial Times in 2025. Those rankings reflect the numerous advantages our program offers, including the following: 

• Key courses in business analytics, data visualization, and decision-making frameworks
• A flexible learning model with both synchronous and asynchronous classes
• Resources like the Tepper Veterans Association
• The Yellow Ribbon Program for financial assistance
• Mentorship programs
• Personalized career support
• Robust networking opportunities to set veterans up for success
• Access Weekends, which bring online hybrid students on campus for a variety of activities, networking, and professional development

We blend leadership development with technical skill-building to create well-rounded business leaders who are positioned to make the most of their future careers. In addition, we are committed to helping veterans translate their military leadership skills into civilian business contexts, increasing their success in the civilian world.