Document Type
Doctor of Education Capstone
Original Publication Date
2023
Client
William & Mary Center for Military Transition
Date of Submission
May 2023
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand William & Mary (W&M) Master of Business Administration (MBA) military alums’ experiences with their career transitions post-graduation and the influence of the program on their experiences.
Methods: This study utilized a case study design, including focus groups and interviews with 21 alums from the last 10 years and formal, semi-structured interviews with six current faculty and staff. We used Schlossberg’s (1981) individuals’ situation, self, support, and strategies to analyze data using thematic analysis, and then iteratively reducing codes into themes.
Results: Demographic findings showed a lack of diversity, such as women, people of color, and LGBTQ+. Our findings indicated participants’ perceptions of the program’s impact on their transitions were positive. We recognized academic and career development resources, impact of military on transitions, and offering of the Executive Partner Program. Our research recognized influential policies and networks and determined the importance of human networks. Lastly, we identified a lack of reported disabilities and shared experiences of minorities.
Conclusions: We found that active-duty alums’ situations differed from veterans due to delayed transitions into the civilian workforce. Our participants shared different supports used, such as the Center for Military Transition (CMT), the Executive Director of the CMT, the Graduate Career Management Center, and the Executive Partners Program. Networking and use of transition coaches also benefited military alums.
Rights
© The Authors