The email below comes from a Mechanical Engineer from India who is aspires to earn an MBA in the United States and is considering a long enlistment in the Indian Army to gain leadership experience. He’s got two primary questions for me. First, he’s wondering whether his military experience in India would give him any benefit in applying to US business schools. Second, he wants my guidance about whether he should enlist in the military or take an engineering position in the private sector. As you can imagine, I’m reluctant to give him anything on the second question because it is an immensly personal decision, but I did try to give him some insights on the first question. Unfortunately, he sent his email to me back in August, so my response may be getting to him too late to help him at all, but I wanted to close the loop on this with him anyway.

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VV wrote:

“hiii sir i am a mechanical engineer,and have got through indian army short service.My question is although i want an mba from USA,i have love for nation 2.So,i wana serve through army,at the same time save some money so that i can fund my mba in USA,which is expensive:(.Army experience is rich and it gives you opportunity to exhibhit your leadership qualities and compel you to to take decsions(wise ones),because you are commanding solidiers.Does military experience count in USA mba schools,espeically when i am not from US army but INDIAN army.please help me,as i have to decide wether i should join it or rather take up mechanical job.Indian army has 10 years of bond.The life style in military is different which suits me,at the same time gives me time to harness my leadreship qualities,also it would be technical field as in army i would be using mechanical knowledge to modify tanks,machines,guns etc.Hence after army mba would help me to venture out civil world.I shall be highly obliged if you could guide me aswhat i should do!! regards VV”

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My video response:

Key points:

- It may be self-evident, but a decision like the one that VV is facing should not be taken lightly

- Key considerations:

- Impression on MBA Admissions committees

–>Military service provides great leadership experience and, from what I’ve seen business schools look very highly on these types of roles - Intangibles

–> Willingness to serve one’s country over serving one’s self; Does VV truly possess this sort of selflessness?

- Duration of service

–> 10 years of military commitment is a LONG time; Is there a chance that VV might want to go to B-school long before then?

- Learning experience

–> leadership skills, discipline, technical skills (from “mechanical job” in the military)

- Compensation

–> Salary, benefits, financial assistance with education, etc.

- Alternative options - Mechanical job in the private sector

–> Determine how this position compares to the military role in terms of the key considerations above

- Other options?