Service to School Stories

What does it take to build a career in consulting after military service? In this follow-up conversation, Alex Dawson returns to the Service to School Stories podcast to share how his journey evolved from pursuing an MBA to launching a career in consulting. Drawing on his own experiences, Alex offers an inside look at the consulting industry and what veterans need to know to successfully navigate the transition.

The conversation explores the different types of consulting, how firms evaluate candidates, and strategies for preparing for case interviews and recruitment. Alex also discusses the value of MBA programs, choosing the right school, translating military experience into consulting strengths, and building a career with long-term growth in mind. Whether you're considering business school, exploring consulting, or planning your next career move after the military, this episode provides practical guidance for veterans looking to chart their own path.

00:00 Introduction to Service to School Stories

02:36 Transitioning from Military to Consulting

06:16 Understanding Consulting: What It Is

10:06 What Firms Look for in Candidates

12:20 Differentiating Factors for Veterans in Consulting

18:01 Preparing for Case Interviews

22:30 The Importance of Internships in Consulting

29:35 Translating Military Experience for Consulting

31:26 Debunking Common Misconceptions about Consulting

34:01 Final Thoughts on Consulting Careers

Resources

Free MBA admissions support for veterans 

Bain & Company

Case Interview Resources

Four years ago, Terren Wise joined the S2S Stories podcast shortly after being accepted to Brown University, sharing his excitement for the journey ahead. Now, as he prepares to graduate with an engineering degree, Terren returns to reflect on how that journey unfolded and the experiences that shaped him along the way.

In this full-circle conversation, Terren shares what he learned transitioning from Navy submariner to Brown student, how he found community and purpose on campus, and why college became about much more than earning a degree. From choosing the right major and exploring new career paths to building relationships with classmates, faculty, and alumni, Terren offers an honest look at the growth that can happen after admission. Whether you're preparing to apply to college or wondering what life as a student veteran is really like, this episode offers valuable perspective on making the most of every opportunity higher education has to offer.

00:00 Introduction to Terren's Journey

02:44 Reflections on College Experience

07:05 Finding Community at Brown

09:08 Navigating Campus Life as a Veteran

12:40 The Importance of Personal Growth

16:21 Choosing the Right Major

20:38 Favorite Classes and Life Skills

24:19 Post-Graduation Plans and Opportunities

29:13 Advice for Active Duty and Applicants

Resources 

Terren's first podcast interview

Admissions support for veterans & service members

Brown University veterans admissions 

Is community college the right path for veterans pursuing a college degree? In this episode, admissions leaders from Vassar College and Princeton University discuss the realities of community college as a pathway to highly selective institutions, challenging common misconceptions and offering practical guidance for veterans navigating the transfer process.

The conversation explores how admissions offices evaluate transfer applicants, including transfer credits, course selection, academic rigor, letters of recommendation, and the role of online versus in-person coursework. The guests, Colleen Mallet & Alex Bustin, also share advice for veterans who may not have recent academic experience and discuss how community college can serve as a powerful foundation for academic success and future transfer opportunities. Whether you're considering community college, preparing a transfer application, or exploring your educational options after military service, this episode provides valuable insights from admissions professionals who review veteran applications firsthand.

00:00 Introduction and Overview of Community College for Veterans

01:29 Personal Journeys and the Value of Community College

02:13 Meet the Admissions Experts from Vassar and Princeton

06:59 Common Misconceptions About Community College

09:03 Evolution of Community College Perception

12:15 Evaluating Academic Proof and Transcripts

17:34 Assessing Applicants Without Recent Academic Experience

22:27 Online vs In-Person Courses for Transfer Applicants

28:26 Maximizing Community College Experience for Admissions

34:03 Choosing Courses to Strengthen Your Application

40:13 Balancing GPA and Course Rigor

46:23 Community College as a Strength in Transfer Applications

50:30 Common Mistakes in Transfer Applications

54:07 Resources and Support for Transfer Applicants

58:55 Final Thoughts: Community College as a Strategic Pathway

Resources:

Free admissions support for veterans & service members

Vassar College Veterans Admissions

Princeton University Veterans Admissions

In this episode, student veteran Kyle Keen shares his journey from military service to Stanford University and reflects on the challenges and opportunities that come with transitioning to college as a veteran. From navigating a new academic environment to finding his place on campus, Kyle discusses the experiences that shaped his path and the lessons he learned along the way.

The conversation explores the importance of building community, developing leadership skills, and creating spaces where veterans can connect and support one another. Kyle shares practical insights on balancing academics with campus involvement, fostering meaningful relationships, and helping other veterans thrive in higher education. Whether you're preparing to start college or looking for ways to become more engaged on campus, this episode offers valuable perspectives on building community and making the most of your student experience.

00:00 Building Community on Campus

03:08 Transitioning from Military to Academia

05:58 Choosing the Right Institution

08:51 Experiencing Stanford as a Veteran

11:21 Leadership in the Veteran Community

14:31 Engaging with Fellow Veterans

17:08 Navigating Academic Rigor and Mental Health

19:44 Collaboration with University Staff

22:19 Continuing the Legacy of Info Sessions

25:21 Challenges in Building Community

27:56 Advice for New Veteran Students

30:29 Balancing Leadership and Academics

32:55 Future Plans Beyond Stanford

Resources:

Stanford University

Office for Military-Affiliated Communities at Stanford

Stanford Veteran Events

What does it mean to find community as a woman veteran in higher education? In this episode, Haley Champion and Susan McLernon, co-founders of the Princeton Women's Veterans Group, share their journeys from military service to the classrooms of Princeton and the experiences that shaped their transitions along the way.

Together, they discuss the unique challenges and opportunities women veterans encounter in higher education, the importance of creating spaces where veterans can connect and support one another, and the role advocacy plays in improving representation on campus. Through their personal stories, Haley and Susan offer insight into building community, navigating life after the military, and helping ensure that women veterans are seen, supported, and empowered to succeed in academia.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions

01:22 Personal Journeys to Princeton

04:28 Military Backgrounds and Transition Experiences

11:31 Expectations and Challenges as Women Veterans in Ivy League

16:21 Unique Perspectives and Contributions on Campus

26:43 Creating Supportive Communities for Women Veterans

36:12 Forming the Women Veterans Group at Princeton

44:56 Advice for Future Women Veterans in Higher Education

52:22 Final Reflections and Words of Encouragement

Resources:

Service to School

Princeton Admissions for US Military

Many veterans focus on getting into college, but one of the most important steps toward a successful civilian career happens while you're still a student. In this episode, Whitney Cason sits down with Mike Brown, Army veteran and Director of The Prince Family Veterans Resource Center at Villanova University, to discuss why internships can be a game-changer for student veterans transitioning from military service to higher education and the workforce. Mike shares how internships help veterans gain experience, explore career paths, and build professional networks that can shape future opportunities.

The conversation explores the importance of planning early, identifying meaningful internship opportunities, and leveraging alumni networks to support career growth. Mike also addresses common misconceptions about internships and offers practical advice for veterans looking to maximize their education and position themselves for long-term success after graduation.

00:00 The Importance of Internships for Veterans

07:14 Understanding the Transition from Military to College

11:02 Navigating the Internship Landscape

15:24 Real-Life Impact of Internships

20:49 Leveraging Alumni Networks

24:53 Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

26:07 Key Advice for Veterans on Internships

Resources: 

• Villanova University Veterans Support Office
• Services for Veterans at Villanova
• Admissions Support for Veterans

What happens when a veteran returns to school after years away from the classroom? Shifting gears to balancing work, life responsibilities, and the pressure of starting over sound familiar? In this episode, Chris Gregory shares his journey from community college student to competitive applicant for top universities like Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University of California, Berkeley.

Chris opens up about overcoming academic setbacks, navigating the transfer process, and learning how to build momentum as an adult learner. The conversation explores the value of community college as a strategic pathway for veterans, practical application strategies for highly selective schools, and the importance of finding support systems that help veterans succeed in higher education. Whether you’re just beginning to consider college or already planning your transfer journey, this episode offers real insight, encouragement, and actionable advice from someone who’s been through it firsthand.

00:00 Introduction to Chris Gregory's Journey

02:48 Understanding the College Admissions Process

06:00 Relocating for Community College

08:15 Navigating Community College Challenges

11:08 Transitioning from Workforce to Classroom

13:58 The Application Process and Admissions Decisions

18:39 Evaluating Admissions Offers

21:57 Financial Considerations in College Admissions

25:33 Advice for Veterans Entering College

30:16 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode, Emma chats with Marina Varela, manager of the Student Veteran Resource Center at Diablo Valley College, about how community colleges can provide veterans with a strong foundation for higher education through personalized support, transfer pathways, and veteran-focused resources. She discusses the important role Veteran Resource Centers (VRCs) play in helping student veterans build community, navigate benefits, and access support both inside and outside the classroom.

The conversation also explores the value of early transfer planning, campus-wide collaborations that support veteran success, and common myths surrounding community colleges. Whether you're considering starting at a community college or planning your next step toward a four-year institution, this episode offers practical insights for making the most of the journey.

00:00 Introduction to Community Colleges for Veterans

01:17 Support Systems in Community Colleges

04:02 Navigating the Transition to Higher Education

06:41 The Importance of Outreach and Connection

09:32 Collaboration Across Campus Departments

12:16 Academic Advising and Transfer Planning

22:19 The Power of Mentorship

23:43 Navigating Community College for UCs and CSUs

28:16 Academic Counseling and Support Systems

33:48 Dispelling Myths About Community College

39:22 Final Advice for Veterans in Community College

Resources 

Diablo Valley College

Service to School

CalVet Benefits

In this episode, Sydney Matthes and Annie Behari from Service to School discuss how military service members and veterans can prepare for higher education. They cover college application timelines & nuances specific to veterans, evaluating schools based on military benefits and goals, using tuition assistance and transfer credits effectively, storytelling strategies to maximize college admissions success, and the benefits of preparing esrly for a smooth transition to higher education.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Service to School

05:12 Understanding the Service to School Timeline

10:06 Preparing for Higher Education: Early Steps

15:12 Navigating Academic Credits and Course Selection

19:54 Crafting Your Narrative: Military Experience and Admissions

25:08 Final Thoughts and Resources for Future Students

Resources

• Service to School Website
• College Fair and Webinars
• Veterans Education Benefits Guide

In this episode of Service to School Stories, Emma Parish, Director of Student Advising, sits down with S2S applicant & Ambassador pair Denver Barrows and Cayde Bruce to explore the power of peer mentorship in the veteran-to-college journey.

They dig into how strong mentor–mentee relationships are built, why they matter, and the real impact they can have on your admissions strategy and confidence. Denver and Cayde share what makes mentorship work, the trends they’re seeing across the veteran community, and the qualities that set great mentors apart.

You’ll also hear honest insights about navigating the unique challenges military-affiliated applicants face and how having someone in your corner can change everything.

The episode closes with practical guidance for both mentors and mentees, plus inspiring reminders of why mentorship is one of the most transformative parts of the Service to School experience.

00:00 Introduction to Mentorship in Education

05:06 The Impact of Mentorship on College Admissions

11:10 Building a Network Through Mentorship

14:04 Maintaining Relationships Beyond College Applications

16:37 Trends in Mentorship and Education for Veterans

20:30 Qualities of an Effective Mentor

24:46 Navigating Feedback in Mentorship

28:43 The Unique Value of Mentorship for Military Applicants

31:20 Final Thoughts and Reflections

34:28 S2S Stories Podcast Outro Video.mp4

Additional Resources: 

Become a mentor with S2S