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An Interview with Chris Antonov, MBA Candidate 2017 and U.S. Marine Corps Captain with 11 years of military service.

Interviewed by Jackie Fleming, MBA candidate 2017

Chris dressed for success on his first day of business school.

1. What in your military experience lead you to pursue an MBA?

   I found a passion for management of people and projects while serving as a Marine Corps Logistics Officer. Once I made the decision to leave active duty, I decided to go to graduate school in order to maximize my competitiveness in the civilian sector. An MBA was the graduate education option that was most relevant to my natural skills and passions. I chose the Leeds MBA because of the great local economic climate, strong academic curriculum in real estate and renewable energy, and ideal geographic location.

2. How has your experience been as a veteran in the Leeds MBA program?
   The leadership, interpersonal communication, and time management skills that I mastered during my time as an active duty officer have played a major role in my academic success in the MBA program. In addition, 15% of the MBA cohort are veterans. This gave me a strong community when I first started the program. I leveraged my military experience and local military network during my networking efforts with business professionals. My military experience was a critical factor in me getting a summer internship with a local commercial real estate development company.

   During my time in the MBA program, I have continued to serve as a Marine Corps reservist. This has been rewarding since it has allowed me to continue my connection with the Marine Corps. However, it can also be very challenging to achieve a work/life balance with the combination of my military and MBA commitments.

3. 

   ÌýEnjoying the beauty of Boulder by bicycle.
   What resources are available for veterans at CU?

   The Student Veterans Association is a student-run veterans club and is the most active local veterans network. ²ÊÃñ±¦µä Office of Veteran Services provides veterans with information and support regarding veteran programs, policies, educational benefits, and networking opportunities.

4. Would you recommend Leeds MBA to interested veterans?

   Absolutely. The Leeds MBA program is very collaborative in nature and emphasizes team-building and teamwork to accomplish goals, which are skills that come naturally to veterans. There is a real sense of community among both the veteran and non-veteran MBA students. Living in Boulder gives you the opportunity to pursue an outdoors lifestyle while getting your education.

   

   Chris with fellow student veterans after finishing the Bolder Boulder 10k runÌýwith the Student Veterans Association.
   The Leeds MBA degree is a great choice for people who want to live in Colorado because it carries a lot of weight with local companies and allows you to leverage the Leeds Alumni network in pursuit of internships and jobs. I would especially recommend the program to anyone interested in real estate. The Leeds MBA program has a fantastic Real Estate track that is highly structured and exceptionally well-managed.