A career pivot surfaces new ambition

By Caleb Scarlett ’28 Two-Year MBA 

On day one of reporting aboard the USS Pennsylvania, I was confronted with the reality that in the real world — outside of universities and formal training programs — getting things done requires social skills and empathy in addition to intellect. Prior to the age of 22, I’d excelled in academics: earning an engineering degree from a reputable college, getting selected for submarine duty in the naval nuclear propulsion program and graduating from Naval Nuclear Power School with honors.  

What I hadn’t picked up in those 22 years was a sense of what it means to be the type of person people want to help. I’d over-indexed on self-reliance and under-indexed on collaboration. So, the intensely interpersonal and collaborative environment of a tight-knit submarine crew at sea was a big adjustment. However, I was fortunate to have a crew of sailors who cared about my development. They taught me how to fight submarine fires, operate a nuclear reactor and the finer points of fighting a nuclear war from a ballistic missile submarine. After 18 months of hard work and pushing myself, I was able to successfully qualify in submarines and earn my place among the crew.  

The collaborative approach to solving challenging engineering and operational problems in a small, high-performing team really appealed to me. Yet I knew I wanted to pivot out of the Navy to make a wider impact in society, specifically within the energy sector. My time operating a nuclear reactor, providing propulsion and electricity to a warship, showed me the centrality of energy in our lives which inspired me to pursue a career in energy after my Naval service. 

I reflected on my level of knowledge and expertise when deciding between taking a job or pursuing business school after the military. It was true that I accomplished some impressive goals while serving on a submarine, but I realized that I knew little about how the private sector works. Furthermore, my experience skewed technical, working with engineering drawings and maintenance procedures. I knew I needed to enhance my leadership skills and business acumen to successfully drive change and impact in the energy industry. The logical place to accomplish both of these goals was a top MBA program. 

A conversation that became a turning point 

As I dove deeper into my options, Kellogg became the clear choice for my goals, career and personal growth. As an engineer in college going into the military, professional networking or collaborating in an academic setting weren’t skills I needed to succeed, and thus they did not develop as much as I feel I currently need. So, one of the goals for my MBA journey is to improve my networking abilities to support career growth.  

Another major draw for Kellogg was the high-impact, high-empathy mindset. As a submariner, I was used to quiet competence, sharing credit and playing by the rules. These organizational hallmarks are eminently present at Kellogg and were apparent as I talked to students and alumni when I visited campus.  

I remember when Crysta Gonzalez ’26 MBA took time out of her incredibly busy schedule to talk with me — which ended up being for over an hour — not only about Kellogg but also about her experiences exiting the Navy and transitioning to the Navy Reserve. She also provided guidance on civilian careers.  

It was talking to her that really sold me on the strength of the Kellogg alumni network and how we look out for one another as Kellogg Leaders. The selflessness with her time and her willingness to connect with someone who was still exploring options spoke volumes about the type of people that Kellogg attracts. It drove me to accept my offer of admission. 

Career support beyond the traditional MBA recruiting hubs 

As someone interested in energy, the South — Texas in particular — is a current geographic hotspot for the industry, so the school’s broad domestic reach appealed to me. No other top-ranking business school has as many MBA students in this vibrant region, which is something that surprised me as I did my research. But the nationwide reach at Kellogg and its broad reputation for competence without ego extends far beyond coastal hubs. 

The Career Management Center has been a huge resource for me in narrowing my job search and providing resources to find career opportunities in the South. Their comprehensive database of companies, positions, historical recruiting data and a dedicated librarian to focus on my search have provided me with the resources I need to successfully secure a role in a less conventional post-MBA destination.  

Without these resources, I would have struggled to navigate a job search in a market outside the typical MBA recruiting pipeline, as so many of my peers focus on other cities like Chicago, New York or the Bay Area. 

Expanding my perspective beyond what I already know

While I’m still quite new to Kellogg, everything I was excited about has been validated. My peers are welcoming, inquisitive and collaborative. I’ve benefitted enormously from their wide-ranging experiences and perspectives spanning fields such as engineering, consulting and sustainability. The school’s robust veterans network, including the Kellogg Veterans Association, has also smoothed my transition into civilian life and business school through application support, social events and recruiting resources.  

As I reflect on my journey so far, one thing I’d say to veterans looking to apply to a top MBA is that although your background, skills and perspective will be very different than your peers who have worked in consulting or tech, the experience that you have from military more than make up for your lack of formal business exposure. You belong here! 


Read next: The power and influence of a ‘quiet professional’ 


The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Kellogg School of Management or Northwestern University.