The power and influence of a ‘quiet professional’
Written by Cam Voigt ’24, Two-Year MBA Program
Candidly, Kellogg was not my top choice when I began my MBA journey and transition out of the U.S. Army. Growing up in New England and convinced that New York City was where I wanted to begin in the private sector, I intended to apply to several schools in the Northeast. However, after attending a business school webinar for transitioning service members and popping into the Kellogg breakout room, my interest was piqued. The veterans in this breakout room were eloquent, easy to talk to and down to earth. I decided to include Kellogg in my list of applications.
Ultimately deciding to pursue my MBA at Kellogg has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my entire life. Not only is Kellogg a leadership laboratory and career accelerator, but it's also a great place to try new things and get out of one’s comfort zone. The people and culture at Kellogg have facilitated a successful transition for me from military to civilian life, and I am exceedingly grateful to be here.
Turning back the clock from March to July of 2021
Upon return from a four-month deployment to Afghanistan from March to July, I began some personal reflection on a three-week post-deployment leave period. I realized that I had accomplished the major milestones I set for myself when I was commissioned in 2017 from West Point, and I desired more flexibility in my personal life. Not knowing exactly what career path I would like to pursue and craving to get back into the classroom, I decided to begin applying to MBA programs.
Throughout the application process, engaging with veterans clubs at each school was my most helpful tactic. I learned how to translate my military experiences into “civilian speak,” and how to craft the narrative for my essays while gaining more insight into the culture and experience at each program.
It became evident to me throughout the process that certain veterans clubs were extremely open and generous with their time — the Kellogg Veterans Association (KVA) stood out especially to me, as multiple members voluntarily reached out to offer guidance. I was able to finally engage in person with the club when I visited for Day at Kellogg (DAK) in April 2022. After coming to campus, meeting the KVA and seeing Kellogg for myself, I decided that this was the place for me. The moment that crystallized this decision was at a Small Group Dinner (SGD) I attended during DAK. While playing a game and dancing foolishly in a group around the kitchen island of a second-year student — I didn’t feel judged or embarrassed. I felt like I fit right in.
Why culture matters
The importance of culture cannot be understated, especially in a military setting. In my last Army unit — the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment — I witnessed firsthand the positive impacts that culture has on building cohesive teams and tackling seemingly insurmountable tasks. The intrinsic motivation and attitudes of each Ranger, combined with superior training standards and rigor, makes the Regiment one of the most lethal fighting forces in the world. So, often the Rangers are tasked with some of the entire Army’s most complex and challenging missions due to their demonstrated achievement, flexibility and resilience.
Despite its storied history, especially throughout the Global War on Terror — the Rangers were the longest continuously deployed military unit in U.S. history — often this unit might not get the public acknowledgement and credit it deserves. And honestly, we preferred it that way. The aspirational idea of the “quiet professional” was a commonly embraced one in the Regiment. Further, the motto of the Rangers, “Sua Sponte,” translates from Latin to “of their own accord.” This implies that one can take disciplined initiative — in the absence of formal guidance, Rangers are guided by their standards of excellence and common creed, and the team will get the job done to the best of their ability.
These concepts, I believe, translate directly to some of the core attributes of the Kellogg Leader. Being a “quiet professional” correlates strongly with being a “high impact, low ego” leader — one should seek to better their organization without seeking personal accolades. Additionally, I believe the “Sua Sponte” motto connects with multiple attributes, especially being “creative + innovative” and “intentional + purpose-driven.” Both Kellogg Leaders and service members work in diverse, yet cohesive teams to accomplish and exceed expectations for their organization.
Both groups recognize that they don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room to influence others and recognize that vulnerability and self-awareness can be viewed as strengths. It does no one any favors to never acknowledge one’s shortcomings or struggles; “taking a knee” and asking for support is often what’s best for the team. I have consistently been able to lean on my fellow veterans in the KVA for support, whether it be through academic, recruiting or even social challenges in the last year.
Service members and veterans who “lean in," recognize the importance of culture and put their ego aside will find success not only at Kellogg but in the corporate world. I would encourage any service members interested in making this transition to reach out to the KVA. Every single veteran has benefitted from the assistance of others, and from the KVA, current service members can find a wealth of support. We all want to pay it forward.
Read next: “It’s the people who ultimately won me over,” says a Full-Time MBA student