Cory Rank, Full-Time MBA ’09

Lieutenant, U.S. Navy
B.S., Biology, Virginia Tech

Why did you choose to return to school to get your MBA?

While serving in Baghdad on my most recent deployment in early 2007 I became aware of a Navy Graduate Education Program called the Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) MBA. Each year the Navy chooses seven officers to attend a full-time MBA program of their choice. The list of schools includes Harvard, University of Pennsylvania and Northwestern University. Not bad company. The timing was right, so I applied, and was accepted. I knew that an MBA would serve me well whether I decided to stay in or get out of the Navy.

Why did you choose the Rady School?

My true passion is in the life sciences. I studied biology while at Virginia Tech and have always been interested in pursuing a career in the biotech industry. The Rady School has a tremendous relationship with the technology sector here in San Diego and what better place to network with biotech companies than “America’s Finest City.” For me, it was a no-brainer. I am spending two years away from the Navy as a student in a program that I believe, is already a top-tier business school.

As someone with a military background, what do you feel is the advantage to obtaining your MBA?

If you asked me this question at the beginning of my first year, I probably would not have been able to answer it. I knew that having an MBA would make me more marketable once I was out of the Navy, but I did not have an appreciation for the skill sets that I would learn at Rady. For instance, the leadership skills learned in the military are not entirely the same as those learned in an MBA program. Since joining Rady I have worked with students from all over the world. The challenge of bringing so many diverse points of view to work toward a single objective is something that you don’t really get in the military. Also, the hard skills of the program in marketing, finance, operations and strategy will translate well for use in the military. I am looking forward to applying some of the things I have learned here once I get back to the fleet.

How has your military experience influenced how you approach MBA study?

I have a difficult time dealing with the fact that I can’t do it all. That is a really great lesson that a program like Rady teaches. It makes you trust your classmates and holds you accountable to them for your share of the work. As a Naval Officer, I tend to take the lead when working in groups. I have had to step aside at times and give others the chance to lead. It is a pleasant change of pace from the responsibility that I have in the Navy.

Is there anything else you would like to share about the Rady School or your career goals?

It is a privilege to be a part of the beginning of the Rady School. The administration is doing a terrific job building a world-class faculty, which is the foundation for a world-class program. I feel like I’m buying into Google during its IPO. As far as career goals are concerned, it’s up in the air at this point. I owe three and a half more years of service in the Navy. Whether I decide to stay in or get out at that point will depend on if I’m still having fun or not. Either way, the education I am getting here at Rady will be a big part of my future successes, be it as an Admiral or CEO.