Jonathan "JD" Due Highlights Support for Veteran Students LIVE on RVA Today
Jonathan "JD" Due, Executive Director of the Center for Military Transition at William & Mary's Raymond A. Mason School of Business, was a recent guest on RVA Today, where he discussed how the school supports military veterans transitioning into civilian careers, with a special focus on the Executive MBA program.
During his appearance, JD shared insights into the vital work the Center for Military Transition does to help student veterans thrive in the next chapter of their lives. As he explained, the Center's mission is to "unite and empower veteran students and transitioning service members," providing them with the tools, education, and connections they need to succeed in the business world.
"About 150,000 to 200,000 individuals leave military service each year, and half of them report the transition to civilian life as challenging," JD said. "We're here to make that transition smoother by connecting their unique military experience with world-class business education, meaningful relationships, and professional growth opportunities."
At the core of this transition is the Raymond A. Mason School of Business's Executive MBA program, which JD highlighted as a critical avenue for veterans to enhance their skills and broaden their professional network. The Executive MBA program is designed for working professionals, allowing students to balance their studies with career responsibilities. JD emphasized the importance of the relationships built within the program, both among classmates and faculty, who bring a wealth of industry expertise.
"Faculty members at William & Mary are not only world-class educators but also connectors," JD explained. "They help our students forge relationships with business leaders and corporations, opening doors to exciting career opportunities."
Additionally, JD pointed out that the local community also benefits from these connections. The program's emphasis on building professional networks between veteran students and businesses, particularly along the I-64 corridor in Virginia, helps match valuable veteran talent with local employers.
The Center for Military Transition offers personalized career coaching tailored to veterans, helping them leverage their military skills and experiences to excel in their new careers. As JD put it, "Our job is to help them form effective professional relationships that bridge the gap between where they are and where they want to go."
This collaboration between the Center, the MBA program, and local businesses offers a win-win situation. Veterans gain the skills and support they need to succeed, and the local economy benefits from their experience, leadership, and expertise.
"We're really proud of the work we do," JD said. "Every day is a learning experience for me as I see how our veteran students thrive and how local businesses are enriched by their talents."
For more information about the Center for Military Transition and the Executive MBA program at William & Mary, visit mason.wm.edu.
