Jim Palmer, '25 MBA: Career Pivot from Military with MBA

Program 
’25 MBA

Military Service
U.S. Navy

Most Recent Employer and Job Title
Product Manager, Boston Scientific

Jim Palmer, ’25 MBA, is fueling his career pivot out of military service by earning a business degree at the Carlson School.

Palmer served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years, starting as a nuclear mechanic aboard the U.S.S. Minneapolis-Saint Paul, rising the ranks to surface warfare officer, and retiring as a lieutenant. Throughout his service, he lived in nine states, completed six deployments, and traveled to 18 countries. Palmer reflects on how the Carlson School is helping him navigate his future:
 

What made you decide to pursue a business degree at the Carlson School?

I wanted to translate and build upon the experience and leadership skills I learned in the Navy. When transitioning out of the military, the MBA program is an excellent opportunity to learn how to write resumes, effectively interview, and tell your story so it makes sense in a corporate setting. I think the MBA is crucial for people who want to pivot from a previous industry into another one. Building a new network and learning about different industries and functions is invaluable to career-switchers like me.
 

How has your military background helped you in the classroom as a business student?

The military teaches you how to work with a diverse group of people and solve any problem thrown at you. In the classroom, we are frequently put into groups to work through complex scenarios; the ability to collaborate with others and think critically is used every day at Carlson.

Each person has their own experience and journey going through the MBA program. People come in for different reasons and with different goals. But whatever you’re looking for, the Carlson School has something to meet your needs and help you become the best version of yourself.
 

What has been your most valuable Carlson School experience?

I wanted to pivot into the healthcare and medical technology industries and was immediately interested in the Carlson School’s Medical Industry Leadership Institute (MILI). I went on the MILI Valuation Lab trip to Palo Alto, California, and learned how to provide a rapid market evaluation for early-stage medical innovations while working with the founders of the technology and company. I credit that experience with helping me through my internship and earning a full-time offer at Boston Scientific, my top choice going through recruiting. I spent two decades serving in the military and wasn’t looking for just a job with my MBA—I wanted a career that allowed me to continue serving and working on a cause bigger than myself.
 

How do you feel military veterans are supported at the Carlson School?

Before I started the program or even stepped foot on campus, I had already met over a dozen fellow student veterans and could ask any question as they welcomed me into the cohort. This year, there are nearly 40 veterans between the first- and second-years of the MBA program, representing every branch of service.

There is a real sense of community and belonging, especially with the Military and Veterans’ Club. We’ve all had similar experiences and struggles that make it easy for us to relate and feel like we’ve known each other for years. It is really helpful to have a support system for what can be a challenging journey—leaving what and who you know in the military, and stepping into the corporate and academic worlds. I intend to stay connected with Carlson and support the next wave of student veterans as they navigate the journey through the MBA program to their next calling.