Full-Time MBA Student Profile From US Marine Corps Supply Officer to Chicago Booth MBA Student

Kolby Haas discusses his experience pursuing consulting at Booth post-military, why Booth stands out as a top MBA pick for veterans, and more.

By Admissions Staff
November 11, 2026
Military
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Key Takeaways

Kolby chose Chicago Booth for its academic rigor and pay-it-forward culture, leveraging his MBA to pivot from a Marine Corps Supply Officer into management consulting with a long-term goal of Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA).
One of Kolby's favorite academic experiences at Booth was taking the Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) course taught by Professor Mark Agnew and Professor Brian O’Connor, which offers practical insights from individuals who have bought and run businesses.
As Co-Chair of the Armed Forces Group (AFG), Kolby highlights how Booth supports veterans through community mentorship, consulting recruiting prep, and financial accessibility via the Yellow Ribbon Program and the Office of Military-Affiliated Communities (OMAC).

Kolby Haas in front of Chicago Booth sign

About Kolby and Why He Chose Booth to Pursue His MBA

As Kolby looked to transition out of the Marine Corps, he saw a unique opportunity to pursue an MBA at a top business school, not only to build on his professional experience but also to gain access to recruiting opportunities and networks that could open doors to new career paths. After a long, and frankly sometimes frustrating, battle with the GMAT, Kolby ultimately chose to pursue an MBA at Chicago Booth for two key reasons…

Booth’s rigorous curriculum. Kolby knew Booth’s academic rigor would challenge him and he was incredibly impressed by how well Booth supports its veteran community.
Booth’s pay-it-forward culture. The campus culture is what truly set Booth apart for Kolby. Throughout the application process, Kolby got a firsthand look at how Boothies genuinely support one another, whether through recruiting advice, sharing their experiences, or simply taking the time to help someone they’d never met. Kolby knew that was the kind of community he wanted to be part of.

Kolby is now in his second year at Booth as a Full-Time MBA student and serves as co-chair of the FT Armed Forces Group, a student-led group on campus composed of students who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces of their respective countries. Read on as Kolby shines light on his experience transitioning out of the military to pursuing an MBA and shares what individuals coming from a military background can look forward to as students at Chicago Booth.

Kolby Haas and his three team members at the Deloitte National Case Competition

Deeper Dive into Kolby’s Professional Background, Long-Term Career Goals, and How Booth’s Full-Time MBA Program Has Contributed to His Professional Growth

Prior to Booth, I spent seven years as a Supply Officer in the Marine Corps, where I had the privilege of leading Marines and advising commanders on supply chain operations and budget management. I came to Booth looking to pivot into management consulting, where I could continue developing my business acumen while gaining exposure to different industries and functions, with the long-term goal of owning and operating my own business through entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA). Booth has been instrumental in that journey, sharpening my analytical skills and business mindset through its rigorous curriculum and quantitative approach to problem-solving. Just as valuable has been the opportunity to learn alongside incredibly talented classmates from diverse backgrounds and world-renowned professors who consistently challenge the way I think.

Experience Pivoting into Consulting and Helpful Industry-Specific Resources

I'm pursuing management consulting after Booth, but my long-term goal is to own and operate my own business through entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA). One of the things I've loved about Booth is how many opportunities there are to explore both interests. Professor Mark Agnew and Professor Brian O’Connor's ETA class has been a personal favorite, giving me the chance to learn from people who have actually gone through the process of buying and running businesses. On the consulting side, I can't say enough good things about the Management Consulting Group (MCG) and the second-years who invested countless hours helping me prepare for recruiting. Finally, the Armed Forces Group (AFG) has been a huge part of my Booth experience, providing an awesome community of fellow veterans while also going above and beyond to help us navigate Booth, prepare for recruiting, and ultimately succeed in whatever we pursue.

How Involvement in Armed Forces Group (AFG) Translates to Fulfilling MBA Experience

Coming to Booth, it was only natural that fellow veterans became my first close circle of friends. What I didn't necessarily expect was how that community would serve as a bridge to building friendships across the broader Booth class. One of my favorite AFG traditions is our annual Dining Out Gala, where we get to come together with fellow veterans, alumni, and supporters to celebrate our shared service and the community we've built. Now, as a second-year AFG Co-Chair, I've found it incredibly fulfilling to give back to the same community that welcomed me. Whether that's helping prospective veteran students navigate the application process or mentoring first-years through consulting recruiting, it's been one of the most rewarding parts of my Booth experience.

What Future Members of AFG Can Look Forward to

AFG is one of the largest affinity groups at Booth, bringing together veterans from across the U.S. military and allied nations. Between our monthly socials, annual Dining Out Gala, and countless informal get-togethers, there's no shortage of opportunities to build friendships and enjoy our time at Booth. But what really makes AFG special is how much our members genuinely care about one another. Whether it's helping prospective students navigate applications, spending hours preparing first-years for recruiting, or simply offering advice on how to make the most of Booth, people are always willing to give their time and energy to help each other succeed. There's a shared sense of responsibility to look out for one another, and I think that's what makes this community so unique.

How Experience in Military Overlaps With MBA Experience and Future Career Goals

One of the biggest lessons I took from the Marine Corps is the importance of being people-first. Regardless of the organization or industry, success ultimately comes down to the people around you and how well you work together. I also think veterans bring a unique ability to solve problems creatively, communicate concisely, and make decisions with imperfect information. These skills have translated surprisingly well to the classroom and beyond. A great example was last year when three fellow AFG members and I had the opportunity to represent Booth at Deloitte's National Case Competition, where we were fortunate enough to take home first place! It was a really cool experience and a great reminder that the skills we developed in uniform are just as valuable in the business world.

Insight on Resources Offered to Veterans at Chicago Booth

One of the biggest benefits for veterans at Booth is the school's commitment to making an MBA financially accessible. Through the Yellow Ribbon Program, Booth provides additional funding that, combined with the GI Bill, covers full tuition for veterans eligible for 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. Beyond that, Terrell Odom, Director of the Office for Military-Affiliated Communities (OMAC), and the rest of the OMAC team at UChicago are incredible advocates for veterans. They're constantly working to expand the resources available to us, whether that's additional funding, scholarships, health insurance support, or other benefits. It's reassuring to know that we have people across the university who genuinely care about our success and are always looking for ways to better support the veteran community.

Three AFG members at student-group fair in front of AFG booth

Advice to any Veterans/Service Members Considering Chicago Booth

My biggest piece of advice to prospective veteran students is to recognize the unique value you bring to the classroom. As veterans, we've spent years in mission-oriented environments where leadership, teamwork, and taking care of people are at the center of what we do. Those experiences provide perspectives that are incredibly valuable in a business school setting, even if we don't always recognize it ourselves. It's easy to fall into the trap of imposter syndrome when considering a top MBA program, but don't let that discourage you from applying. Lean on AFG and the many resources available to put together the strongest application possible. You absolutely belong in the conversation, and I hope you take the opportunity to join a program full of incredible people from different backgrounds, industries, and walks of life.

Kolby Haas with large group of Boothies in park

Fun Facts about Kolby

Kolby met his wife in the Marine Corps, specifically on deployment to Norway, and they got to know each other while doing very unique things like going dog-sledding above the Arctic Circle.
When Kolby found himself with much more free time after recruiting last year, he picked up golf and has been going to 5iron 2-3 times a week and will be playing in the Booth Golf tournament in the winter!

To learn more about the Armed Forces Group and opportunities available to connect with students during the application process, visit their website: https://www.boothafg.com/.

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