Part-Time MBA Student Profile From US Unmanned Aircraft Pilot to Chicago Booth Weekend MBA Student

Grayson Zuberer shares his experience pursuing a Part-Time MBA with a focus on entrepreneurship after transitioning out of the Air Force.

By Admissions Staff
November 11, 2026
Military
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Key Takeaways

Members appreciate Booth’s Armed Forces Group (AFG) for creating a welcoming environment for military veterans and service members. The group serves as a vital stepping stone to connect with peers and build a strong professional network before even arriving on campus.
Grayson values the added flexibility offered within Booth’s Weekend MBA Program, as it allows him to commute from Wisconsin to Chicago for early morning classes on Saturdays with enough time to commute back home and still see his family the same day.
Through connections at Booth and participation in the Polsky Summer Accelerator - Build program, Grayson pivoted from project management after the Air Force to co-founding Endgap, an AI-powered construction software business.

About Grayson and His Journey to Booth's Weekend MBA Program

Grayson is originally from Louisville, Kentucky and was recruited from there to play football at the United States Air Force Academy. After undergrad, Grayson served as an Unmanned Aircraft Pilot flying the MQ-9 for seven years active-duty, spending time at multiple bases across the United States. Since then, Grayson moved to Madison, Wisconsin, transitioned out of the Air Force in August of 2024, and started his MBA at Chicago Booth’s Weekend MBA Program in the Autumn of 2024. Grayson ultimately chose Booth for its academic rigor, the prestige of the staff, and proximity to home.

Apart from his studies, Grayson serves as co-chair of the student-led Armed Forces Group for Evening and Weekend MBA students. The Armed Forces Group strives to build esprit de corps and a strong professional network of Booth alumni and current students with previous military experience. Read on as Grayson shines light on his experience pursuing a Part-Time MBA at Booth post-military and shares what individuals coming from a military background can look forward to as students at Chicago Booth.

Tell us more about your professional background and long-term career goals. How has your MBA experience contributed to your professional growth?

My MBA experience at Booth has changed my outlook on my career. After the Air Force, I worked as a general contractor doing project management. I figured Booth would help me excel there to a management level position. After 2 years at Booth, I’ve pivoted completely to an entrepreneurial route and started my own business.

What industry are you pursuing at Chicago Booth?

I have always had the real estate/construction space in mind for an entrepreneurial career, so I started there. I co-founded a business (Endgap) in the construction software space. The inspiration for starting my own company was through connections with other fellow Booth students and also participating in the Polsky Summer Accelerator - Build program.

Grayson Zuberer holding his daughter while wearing uniform

What made you specifically pursue Chicago Booth’s Weekend MBA Program?

I specifically chose the Weekend MBA Program for the flexibility as I continued working full-time. I have a family at home as well, and considering the time allotment of the Full-Time MBA Program was a big factor. I commute Saturday mornings for 2 classes and then commute back, allowing me to knock out both classes in one day and still spend time with my family.

My advice to anyone considering the program would be to really schedule your quarters out and have open communication with others when you have certain obligations to fulfill.

Tell us more about the Armed Forces Group (AFG). Additionally, why was joining AFG important to you?

The Armed Forces group has been amazing. It allows for fellow veterans and reserve/guard members to meet up, discuss our experience, and relate to others that have military experience. It’s a great stepping stone into a program where you may not know any other students, as it allows for you to connect with other similar individuals before you even get to campus.

How has your involvement in the Armed Forces Group contributed to your overall MBA experience?

My involvement has allowed me to meet so many other great people with military backgrounds, and also to learn from them in terms of what classes to take, what connections to make, etc. Within AFG, we try to make ourselves available to help others and do outreach. It’s very welcoming considering coming into a program of so many people with different backgrounds can be daunting; having someone who understands you and your background is important.

What can prospective and incoming students look forward to as future members of the Armed Forces Group?

A welcoming and inclusive environment, support and advice for school and life, and events that allow for networking and relaxing!

How have the resources offered to veterans made getting your MBA more feasible?

There are ample resources to figure out what is best for your journey. The financial aid, academic support, and transparency in what’s offered really helped me in selecting Booth’s Weekend MBA Program.

What advice would you give to fellow veterans/service members applying to Booth?

First, never underestimate the power of simply asking for help – multiple members of the AFG are there for you. Second, plan out your goals up front to keep you aligned. Use the academic resources for help. Lastly, take advantage of all of the networking events that the program offers. The most important part of this program is the people you meet!

Fun Facts about Grayson

Grayson is married to his wife Anna and they have three children (all girls) – Chambers, Scarlett, and Cecelia.
Some of Grayson’s favorite hobbies include golfing and exercising.
While at Booth, Grayson co-founded a business called Endgap: an AI-powered software performing QA/QC on construction project documents, finding conflicts, errors, and omissions before they become costly rework in the field. Check out www.endgap.ai for more info. Grayson’s journey to Booth has been especially impactful thus far as he states, “I never would have considered starting my own business without inspiration from Booth and other fellow students!”

Want to learn more about Chicago Booth?
Connect with us to receive more information about Chicago Booth’s Part-Time MBA Program. We encourage you to connect with us and keep the conversation going by sharing your interests so we can provide relevant information and better support you as you consider pursuing your MBA at Chicago Booth.

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