Ryan Berg, Alum

Degree: MBA (General Management), Fall 2024

Ryan Berg is part of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, 96th Airlift Squadron (Minnesota)

“My bandwidth varied drastically from week to week, sometimes even day to day.”

For Ryan Berg, flexibility wasn’t just a benefit of the UW MBA Consortium; it was essential.

While balancing military service, full-time work, and an uncertain start date for Air Force pilot training, Ryan completed the MBA program in just over one year. The program’s asynchronous format and flexible pacing allowed him to keep up with coursework despite frequent shifts in his availability.

“The program’s flexibility allowed me to succeed where more rigid, traditional programs would have put me at a disadvantage.”

Beyond flexibility, the MBA helped Ryan expand his leadership perspective across military and civilian contexts.

“What works in the military doesn’t always translate to the civilian side.”

Ryan said the MBA experience challenged him to think differently about collaboration, communication, and leading across diverse professional settings. Working alongside classmates from a variety of industries broadened his perspective on how teams and organizations operate outside the military.

That growth paid off. Earning his MBA before pilot training helped Ryan land a strategy analyst role at CAE Defense & Security, supported by new skills, greater confidence, and a strong professional network.

“The UW MBA Consortium equipped me with skills I didn’t know I needed and instilled in me a desire to make an impact on a larger scale.”

Ryan’s journey is a powerful example of how flexibility, leadership development, and meaningful ROI come together for military-connected students.