At first glance, a business education and a military career may not seem to have much in common. For Max Nelson BSB ’23 and Garret Hintze BSB ’23, both members of the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC - a four-year program that prepares college students to commission as officers into the United States Navy and Marine Corps.), the two experiences have provided them with a skill set that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Nelson, who is majoring in Marketing, believes that his Carlson School degree will help him succeed in his career.

“Public Affairs is an essential part of the U.S. Navy's Maritime Strategy,” he said. “It's in our job description as officers to be transparent and to educate and inform the public about what we do every day. I think my marketing degree has really prepared me well to be successful in that sense.”

Hintze, who is majoring in Finance, believes his knowledge of finance will come in handy for the junior Marines he will soon be in charge of as a 2nd Lieutenant. Furthermore, officers are responsible for millions of dollars of assets, so his knowledge of acquisition and disposition of assets will prove vital. Being surrounded by successful, hard working people in both places motivates him to be his best.

“Carlson, like the Marines, carries a level of prestige that elevates my desire to succeed,” Hintze said. “Every day I must carry myself with the highest level of professionalism to maintain what has been achieved by those who have come before me.”

Their experience in NROTC has also made them stronger students.

“The NROTC program demands your very best every single day, and that has directly carried over to how I conduct myself as a Carlson student,” said Nelson.

Hintze also finds that his experiences as a Marine make him a better student. He has found himself confident to take on new challenges, improved his time management, and learned that prioritizing different tasks is imperative for success.

The two students spent their summers training for their future careers.

In July, Nelson served as an instructor at New Student Indoctrination (NSI) in Chicago. NSI provides common military training to all incoming first-year Midshipmen in the NROTC program. For his performance and outstanding service, Max was bestowed the Midshipman Instructor Honor Graduate.

His second training took him to Lemoore, California, where he attended an aviation cruise with a fighter squadron. There, he got to experience the day-to-day life of the pilots and aircrew and had the opportunity to work alongside them. He even had the chance to fly in F-18F Super Hornets and MH-60S Search and Rescue helicopters.

“I have wanted to be a fighter pilot ever since I was little, so this was a lifetime dream come true.”

In the fall, Nelson hopes to be selected as a Student Naval Aviator.

Hintze attended the Marine Corps Officer Candidates School at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia. He spent six weeks completing the final training required of a Marine Option Midshipman in order to commission as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. After completing this final training, a candidate receives the coveted Eagle, Globe, and Anchor alongside the title of United States Marine.

The process is rigorous, designed to train, screen, and evaluate potential Marine Corps Officers. The training greatly emphasizes leadership development, and candidates must also complete a series of graded events ranging from written tests to physical evaluations. Passing scores in all categories are required to graduate.

Fortunately, Garret’s hard work paid off, and he graduated as an Honor Graduate, receiving the Leadership Award.

“Earning the title of U.S. Marine is my most proud accomplishment.”

After graduation, Hintze and Nelson will both be commissioned officers. Over their four years at the Carlson School, they have developed the skills that they’ll need to pursue their professional dreams.

“The academics are top-notch,” said Nelson, “but I think the basic professionalism and soft skills that Carlson teaches you are what set us apart from the rest.”