Cramming for the GMAT on the Front Lines

"Eight years ago, if I were given 10 guesses on where I would be now, Iraq would not be one of them"

by Jonte Kenyon Harrell

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Jonté Kenyon Harrell
Prospective MBA Applicant

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A person has a myriad of major choices in their life. Over a lifetime, these choices eventually produce a complicated result, often far from the planned destination. As I transition from military to civilian life, I can truly say I am where I want to be. Several roads lie in front of me, and no matter which path I choose, I will be successful.

My name is Jonté Kenyon Harrell and I'm a captain in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, the information systems branch of the Army. As a 2002 graduate of West Point, I have a five-year commitment to active duty service and a lifetime commitment of service to the nation. In many respects, I feel I have lived a full and productive life, even as a 27-year-old. I have traveled around to 25 countries, learned two languages, and had the opportunity to live and be immersed in European, South American, and Middle Eastern cultures. But what I value most, is the opportunity to lead America's sons and daughters in war.

Eight years ago, if I were given 10 guesses where I would be now, Iraq wouldn't be one of them. In Charlotte, N.C., I was captain of the basketball team. I snubbed a few top universities that offered me scholarships to play basketball. I chose West Point instead. To me, the decision made perfect sense, considering that only 1.3% of all NCAA basketball players will be drafted into the NBA. Although my dad was a Harlem Globetrotter and I was a McDonald's All-American nominee, basketball has never been my passion. I wanted to lead and to be challenged.

Life or Death Reality

As a young man without any prior military experience, I definitely found challenges beyond my wildest dreams in the Army. As a military officer and two-time combat veteran, I have often had to make critical decisions quickly and without guidance. The results of the choice I made eight years ago have undoubtedly indoctrinated me in the tenets of leadership—in life or death reality.

I bought my first computer in 1996 and have immersed myself in information technology ever since. I am a self-admitted, obsessive-compulsive Windows multitasker, and my computer is always running at 80% or higher usage! When I had to select a branch of service in my final year of West Point, the Signal Corps was clearly my first choice. Four years later, as an operations officer, I'm a jack of all trades. Although communications is my specialty, aspects of logistics, general management, and training all come into play. And occasionally, I get to rough up the competition—literally.

So you may ask: Why would I want to leave the military? Embarking on my final year of active duty service, I feel it doesn't get any better than this. Currently, I have almost unfettered operational control over 300 soldiers, and I manage a significant and complex communications network. With promotion five to six years away, my career-progression opportunities are limited until then. That said, the struggles, inconveniences, and experience have all been worth it. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Army to any young man or woman who wants to gain a different perspective on life while serving his or her country.

Hands-On Art

With jets and helicopters constantly flying overhead, and enemy mortar rounds waking the dead, it's pretty difficult to crack the GMAT. Nevertheless, I have mentally begun to shift my focus toward career transition. At this critical junction in my life, pursuing an MBA is important to me for career progression and the continual development of leadership skills. Throughout my life, I have been able to advance my leadership abilities by seeking difficult positions and a gradual evolution of responsibilities, including those outside my comfort zone. I believe an MBA degree will give me the credentials necessary to open doors beyond my current middle-management level.