The MBA Veterans Network is a bridge between military experience and corporate success that provides veterans with advanced degrees in business with a powerful platform to transition into the workforce. At the heart of this initiative is Craig Griffin, Partner of RecruitMilitary and President of the MBA Veterans Network, who brings over 27 years of expertise in veteran recruiting. Griffin’s leadership drives the annual MBA Veterans Career Conference, a transformative event connecting top-tier MBA talent from the military with global industry leaders.
What Sets the Conference Apart
The MBA Veterans Career Conference, held annually in October, is no ordinary career fair. Unlike other MBA-focused events, it exclusively caters to military veterans pursuing or recently completing MBAs from top 75 programs such as Virginia-Darden, NYU-Stern, Michigan-Ross and Duke’s Fuqua School. Griffin personally vets each candidate, ensuring that only the most qualified individuals—from Navy SEALs to Green Berets—attend.
Over 100 leading companies across an array of industries participate, including giants like Amazon, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley and Walmart. These organizations recognize the exceptional leadership, discipline and global perspective veterans bring. Through two days of intensive networking, career panels and an amazing career expo, veterans and recruiters engage in meaningful exchanges that often culminate in hiring success.
“Our event isn’t about fluff,” Griffin notes. “Everything is focused on acquiring opportunities for veterans. It’s about connecting top talent with employers in a structured and meaningful way.”
Tapping into Veteran Talent
Traditionally, veterans with MBAs were sought after primarily by financial services and consulting firms. However, the landscape has evolved dramatically. Today, industries like technology, health care, energy, aerospace and consumer products actively seek out veterans as well, recognizing the value of their diverse experiences.
Companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Bristol Myers Squibb, Applied Materials, GE Aerospace, Coca-Cola and AT&T now regularly attend the conference, eager to tap into this unique talent pool. Griffin emphasizes the importance of educating veterans about the myriad opportunities available: “Veterans often don’t realize how their skills translate into the corporate world. Part of our mission is helping them see where they fit and how their experience adds value.”
The Role of Corporate Partners
The success of the MBA Veterans Career Conference hinges on its corporate partners. These organizations not only provide job opportunities but also benefit from the unparalleled skills veterans bring. Veterans possess leadership qualities, operational expertise and the ability to thrive in diverse, high-pressure environments—qualities that give hiring companies a competitive edge.
Griffin highlights the long-term impact of these partnerships: “Many of our corporate partners have been with us for over a decade. For example, Microsoft has attended for 16 years running. These relationships are a testament to the exceptional talent our veterans offer.”
Advice for First-Time Attendees
Griffin’s advice for veterans preparing for the conference is simple yet powerful: keep an open mind and maximize every opportunity.
“Talk to every company, even the ones you’re unfamiliar with. You might discover a fit where you least expect it,” Griffin advises. He shares countless stories of candidates who attended the event, landed unexpected roles and returned years later as recruiters themselves. This full-circle journey underscores the event’s transformative impact on veterans and employers alike.
Benefits for Recruiters
Griffin doesn’t mince words when highlighting the advantages of hiring veterans: “You’re falling behind if you’re not hiring veterans.” Their unique combination of military and academic experience equips them to excel in any industry. By partnering with the MBA Veterans Network, companies diversify their workforce and gain leaders who can drive success in dynamic environments.
The Mission Continues
The MBA Veterans Network and its parent company, RecruitMilitary, are driven by a singular mission: to connect the military community with meaningful career opportunities. For Griffin, it’s about more than just job placements—it’s about changing lives and empowering veterans to thrive in their next chapter.
“We’re in the business of making connections,” Griffin says. “Every connection we make helps veterans find their path forward and gives companies a leg up by integrating this exceptional talent.”
For recruiters looking to enhance their hiring strategies, the message is clear: the veteran talent pool is not just an option—it’s a necessity. Through the MBA Veterans Network, companies can unlock a wealth of potential and set themselves apart in today’s competitive job market.
The 2025 MBA Veterans Career Conference will be held Oct. 9-10 in Atlanta. For more information, email info@mbaveterans.com.
Read more articles for the Veteran Community here.
