5 Questions with Marine Corps Veteran Esther Greene MBA’21

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Bryan Lipiner

Bryan Lipiner is the Senior Manager for Social Media and Content Marketing at Babson College. Since arriving at Babson in 2019, he has dramatically scaled engagement and followings on Babson’s social media channels, led award-winning social media campaigns, written for Babson Thought & Action, and more. Prior to Babson, he worked as a reporter and editor at the Record-Journal newspaper in central Connecticut. Bryan received his undergraduate degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University in 2015.

November 11, 2020

Esther Greene MBA ’21 while serving in the Marine Corps and today.

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Much like it is at the base of the entrepreneurial mindset, serving in the Marine Corps taught veteran Esther Greene MBA’21 to stay true to her passion.

On this Veterans Day, the president of the Babson Veterans Club looks back on her decision to attend Babson, how the military prepared her for earning an MBA, the professors who have inspired her, and she looks forward to life after graduation.

Why did you decide to pursue your MBA, and why at Babson?

“I’ve been in the workforce for 20 years. I was burnt out, I didn’t believe in what I was doing. I was trying to think what I could do that would be fulfilling and purposeful. I chose Babson because I was looking for an environment that was creative. It stuck out to me because they really support female entrepreneurs; it’s unlike any other school.”

How did your time in the military shape you as a person, and prepare you as a professional?

Esther Greene MBA ’21 while serving in the Marine Corps.

“Being in the military, it teaches people to digest information quickly. You learn to prioritize by urgency, and react efficiently. You also learn to think outside the box, because you have to find creative solutions to get things done. The experience builds strength mentally and physically.

“I learned quickly in the Marines that you don’t get what you don’t ask for, and you have to fight for what you believe in. That is a key component of my personality now, and it definitely prepared me for entering the business world and entrepreneurship.”

What other parallels do you see between being in the military and pursuing an MBA?

“The intensity. All of us veterans handle it well. Being able to cope with that is something we’re uniquely familiar with.”

Which faculty members have inspired you?

“Almost every single professor I’ve had has inspired and challenged me. Dwight Gertz is a glowing example of who I want to be as a leader. Andrew Corbett, I really want to be like him. They both have amazing tenacity and spirit. I also look up to Danna Greenberg, Melissa Manwaring, Alia Crocker; they’re all brilliant, strong women.”

What are your career goals after graduation?

“Up until the pandemic, I was working on a solo travel concept, providing a curated range of tools and tips for women traveling solo. This semester, I’m shifting my focus to leadership and UX (user experience) skills.”