Experience
Alumni Testimonials
“I came to Next Step a little lost in my transition. Now I feel like I understand how I can have purpose within the constraints of what I'm doing and how I do it. I am more confident than ever that my Olympic journey was rich with lessons I had to learn in order to ignite meaningful change.”
Maggie Hogan
Olympian, canoe sprint; entrepreneur
“Seeing the breadth of knowledge, the breadth of experience, and diversity was a catalyst for this whole experience.”
Maggie Ward
Workforce Analyst, U.S. Coast Guard
“Next Step takes a look at you as a person, hones the tools you have already, and gives you the support and confidence you need to succeed in your next step.”
Jillion Potter
Olympian, rugby
“As a professional athlete, the timing of this program was perfect for me—I am very much figuring out who I am outside of my sport. ”
Caitlin Leverenz Smith
Olympic bronze medalist, Swimming
“I was amazed by how much I was able to absorb in such a short amount of time. Not only do the professors at Tuck possess this great knowledge of what they're teaching, but they're also passionate about it. ”
Conlin McCabe
Olympic Silver Medalist, Canada Rowing Team
“Coming to Tuck, I was able to sit in class during the day and learn things about business strategy, accounting, and branding. Then, at night, I would go back to my hotel room and implement those things to help shape my organization and take it in the right direction. ”
Blake Bassett
Production Officer, U.S. Army Reserves
“What was surprising to me was how much I learned from the athletes in the program in addition to the world-class professors and veterans in the group. Truly an amazing and transformative experience.”
Herb Thompson
Operations Leader, U.S. Army
“The initial day, all the military people clustered together and we used jargon and acronyms, but when we started mingling with the athletes, it all clicked. We have a lot in common.”
Jan Ingram
Surface Warfare Officer, U.S. Navy
“Transitioning out of the military, one of the things we don’t really have an appreciation for is how many career fields and industries are out there. Hearing the speakers and panelists really gave me an appreciation for all that there is for this next step transition in my life.”
Sean Millner
Flight Commander, U.S. Air Force
“I wanted to see what the real world offered. This program was attractive because it’s not an MBA with a two-year commitment, but an opportunity to get my feet wet and realize what I don’t know. It’s kind of scary but also inspiring.”
Amit Patel
Captain, U.S. Army
“Next Step helped set my optics on a correct path where as a 27-year vet by the time I retire, I will have a clear horizon point for the next milestone in my career.”
Bob Newman
Master Chief
“This program has become the driving force for my transition. I consider it to be the first relevant step on my very new career path. Through the wide spectrum of program courses, I have realized what my strengths are, what I already know, and what I should learn in order to be successful in the world of business. Next Step reminded me that there are so many options for a retired professional athlete, you just need to look for them.”
Tatiana Akmukhamedova
Track and field athlete, Russian national team; Assurance associate, PwC
“The program is first rate across the board. I wanted business basics and got just that—and more. This is the best program out there for transitioning military and athletes.”
Sylvester Steele
Officer, U.S. Navy
