Veteran’s Day Student Spotlight: Bryan Doyle
United States Military Veteran Bryan Doyle shares about his transition from the Marine Corps to the Online Master of International Business (MIB) program.
Bryan Doyle with his fiancé, Valerie.
Q: Tell us about yourself. What is your background?
Doyle: “My name is Bryan Doyle, and I am a United States Marine Corps Veteran. I was born and raised right here in Gainesville, Florida. I hold a Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management from Santa Fe College. I am currently a project manager for a construction company. When I’m not working or studying, I love to spend time with my fiancé, Valerie. Some of our favorite activities are trying new foods and attending concerts.”
Q: What are your memories of enlisting and basic training?
Doyle: “The day I enlisted was a whirlwind of emotions. I was incredibly proud at only 17 years old in March of 2014, but I was also terrified of the unknown that lay ahead of me. I left for basic training a week after graduating high school in June of 2014, and it is still the most severe culture shock I have ever experienced. It is an immediate adaptation to a new language, mindset and way of life. The Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, South Carolina is the infamous [forge] that turns young civilians into Marines. Upon arrival I was assigned to 3rd Battalion, Mike Company, Lead Series, Platoon 3064. It was hot, humid, loud, exhausting and exhilarating all at the same time, all of the time. In three long months, I learned to leave my old life behind and carry on as a basically trained Marine. Having the privilege to salute the American flag for the first time on the morning I completed the crucible is a memory I will never forget.”
Q: Tell us about your service in the Armed Forces.
Doyle: “I had a unique experience in the Marine Corps. I enlisted in the reserves, but over a six-year career I accumulated over three years of active-duty time by pursuing every opportunity my unit gave me. My MOS was 1833, Amphibious Assault Vehicle Crewman on the AAVP7A1. I trained all over the United States with three other branches. I have served on 13 different installations and two different naval vessels. I worked with militaries from six other countries. I completed a 10-month UDP to the Pacific, spending time in Japan and South Korea. During my career I earned four service medals, two commendations and was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant.”
Q: What do you miss about being in service?
Doyle: “The one thing I miss the most about the service is the comradery. I cannot remember one thing I ever completed alone. Since returning to civilian life full time, the most difficult adjustment has been handling all the individual responsibility. It’s helpful to live in the same room as 44 of your best friends and do everything together. Another thing I miss about my time in the service is the confidence I was entrusted with. It has been difficult to go from leader of Marines in complex operations back to the bottom of the totem pole as a new student and young employee.”
Bryan Doyle with his colleagues.
Q: Why did you choose the Online Master of International Business (MIB) program?
Doyle: “Growing up in Gainesville, I always wanted to be a Gator. I joined the MIB program specifically because I was looking to expand my education in a field that would enhance my global comprehension of business and managerial capabilities. The most enjoyable aspects of the program so far have been the online flexibility, working in diverse groups and learning about the world of business outside of the United States. I recently attended the Global Immersion trip to Lima, Peru [where] I had the privilege of meeting many of my classmates in person. Not only did I make valuable business connections, but I made a few new friends for life.”
Q: Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
Doyle: “One interesting thing about me is that I am the only person in my entire family, on both sides, to serve in the military since both of my grandfathers in the early 1950’s.”
