First Sergeant Randall Parkes has successfully transitioned from a distinguished military career to a role in the defense industry, leveraging the skills and network gained through the University of Southern California’s Master of Business for Veterans (MBV) program. After serving over 20 years in the Marines, which included multiple deployments to the Middle East, Parkes faced the challenge of finding his place in civilian life.
While balancing military duties with his education, Parkes completed his undergraduate degree. Upon contemplating his next steps, he was hesitant about further education. Nevertheless, a recommendation from his captain led him to an information session about the MBV program directed by James Bogle. Inspired by the program’s rigorous curriculum and its focus on aiding veterans, he decided to apply and graduated in 2021.
Parkes’ journey has taken him to a program manager position at Anduril, an American company known for its innovative defense technology. Despite his extensive military background, he initially did not foresee a career in the defense sector. “I really didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do post-military service besides being a California state lifeguard,” he reflected.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional classroom settings, limiting in-person interactions for Parkes and his fellow students in Cohort VIII. Undeterred, they established their own learning environment by meeting at the American Legion in Orange County and later secured an office suite through veteran connections. This initiative helped recreate the camaraderie typical of military service, allowing Parkes to build bonds reminiscent of his time in the Marines.
“Because of the hardship and the camaraderie that we built, there’s probably not a day that goes by that I don’t speak to somebody from this program or my cohort,” Parkes said. He identified the vital role community plays in aiding veterans, many of whom lose their support systems after leaving military service. “When you’re in service, you’ve got a built-in tribe around you all the time. When you get out… it’s just not the same,” he noted.
The relationships formed during the MBV program also provided a professional network. After starting a real estate company with his wife, Parkes sought a more stable position. Utilizing his USC connections, he initially joined Hewlett Packard. However, he later sought a position that was a better fit and discovered opportunities at Anduril.
“I probably had 20 conversations between USC alumni and veterans before I even applied for my first position,” Parkes explained. His role at Anduril aligns with his mission to support current soldiers, aiming to improve the delivery timeline for military equipment, which can often take five to ten years. “Our nation’s warfighter should have today’s technology… not five years from now,” he emphasized.
In his multifaceted role, Parkes engages in finance, account management, and mission operations, while also mentoring young engineers with his military experience. He remarked, “You pair that engineer who’s super smart, very savvy at their craft, and then you pair them with someone like me who had four combat deployments and 20 years of service, and that’s a team that you wouldn’t think would work well together. But man, we crush together.”
Reflecting on his time in the MBV program, Parkes expressed gratitude for the support and encouragement he received. “Getting accepted to MBV and going to USC for a master’s program was everything to me,” he said. The program provided him with the confidence to navigate civilian life successfully.
To veterans contemplating the MBV program or those already enrolled, Parkes encourages active engagement with the curriculum and network. “Soak up as much of the education as you can… Make new connections to the broader USC network because you just never know when or where that may benefit you in the future,” he advised.
Parkes’ journey illustrates the transformative impact of educational programs designed for veterans, enabling them to find purpose and community in the next chapter of their lives.
