From the Army to the Ivy League: Two Veterans Pursue Dartmouth’s On-line Grasp of Engineering

John Murphy and Felix Hong have traversed distinctive but parallel journeys, from serving their nation to pursuing superior levels via Dartmouth’s on-line Grasp of Engineering in Laptop Engineering (MEng). Each veterans are making use of the self-discipline and abilities they honed within the navy to sort out intellectually enriching challenges in {hardware} and software program engineering. Right here’s a glimpse into their tales and what drives them as they navigate the web program.
John Murphy: Bridging the Hole Between Software program and {Hardware}
After spending 5 years within the Navy, together with a deployment to Iraq, John Murphy transitioned to civilian life with a drive to excel in each entrepreneurship and know-how. His profession advanced from main building tasks in aerospace and protection to launching two small companies centered on industrial IoT (Web of Issues) options. Regardless of this collection of accomplishments and making a balancing act between his profession and being a father to 3 younger kids, John sought out extra alternatives for private development.
“I wanted extra formal training,” John mentioned. “I wished one thing between software program and {hardware}—the place the economic IoT area lives for me.”
When John obtained an e-mail from Coursera about Dartmouth’s program, the timing couldn’t have been higher. Along with his Submit-9/11 GI Invoice expiring in 2029, he knew this was his alternative to discover getting his grasp’s diploma. Dartmouth’s program was an ideal match—providing flexibility, rigorous coursework, and a stability between software program and {hardware} engineering.
For John, the web format was non-negotiable. “I’m a working dad with three younger children,” he mentioned. “The pliability was vital. Dartmouth’s program is every little thing I might have hoped for—small, well-thought-out, and curated.”
Regardless of the web format, the hands-on nature of this system stood out to John, notably the Embedded Techniques course, the place college students obtained {hardware} kits at dwelling to debug actual programs. “It was so sensible and instantly related to what I do day by day,” he shared.
Balancing work, household, and college isn’t any small feat, however John credit his navy background for getting ready him to deal with intense stress. “The curriculum is difficult—10 weeks filled with a complete semester’s value of fabric,” he mentioned. “However I don’t wish to simply get by. I wish to do properly.”
Collaboration has additionally been key to his success. This system’s Slack neighborhood fosters a way of camaraderie permitting learners to remain in contact and assist one another all through this system. John notes, “The scholars are extremely supportive. My crew from the primary course nonetheless retains in contact, despite the fact that we’re scattered throughout the globe.”
Felix Hong: From IT within the Military to Engineering the Future
Born and raised in Hawaii, Felix Hong found his ardour for computer systems early in life, which led him to pursue a level in pc engineering on the College of Hawaii at Manoa. After graduating in 2020, Felix sought a solution to align his profession along with his educational background.
His navy expertise, which included IT help, pc networking, and satellite tv for pc communications, strengthened his fascination with how computer systems talk the world over. “Within the navy, I had to determine the way to clear up issues in distant areas, usually with restricted assets,” Felix defined. “That taught me the way to adapt and work with individuals from completely different cultures and backgrounds.”
When Felix’s spouse got here throughout Dartmouth’s program on LinkedIn, she inspired him to use. The asynchronous format and adaptability had been good for his schedule as a contractor working in labeled environments. “Dartmouth’s status as an Ivy League college and the birthplace of AI sealed the deal for me,” he mentioned.
Like John, Felix has discovered the Embedded Techniques course to be a spotlight. Challenges arose throughout programs like Pure Language Processing (NLP), which pushed him to interrupt down summary ideas into tangible outcomes. “It’s like chemistry—you don’t perceive desk salt till you see the weather come collectively,” he defined.
Felix sees a brilliant future in engineering fields like quantum computing and AI-driven cybersecurity, the place he hopes to deal with vital challenges like quantum-resistant encryption. “The present algorithms aren’t ready for the age of quantum computing,” he mentioned. “I’d like to work on units that push the boundaries of safety and communication.”
This system’s interactive parts have impressed Felix, notably the professors’ lively presence on Slack. “It’s nice to get quick updates or ask questions on coursework,” he mentioned.
Deployed in Guam, Felix credit the navy with instilling the construction and self-discipline wanted to succeed. “Within the service, life is organized chaos,” he mentioned. “ every day begins with the bugle and ends with the flag coming again down the flagpole.” With civilian life being a bit extra summary and open-ended, Felix is grateful for the construction that increased training supplied him, and the alternatives he is aware of a Dartmouth diploma will carry.
Shared Values, Distinctive Paths
For each John and Felix, Dartmouth’s on-line MEng program affords extra than simply technical experience—it gives a neighborhood of like-minded friends and a chance to develop past their navy experiences.
Whether or not it’s John making use of industrial IoT options or Felix tackling quantum computing challenges, each veterans embody the resilience, adaptability, and curiosity wanted to excel in engineering and past. As they proceed their journeys, we thank them for his or her service and need them properly on their street to commencement.