Episode
Deployed for Success: A Marine's MBA Journey from UC Irvine's Merage School to MedTech Leadership
- Podcast
- Inside the GMAT
- Published
- Nov 11, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 2091
- Processing state
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Summary
What does it take to pivot from military service to medical technology leadership? In this episode of Inside the GMAT , GMAC Zach talks with Alec Burris , a former U.S. Marine turned MBA graduate from the UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business , and Burt Slusher , Assistant Dean for MBA and Specialty Masters Programs. Alec shares how he translated his military discipline into business school success—and ultimately into a purpose-driven career at Edwards Lifesciences , where innovations save lives every day. Burt explains how Merage helps veterans and career changers discover their leadership strengths, connect with mission-driven employers, and find personal ROI that goes far beyond rankings. Whether you're a veteran, a career pivoter, or someone seeking a greater sense of purpose through business education, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and inspiration for your next chapter. Learn more about the Merage School of Business: https://merage.uci.edu/ About Our Guests: Alec Burris is part of the Strategic Leadership Development Program at Edwards Lifesciences, a global leader in the structural heart space. He holds an MBA and is pursuing an MS in Business Analytics from the University of California, Irvine, after earning his BS in Biochemistry from Arizona State University. Originally from Alaska, Alec served in the United States Marine Corps from 2018 to 2023, concluding his service as a Platoon Sergeant with 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. Burt Alvaro Slusher is the Assistant Dean of MBA and Specialty Masters Programs at the University of California, Irvine's Paul Merage School of Business and has been a member of the UC Irvine community for 23-years. In this role, Burt oversees the School's current portfolio of graduate programs consisti…