Part-Time MBA Student | U.S. Army 2nd Lieutenant | URI Alumna

Introduction

Chantel Rosario De Los Santos, a student in URI’s Part-Time MBA program, is on a mission to expand her career horizons and open doors to future opportunities. Chantel earned her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from URI in Spring 2023 and completed her master’s in the same field in Spring 2024. She began her MBA journey in Spring 2024 and is on track to graduate in December 2025. Chantel’s decision to pursue an MBA was driven by her desire to become more well-rounded and to enhance her qualifications for diverse professional roles.

Military Journey and Leadership

Chantel’s journey with the U.S. Army began in 2017 when she enlisted as a junior in high school. After completing her training, she started at URI in 2019 and joined the ROTC program through a partnership with the State Guard. In May 2023, she earned her commission as a 2nd Lieutenant and branched into the Quartermaster Corps, a role she chose for its strong correlation to logistics and supply—skills highly transferable to civilian careers.

Her military experience has profoundly shaped her leadership style and goals. “I’ve seen what bad leadership looks like, and I’m determined to provide better guidance for my future soldiers,” Chantel reflects. She prioritizes empathy and clear guidance to ensure her team feels supported and empowered. Additionally, her military background has instilled a mature, detail-oriented mindset. From managing high-stakes responsibilities as a teenager to balancing her duties as an officer, Chantel credits these experiences with preparing her to excel in graduate school and beyond.

The URI MBA Experience

For Chantel, the URI MBA program has been transformative. Coming from a health sciences background, she initially faced a steep learning curve but embraced the challenge. “The MBA has opened my eyes to enhancing both my personal and professional life. I’ve learned about building wealth, investing, and analyzing data, which are invaluable skills,” she says. One of her first MBA courses, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, was particularly impactful, igniting her interest in the interconnectedness of business disciplines.

Chantel also highlights the invaluable support she has received from URI’s faculty, helping her navigate the transition to the part-time program and providing mentorship and regular check-ins to ensure her success. “Their guidance and accessibility have been pivotal,” she notes.

Balancing Roles and Achieving Goals

Juggling the demands of being a part-time student and a military officer requires meticulous organization. Chantel relies on detailed agendas, daily updates, and open communication with her peers and superiors to stay on track. She emphasizes the importance of flexibility and proactive planning in managing multiple responsibilities.

Looking ahead, Chantel envisions her MBA enhancing her career in both the military and the corporate world. The program has honed her analytical skills, particularly in interpreting and presenting data—key competencies for logistics and operational decision-making. Whether she continues her service as a full-time Army officer or transitions to the private sector, Chantel is confident that her MBA will serve as a foundation for future success.

Giving Back and Building Connections

Since 2019, Chantel has been an active member of URI’s Center for Military and Veteran Education (MAVE). She has guided student veterans through the transition from active duty to academic life and witnessed the center’s growth from a small room in the Memorial Union to a vital campus resource.

Chantel also values URI’s networking opportunities. Participation in events like the Veterans Day Observance and the ROTC alumni network has strengthened her connections within the military community and the broader professional landscape. “It’s important to give back and support the veteran community,” she says, emphasizing her dedication to creating opportunities for others.

Looking Ahead

As she approaches the completion of her MBA, Chantel’s aspirations remain diverse. While she plans to pursue a full-time career in the Army, she is also open to exploring roles in corporate America. “The MBA has given me the tools to succeed in any environment,” she asserts.

When asked to summarize her URI journey in one phrase, Chantel reflected on how she maximized all the resources URI has to offer. “I’ve left with no student loans and a wealth of experience,” she explains. Her story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the boundless possibilities that come from seizing every opportunity.

Final Thoughts

Chantel encourages veterans and students alike to pursue their goals with determination. “No one cares about your career more than you do,” she advises. “Be your own advocate, and don’t let fear hold you back. Utilize the resources available and never hesitate to ask for help.”

As Chantel continues her journey, she remains a shining example of leadership, resilience, and the transformative power of education.