my job

By Laura French • jobslink@startribune.com

"You're not bored, that's for sure," Luke Dery said. For the past two years, he's been juggling his role in the National Guard, completing a full-time MBA program and working part-time at LifeScience Alley, the trade association for Minnesota medical device companies.

As an undergraduate, Dery declared a pre-med major because "I was watching the TV show Scrubs a lot," he joked. "My plans changed quickly, but I stuck out a biology degree." Although he was in school at the University of St. Thomas, he joined the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) at the University of Minnesota. "There are a dozen universities you can attend for Army ROTC," he said. He had ROTC sessions three to five days a week — sometimes a physical training class at 6 a.m. followed by an 8 a.m. class, then a 9:30 class at St. Thomas.

He finished his undergraduate degree within three years of joining the ROTC. "I graduated with 165 credits. I only needed 130. It was a busy three years," he said.

His biology major aligned with a National Guard role as Health Care Administrative Assistant, leading a platoon of Army medics. For a civilian career, Dery said, "I didn't know what I wanted to do with a biology degree. I thought it would be great to be involved in a business somehow." He enrolled in the full-time MBA program at the University of St. Thomas with a focus on medical device marketing.

"It's not easy," Dery said. "There's always something — they push you hard. You need to juggle multiple tasks and prioritize. It's all about planning ahead. St Thomas and LifeScience Alley have been really great about being flexible. They understand that I have an obligation and are willing to help me meet it. Last year, I had to drill the weekend before finals hit. You have to back up your study dates, back up your homework dates to be sure you can be present in drill and do your job."

What does the National Guard commitment require?

Technically it's two weeks a year and one 20-hour weekend a month. It depends on the year — my unit is run at full capacity right now. Our annual training this year is the last two weeks in May. We got selected for the National Training Center in California because we're one of the highest rated units in the country.

How long do you plan to serve?

My commitment is through 2019. If they came to me and said you can get out now, I'd say "no thanks." I like the camaraderie. I honestly do look forward to drill weekends. I won't be at graduation in May — I'll be at Camp Ripley, sleeping in a tent.

What are the challenges?

The only hassle as a single guy is who's going to watch my dog for two weeks. Someday there's going to be a Mrs. Dery. That would be the tipping point, if it was taking away from time with the family.

What do veterans bring to a civilian career?

I have a unique set of skills, specifically as a leader. You get companies that check the box "military friendly," but does that translate to roles of greater responsibility that veterans can handle?

The MPV Vets organization helps veterans transition into life science careers. A list of upcoming re-careering events is posted at MVPVets.org/public-events.