The ROTC advantage: leadership, mentorship and cadet camaraderie

Kalamazoo native Cyle Dyer is learning about the dynamic finance industry, studying investments, stocks and cryptocurrency, while also taking on the physical challenges of the ROTC program. His success with both his major in finance and the ROTC program will support him in his future endeavors. Even as a sophomore, this Business Bronco has plans for a successful career as an Infantry or Armor officer after graduating from Western Michigan University.

Cyle first enlisted in the Marine Corps when he was 17 years old. He served some time with an infantry unit, 1^st Battalion 4^th Marines. Once he left the Marines, he had not yet decided on any future career plans. Cyle missed the excitement from his active-duty lifestyle and decided to sign up for the ROTC program at WMU. In this program, Cyle commits himself to coursework and physical training each week. The schedule gives Cyle time to work and bond socially with his ROTC peers. His fellow officers and cadets are always there with a helping hand when it comes to classes or sharing in extracurricular activities. “The ROTC program at WMU has very knowledgeable officers with many years of military experience and countless cadets that truly care about one another and want to see each other succeed.”

The ROTC program has provided Cyle with the opportunity to meet many friends and get involved on campus through the student organization, Student Veterans of America. “The organization hosts meetings where there will be a guest speaker and someone to help with resume building for veterans specifically,” he says. “There are also many social events that bring us together, and we end up having a lot of fun.”

Once Cyle transitions to civilian life, he is looking forward to using his degree in finance to work for an investment or financial planning firm “Helping people plan out their lives financially is a  very honorable thing to do, and financial security isn’t something that my family had growing up. I appreciate how important it can be to have someone guide you.”