Program Overview

Who Should Attend

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Program Curriculum See a Sample Schedule

• Strategy and Innovation

  Designing Your Life Workshop (Eugene Korsinskiy) 
  In this session, participants learn the basics of the creative problem-solving methodology called "Design Thinking," and learn useful tools for collaborative idea generation and innovation.

  Winning the Right Game (Ron Adner) 
  In this session participants explore how to re-conceptualize competition in a world of ecosystems, and how to adapt your strategy to succeed.

  Developing Competitive Supply Chains (Lauren Lu) 
  This session introduces the key concepts and techniques that allow participants to analyze, manage, and improve supply chain competitiveness and implement data-driven supply chain management for different industries and markets.

  Developing a Strategic Mindset (Paul Argenti) 
  This session helps participants to understand the connection between culture and strategy, what a new manager faces upon arrival, and the impact of change on an organization.

  Competitive Strategy (Ramon Lecuona) 
  Over two sessions, participants will define the components of a business strategy and necessary conditions for a strategy to drive a competitive advantage; and explore the conditions that distinguish a “good” strategy. 

  The Three-Box Solution (Vijay “VG” Govindarajan) 
  This session teaches participants a framework for managing actions in three time horizons at once: executing the present core business at peak efficiency; taking steps to avoid the inhibiting traps of past success; and inventing a future built on breakthrough ideas. 

• Finance

  Finance Fundamentals (Joseph Gerakos) 
  This session teaches participants about the time value of money, the concept of risk, and the basic structure of capital markets.

  Managerial Accounting (Joseph Gerakos) 
  This session covers a framework to evaluate the question of how much something costs, a simple question that is often more difficult to answer than it seems.

  Income and Cash Flow Statements and Balance Sheets (Phil Stocken) 
  This session highlights the key features of the primary financial statements to empower managers to use financial statement information for business decision-making purposes.

  Financial Analysis (Phil Stocken) 
  This session emphasizes using key performance indicators to align business decisions with a firm’s strategy and creating a framework for identifying opportunities for driving and improving a firm’s performance.

  Spreadsheet Modeling (Laurens Debo) 
  Over three sessions, Spreadsheet Modeling introduces the concept of a spreadsheet model as a learning laboratory. Participants will understand the principles of effective spreadsheet design and introduce influence diagrams and spreadsheet sketching.

  Projected Financial Statements and Strategic Budgets (Phil Stocken) 
  This experiential session illustrates the process of preparing and assessing projected financial statements, emphasizing the critical budgetary choices that require careful manager assessment and guidelines for preparing budgets that aligned with the firm’s business strategy and guide the firm to attain its performance goals. 

• Entrepreneurship

  New Venture Adventure (Daniella Reichstetter) 
  During this session, participants practice the earliest stages of new venture formation and learn how effectual thinking applies to entrepreneurship and to business more broadly. 

  Entrepreneurial Thinking Frameworks (Daniella Reichstetter) 
  In this session participants learn about entrepreneurial thinking frameworks and discuss how to apply them in new ventures and product innovation. They will also explore various entrepreneurial career pathways that exist, how they differ, and how to gain entry. 

  Shark Tank (Team of Tuck Judges) 
  Shark Tank is a fun, informal event that allows participants to practice their communication, marketing, and entrepreneurship skills by making a pitch in front of the cohort and a panel of Tuck judges. Participants can pitch a real business that they've started, a concept they're working on, or just an idea they want to persuade people about.

• Leadership

  Leadership Awareness (Whit Mitchell) 
  In this session, participants take two leadership assessments designed to measure how they behave as leaders and what motivates them.

  Managing Your Visibility (Stacy Blake-Beard) 
  This session will help participants understand the continuum of visibility strategies, from standing out to blending in, available to participants navigating career and life journeys, and identify action steps to utilize visibility strategies in the service of meeting their leadership goals.

  Strategic Networking (Stacy Blake-Beard) 
  This session presents a framework to manage strategic networks, and the relationships in them, more effectively. Through network mapping, and by focusing on a specific leadership goal, participants analyze their networks and develop an action to fill identified "network gaps" in a structured, systematic way. 

  Leaders at Network Architects (Adam Kleinbaum) 
  During this session, participants explore the role of social networks in individual and organizational performance, so they can better understand how leaders can proactively shape the informal networks in their careers and their organizations.

  Superbosses (Sydney Finkelstein) 
  This session teaches participants lessons from "spawners of talent," bosses who incubate tremendously successful employees. They will understand what separates good and very good leaders from the best, and learn to apply the superboss framework to their own work and life.

  Negotiations (Dan Feiler) 
  Over two sessions, participants examine the underlying structure of negotiations and explore effective negotiation strategies. Partially experiential, the sessions highlight the principles of effective negotiation and teach participants to analyze their behavior in negotiations.

  Leadership, Change, and Influence (Pino Audia) 
  In this session, pariticpants acquire an understanding of how effective leaders influence others. They explore a wide range of influence tactics and their effectiveness, and then use this knowledge to identify steps they can take to improve their ability to influence others. 

  Influence Principles and Applications (Paul Argenti) 
  This session focuses on harnessing the collective wisdom of a team and the opportunities that arise from working with people with diverse backgrounds.

• Marketing and Communications

  Crafting and Telling Your Career Story (Gail Ayala Taylor) 
  In this session, participants will dive into the art of shaping their professional stories, connecting their diverse experiences, and positioning themselves for future opportunities.

  Communicating for Results (Amy Florentino T'10) 
  Over two sessions, participants will focus on personal presentation skills for business situations. During the first session, they will focus on audience-centered content and delivery behaviors. In the second session, they present in small groups and give and receive feedback. 

  Marketing Essentials (Gail Ayala Taylor) 
  Taught over three sessions, Marketing Essentials provides participants with an introduction to the fundamental building blocks of marketing. Using the marketing process model framework, they explore key marketing concepts such as consumer behavior, company capabilities, and the impact of competitive environments on marketing decision making.

  Implementing Strategy through Communication (Paul Argenti) 
  This session asks participants to develop a connection between strategy development and execution, use strategic communication to create integration, and create communication strategies for personal leadership.

  Marketing for Entrepreneurs (Paul Argenti) 
  During this session, participants learn how to distinguish between drama and crisis, what to do during and after a crisis, and best practices for crisis management.

Program Faculty

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  Ron Adner

  Nathaniel D’1906 and Martha E. Leverone Memorial Professor of Business Administration
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  Paul Argenti

  Professor of Corporate Communication
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  Pino Audia

  Professor of Management and Organizations
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  Stacy Blake-Beard

  Clinical Professor of Business Administration
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  Laurens Debo

  C.V. Starr Professor of Operations Management
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  Daniel Feiler

  Associate Professor of Business Administration
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  Sydney Finkelstein

  Steven Roth Professor of Management
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  Joseph J. Gerakos D’90

  Bakala Professor of Business Administration
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  Vijay Govindarajan

  Coxe Distinguished Professor of Management
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  Adam M. Kleinbaum

  Professor of Leadership and Organizations
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  Eugene Korsunskiy

  Associate Professor of Engineering
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  J. Ramon Lecuona Torras

  Clinical Professor of Business Administration
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  Lauren Lu

  Professor of Business Administration
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  Whit Mitchell

  Tuck Executive Education Faculty
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  Daniella Reichstetter T’07

  Clinical Professor of Business Administration
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  Phil Stocken

  Professor of Accounting
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  Gail Ayala Taylor

  Clinical Professor Of Business Administration
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Program Benefits

The Tuck Experience

• Travel & Accommodations

  Part of what makes our programs so transformational is our secluded location in the Still North. Tuck is located less than three hours from Boston and less than five hours from New York City. Participants stay at the iconic Hanover Inn, a historic hotel with comfortable, modern rooms, located in the center of Hanover within easy walking distance of Tuck.

• Dining

  Tuck provides delicious and healthy meals, including lunch and some dinners, for participants, offering a wide variety for all tastes. Coffee, tea, and light snacks are made available each day outside of the classroom. For the meals that are not provided as part of the program, participants often gather in small groups at one of Hanover’s many in-town coffee shops and restaurants, which serve up cuisines ranging from farm-to-table American and pub fare to Cuban and Nepali dishes.

• Recreation

  Participants can keep up their fitness routines with complimentary access to the Lewinstein Athletic Center or by taking advantage of our rich natural resources with a hike through one of Dartmouth’s two on-campus parks. Participants may also enjoy visiting some of the College’s most iconic sites, including Baker Library, the Hood Museum of Art, and the Hopkins Center for the Arts.

Partnerships

• Recruit

  Leadership. Teamwork. Perseverance. Service.

  The veterans and elite athletes in the Next Step program exemplify these valuable qualities. Blend these character traits with Tuck’s unique business education, and you have job candidates who will excel in your business and make a positive impact on your company’s culture.

  We are looking for outstanding companies who want to join us in our mission to place our exceptional alumni into fulfilling business careers.

  Participating in the Next Step recruiting network is simple and fruitful:

  • Provide us with contact information for the relevant human resources or hiring contact at your company
  • Receive a resume book of our select group of candidates to match with your open positions
  • Submit job openings to be shared with the pool of Next Step job seekers

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• Sponsor

  Help us support athletes and veterans during a key moment in their lives.

  Next Step’s mission is to enable elite athletes and veterans to be successful in the business world. The program has been generously supported by Tuck and Dartmouth alumni to underwrite most of the costs to participants. This makes Next Step affordable for our veterans and athletes, and allows future business leaders to come to Hanover for the experience. Additionally, partnering with the program exposes sponsors to the exceptional people in the Next Step and broader Tuck communities.

  If you are an individual who would like to further educational opportunities for deserving athletes and veterans, please consider joining us with a tax-deductible contribution of any size today.

  Give Now

  We are looking to build relationships with like-minded organizations who want to join us in our mission to help these veterans and athletes with their transition into business. If you are interested in sponsoring one or more participants to attend, please contact us for more details.

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• Speak

  Network with participants to find your company's future leaders.

  During Next Step, veterans and athletes participate in a number of workshops with Tuck Career Services on topics like resume writing, networking skills, and interview preparation. The culmination of this practical work is Next Step's career day event—an entire day dedicated to panel discussions on industries and job functions, networking with professionals from a variety of companies, and meeting with recruiters from top employers.

  Next Step is always looking for panelists to speak at Career Day and join us for networking at lunch and in the evening. Topics for panels change regularly, but often feature professionals from the consulting, finance, and technology industries, as well as entrepreneurs.

  If you are interested in speaking at Career Day and meeting Next Step participants, please contact us and we will be in touch soon.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• When are applications due?

  Applications are open now and will accepted in two rounds:

  • Applications received by November 7 will receive an admissions decision by November 21.
  • Applications received by January 9 will receive an admissions decision by January 16.

  We strongly recommend applying by November 7, as space in Next Step is limited and the program is in high demand. Applying in our first round gives candidates priority consideration for this highly selective program. 

  Both admissions rounds will be competitive, and the second round will likely have very limited availability, so first-round applicants are best positioned to secure a spot in the program.

  Additionally, financial aid in the form of a grant from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth will only be awarded to first-round applicants.

  Candidates who are admitted in the first round will be invited to a pre-program virtual session in late 2025 with faculty director Amy Florentino, helping them prepare for the program and start networking with fellow members of their cohort early.

• Can I apply now and defer to the next program?

  No. Please apply only for the program you intend to attend. 

  Requests for deferral based on unexpected circumstances that arise after enrollment may be considered, but are not guaranteed. If a deferral is granted, the participant will have one opportunity to defer to the next program.

  Please visit our policies page for more details.

• Is Next Step a virtual program? What is the time requirement for the program?

  Next Step is a hybrid program with two virtual modules that culminate in a week-long, on-campus module. The program blends the convenience and accessibility of live online learning with the deep immersion and personal connection of being on campus at Tuck. 

  During 85 hours of instruction time, you'll be immersed in business leadership and professional development activities, building new competencies with every new experience. By the end of the program, you will have widened your aperture to the multitude of career options available to you and prepared yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue whatever comes next.

  Our two virtual modules are each five days long and include four to five hours of live, virtual instruction with our faculty thought leaders and peer participants each day from noon-5:30 p.m. ET.

  On campus, participants will have the chance to network with and learn from each other and our faculty in person during classroom sessions and special events. Our Hanover, NH, location in the heart of New England offers a strategic retreat where participants can take time to reflect on their future and build the skills they need to get there.

• What is the cost of the program? What does the fee include?

  The full price of a comparable Tuck Executive Education program is approximately $24,000. For Next Step, this price is underwritten by donors and Tuck in order to keep the program accessible. Participants are asked to pay a fee based on their AGI (adjusted gross income) which covers the balance of tuition and materials, accommodations, and most meals.  

  • Participant AGI of $120,000 or more: $6,000

  • Participant AGI of $90,000 to $119,999: $4,500

  • Participant AGI of $70,000 to $89,999: $3,500 

  • Participant AGI below $70,000: $2,500 

  Payment of the fee is expected upon admission to the program. For applicants who receive a scholarship from an outside organization, Tuck will waive this requirement and coordinate the payment process directly. Admitted candidates should be prepared to provide confirmation of their scholarship at the time of enrollment in order to secure their place in the program.  

  For more details about the Next Step fee, payment options, and related policies, please visit our policies page.

• Why did your fee structure change for the 2026 program?

  We updated our program fee model in 2026 to make Next Step more accessible and equitable, to keep it affordable for those who need it most, and ensure that we can continue delivering world-class business education. 

  Especially because we cannot accept post-9/11 G.I. Bill® benefits at this time, we want to ensure the program is within reach for everyone. Our new sliding scale better aligns with various income levels, so we can improve affordability without raising costs for those who need the most support. 

  Participants earning under $70,000 continue to pay the same fee as in the past, and middle-income ranges now have smaller steps instead of a big jump. Only participants earning more than $120,000 pay more than they have in past years. 

  G.I. Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. 
   

• Can G.I. Bill® benefits be used for Next Step?

  Due to normal recertifying processes, participants cannot use their post-9/11 G.I. Bill® benefits at this time. We are working closely with Veterans Affairs and will share more information when we can accept these benefits again. To be notified when we do, please complete our information request.

  G.I. Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

• Is financial aid available? How is Next Step funded?

  Yes, some need-based financial aid is available. It is only available for participants who apply during our first admissions round. Priority is given to participants who do not qualify for other sources of aid, such as a scholarship program from a sponsoring organization.

  Next Step is made possible through the generosity of Tuck and Dartmouth alumni and other private donors. It is only with their support that the program can be offered at a price point that is affordable for our target audience and we are incredibly grateful for their patronage. For this reason it is especially important that applicants demonstrate their readiness for a career in business and that they are committed to maximizing their experience at Tuck.

• Are international applicants considered?

  Yes! We welcome applicants from across the globe, and have had participants in the past from countries such as Australia, Bahrain, Canada, France, Germany, Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, and the United Arab Emirates.

• What is on the application? What will help my application stand out?

  The application consists of questions about basic information and your educational history, two short-answer questions about your goals, your resume, and one letter of recommendation. The letter can be from anyone who knows you in a professional context; it does not necessarily need to be from a boss or your commanding officer.

  If you have been recommended to the program by a Tuck Next Step alumnus or an alumnus of the Tuck School of Business or Dartmouth College, we will waive the letter of recommendation requirement. We will need their name and email address, but no other action will be needed from them.

  The goal of Next Step is to accelerate and support your transition from military or athletics into the business world. The successful applicant should be able to articulate how they will use this opportunity to drive their transition. We would like to hear how you plan to use the tools you gain in Next Step in the immediate future.

• Is there an educational requirement? What if I already have an MBA?

  Applicants do not need to have achieved a specific level of education to be considered. 

  The program curriculum is designed for participants with no educational background in business, so generally, applicants who already have an MBA degree or are currently enrolled in an MBA program are not considered. 

  The Next Step curriculum is entirely repeated in an MBA program and we want to ensure that spots in Next Step are offered to applicants who will find the experience transformational.  

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