IMBA student combining military experience with technical skills to eventually lead a multinational company
After serving six years in the U.S. Army, ’26 International MBA candidate Caleb Jaedicke decided it was time for a new kind of challenge — one that would allow him to build on his leadership experience while pursuing his interest in global operations and business strategy.
Jaedicke, also an ’18 management graduate, returned to USC to earn his International MBA with a specialization in operations and supply chain.
Before beginning the IMBA program, Jaedicke served as an infantry officer, leading teams and managing complex missions at various duty stations.
After a three-year assignment in Italy, where he planned and coordinated large-scale training exercises across Europe and Northern Africa, he returned to Columbia, South Carolina, to command a company at Fort Jackson.
There, he led and supported up to 250 soldiers through the 10-week U.S. Army Basic Training cycle, overseeing physical fitness, weapons instruction and tactical skills development.
“The military taught me adaptability, resilience and how to lead diverse teams under pressure,” he says.
Jaedicke’s decision to return to the Moore School was rooted in both familiarity and ambition.
“I chose the IMBA program at the Moore School because of its global reputation for excellence in international business and its excellent STEM-based focus on supply chain and analytics,” he says. “My positive undergraduate experience gave me confidence that returning for the IMBA would provide the environment and resources I needed to grow further.”
His military background prepared him with a strong foundation in leadership, project management and cross-cultural collaboration, from coordinating multinational exercises to working alongside Italian, Slovenian, German and Ukrainian military leaders. Now, through the IMBA, he is building on those strengths by developing the analytical and strategic skills needed to make data-driven based decisions.
Looking ahead, Jaedicke hopes to transition into a global product management or supply chain strategy role within a multinational company. His long-term vision is to grow into a senior management position where he can integrate strategic planning with operational execution on an international scale.
“I thrive in complex, cross-cultural environments,” he says. “In 5-10 years, I see myself working for a company with a strong global presence, continuing to lead diverse teams while applying the advanced analytical and business skills I’ve developed through the IMBA.”
For Jaedicke, the Moore School represents more than a place of learning — it’s where two major chapters of his life have overlapped.
“The IMBA program at USC is uniquely positioned to combine rigorous academics with real-world global exposure,” he said. “For me, it represents not just a continuation of my USC journey but also a bridge from military leadership to corporate impact.”
-Amelia Douglas