Veteran Seeking Advice on Career Path *

Hi, I‘m a Navy veteran in my late 20s and go to Baruch studying for accounting, currently holding a 3.5+ GPA. I've heard that Baruch is not so famous outside New York, but has a decent reputation within the city, and Big 4 is probably the best offer you can get as an accounting student after graduation. But I'm really interested in working in IBs. I'm that type of person really likes challenge and willing to give up all my time to achieve my goal. I think the value system of investment banking perfectly fits me compared to not so exciting jobs in accounting firms.
so here are some of my career plans towards investment banking and I need suggestions from people with experiences.
Should I get a job at Big 4 for a few years then get a degree in MBA and make a turn around into IBs
or go straight for IB internships and take a shot at a full time position?
I also found that big investment banks such as Goldman, Morgan and Deutsche have a special job pipeline called Veteran Integration Program(VIP) which exclusively train and hire veterans into job positions in their firms but its extremely competitive and selective. Can any of my military people give more information about this?
Responses are greatly appreciated.

 
Best Response

First off, thanks for your service! Why not apply for both big 4 and IB? Both are quite difficult to get into, and it's always nice to have options should you get multiple offers.

I will say that the largest "challenge" for most in IB is the hours. If you go in at an analyst level, you essentially need to be a good writer and be good in Excel and PowerPoint. As a senior member, you need to have good people skills. I guess I fail to see the challenge in IB at most levels; you'd have more of a challenge trying to get into the Navy SEALS.

On another note, what are your thoughts about pursuing a military career - even if just National Guard - at the same age, coming from a finance background? I've been mulling it over for the past few months and will start talking to a recruiter after my vacation next month. Curious if you've ever seen older people go through basic training at a later age and their perspectives (if you talked to them much).

 

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