West Point graduate opportunities in finance?
(Chimp, 6
Points)
on 4/26/12 at 6:55am
Hello all,
What are the opportunities for a West Point graduate with a degree in economics? After serving 5 years as an Army Officer and getting out as a capitan, would jobs be readily available, or would that ship have sailed? Do any of you know any WP grads on Wall Street or in the industry in general?





I've been to WP for army
I've been to WP for army concerts and stuff and I personally have huge respect for WP cadets and grads. I don't know any WP grads on Wall Street but that's probably because there aren't that many WP grads in comparison to where everyone else is from. From what I've heard, having military experience, especially WP, is a huge plus. Obviously the application process still won't be easy but I'd say you have an advantage.
Who are you going to believe, me or your lying eyes?
West Point grads who put in
West Point grads who put in their time are regular admits to HBS; I think the Army is one of the top ten feeders to the school, as it is to most of the other top schools. I also know a guy who went to a service academy who got a job at a top MM PE firm straight out of the AF. There are also plenty of programs for vets. But the common path is going to B school, which you would probably want to consider.
“...all truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.”
- Schopenhauer
West Point -> Army officer ->
West Point -> Army officer -> HBS -> ??? -> Profit!
Plenty of West Point grads on
Plenty of West Point grads on Wall Street.....get into a top B-school and you are golden.
"One should recognize reality even when one doesn't like it, indeed, especially when one doesn't like it." - Charlie Munger
As mentioned above, you
As mentioned above, you really should go to b-school first. You won't want to come in as an analyst, but there is little likelihood that you'd be considered as an associate, given no direct banking experience, without a MBA. In general, there are plenty of service academy grads on Wall St, and your background is looked upon very favorably.
Thanks for your service to our country.
CLARIFICATION: I am not in
CLARIFICATION: I am not in the army, I am a high school senior who has been offered an appointment to West Point. Just trying to pick up a little extra information as to what possibilities may await me in the future.
Advice still stands. Just
Advice still stands.
Just don't go all Gomer Pyle on anyone, mmkay?
If you want to pursue the
If you want to pursue the West Point -> service -> MBA route, make sure to get top grades and be a leader in your class. Try to find profile of people that have already been down this path and search them out to see what they did to make it happen.
mrfrancis: CLARIFICATION: I
CLARIFICATION: I am not in the army, I am a high school senior who has been offered an appointment to West Point. Just trying to pick up a little extra information as to what possibilities may await me in the future.
dude you need to enjoy life, stop thinking, just do well in school and take it as it comes.
Wall Street will be severely depressed for years to come, keep all options open
With that said, West Point is a top school and many many many grads head to Wall Street
Whats the matter? Scared of my little red fuzzy anus? Don't be shy,let me show you the way, give me your hand and I will take you to paradise <3
Kind Regards,
ElmElm
mrfrancis, you've got a long
mrfrancis, you've got a long way to go friend. 4 years of WP and 5 years of the Army before you'll even get to make the decision to go to b-school or Wall Street.
That said, don't go to WP for the wrong reasons, it'll make life that much more miserable while you're there.
Good luck in Beast and during plebe year.
My WSO Blog
finger_me_elmo: dude you need
dude you need to enjoy life, stop thinking, just do well in school and take it as it comes.
People looking to enjoy life don't typically head to West Point.
mrfrancis, 2 quick words of
mrfrancis, 2 quick words of advice from a grad:
Go to USMA because you want to serve as an Army officer. 5 years is actually a really long time and I have quite a few classmates who have been killed and injured. If you arent sure you want to lead soldiers, its no big deal, just consider another route. WP will open a lot of doors but its not worth putting up with if youre already looking at your opportunities after the Army.
Secondly, if you decide that WP and at least 5 years in the Army is something you really want to do (which is great) work your ass off. Dont let people tell you that just simply being a grad will get you into any grad school/job of your choice. Get the highest grades you can and excel. The name itself will certainly get your foot in some doors, but its no free pass if you have a low GPA.
Just some things to think about. Good luck in your decision and good on you for thinking about serving. PM me if you have any other questions.