Ex-Navy nuke → Ivy fin econ (Dec ’26 grad)
I spent 10 years Navy nuclear (reactor operator, then watch supervisor running the operating shift of a training plant, ~$500M asset, 220 MWt). Got out, now finishing a financial economics BA at an Ivy, graduating December 2026. GPA 3.4. No finance internship, which I know is the problem.
I am struggling to figure out what I should be targeting, and what my experience is worth to the market. I would like to get into infrastructure credit.
I am doing some Wall Street Prep specifically the project finance package to help with the lack of an internship. I have been applying to off cycle internships, not sure how realistic it would be to get one.
Questions for people actually in seat:
1. For a Dec grad with no internship but a decade of operating experience, are bank PF desks realistic out of undergrad, or is there some other route I should try?
2. Are there any programs or firms I should apply to as a veteran?
3. Anything about my profile that reads as a red flag to you (besides no internships) that I’m not seeing?
You should network (put a lot of effort into this) and contact some veteran recruiters or program coordinator.
Also please utilize both your Ivy school network, especially student clubs and organizations, as well as veterans network. Also, go outside of these circles and network with people outside.
I am also a Navy vet and I have seen many students in the Ivy League school don’t participate or network enough within their own school (well, some do, some don’t).Some students joined hobby interest club but was able to network to jobs merely chatting and making new friends (doesn’t matter undergrad or grad students).
Some students don’t t even know that there are certain clubs exists, or participate in club events only within their school (ex. business school students don’t participate in events the school of public affairs, engineering school, or law school held which missing out on opportunities, because some events are relevant).
Also a Navy Vet. You missed the boat brother, your best bet is to apply for direct matriculation into an MBA. M7 should be pretty straightforward.
FWIW, I think you should also let go of your military experience. Hard pill to swallow, but it's not really valued in the civilian world.
navy nuke isn't just regular navy exp though no? This is coming from someone who doesn't have a military background
It’s pretty run of the mill in terms of experience. I think the only job that really is considered another level of network or respect is special operators. Those guys have a different type of network and also they handle work better typically.
I would not suggest just direct MBA, build some experience in some finance related job. While an MBA can help you break in, they will question non-military experience. Try and get a commercial banking, corporate banking, really anything that works with or around debt. At this point you need some income, experience, and a proof of concept that you can work in the corporate world. Then go back to MBA. However, I would spend the first 6 months networking with firms as a lot of times within the first 6 months the people who will drop the job will drop. Otherwise people are there for the long run.
PM me, also a vet. Would look into some of the military programs the banks have.
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