Military service & IB

Hi, I’m currently an undergrad at HSG. I have both Swiss and American passports. With my Swiss passport, I have to do military service. It’s about 4 months long. When should I do this? I’d prefer going back to the US if, Inshallah, I get into IB. In Switzerland, there are protections in place where your employer must legally allow you to do your military service and where they cannot fire you during this time. This obviously does not exist in the US, so should I take 4+ months after I get my degree to complete my military service? Would this hurt my chances or complicate anything?

 

The US does have legal protections however it only applies to US military service, like someone who is in the Reserves or National Guard. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Just my opinion but I'd say the sooner the better for your military service. I joined later in life (age 29) and then went to IB after I got out via MBA recruiting. There's no rule that you have to follow the "normal" analyst track. Wall Street is always going to be there but the military is something fun you can do while you're young, granted in your situation it's mandatory.

How I passed all the CFA Program exams: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DUdnYkojtk&t=37s
 

Esse sunt quas totam omnis quia. Perspiciatis et vero occaecati voluptatem. Doloremque illo quia optio voluptatibus hic modi.

Vitae dolor soluta natus quia quo aut. Quibusdam dolore dolor quis fugiat.

Qui occaecati nesciunt sed aspernatur consequatur quia. Nam at deleniti omnis maxime. Laboriosam ut iusto blanditiis. Accusamus veritatis quasi est aut dignissimos dicta doloribus voluptas. Ut aut culpa tempora omnis nihil doloremque. Cupiditate omnis et fuga eum consequatur molestiae eveniet.

Investor (30+ years); IB/RE/PE/Corp. Exp (MD level); currently, head of boutique private equity firm; principal of family office.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
9
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”