Military to IB
Hey everyone, quick set of questions to those who have either transitioned from military to IB/PE/HF or those who have interviewed candidates going military to IB. Would especially appreciate input from people who have gone into the IB/PE/HF industry from non-US military backgrounds (Singapore, South Korea, Israel, Norway etc.)
I was originally Class of 2026 but am going to the military (NOT US MILITARY), so including re-recruiting I'll be re-classed to Class of 2029.
- How are older candidates with military experience viewed by IB/PE/HF?
- How might it be different for candidates with military experience outside the US?
- Any extra points for serving a tour abroad or serving with the US army? (most likely going to do a tour in South Sudan)
- Any negative views (e.g. too rough on the edges, too old, etc.)?
- I've done 2 PE internships until now (before going to the military). Do you think the analysts/associates/etc. will think I forgot everything by the time I'm discharged from the army?
- Should I aim to do another internship post-military?
- What are common ways to leverage military experience when answering in interviews?
Thanks in advance, love this community.
*I'm a US citizen just that I'm a dual citizen that's why I'm serving in another country.
Edit: I've already finished sophomore year. I'll be re-recruiting in Spring 2027 (right after my service ends) for Summer 2028 and graduate in 2029.
I would do your years of service first and then go to college. With how early recruiting is, you CANNOT split your college experience into two parts like most people do.
Probably should add but I unfortunately completed my sophomore year already rip. Got no choice…
You need to figure out a way to do a 5th year or find a MsF to allow you to go through a proper recruitment cycle. No one will give a shit about your service and I wouldn't bring it up.
Yeah, I'm gonna be doing that 5th year or just recruit and then go back.
Any reasons on why I shouldn't bring military service up?
Because you won't get any credit for it. It's a thing that everyone of your sovereign has to do, and there's nothing unique about you. If anything, it only raises questions if they need to provide sponsorship or not so I would make it very clear on your resume that you have US citizenship.
It's nothing like serving your country of your own free will, hence why people give deference to US military vets during recruiting.
Thank you so much. Sb'd.
Do you think it's worth mentioning some of my experiences if I choose to do more than what others do and decide to on a military tour abroad to South Sudan, Lebanon... etc. (or decide to enlist in like Recon or Special Opps or smth like that)?
Also any recommendation on how to put that I'm a U.S. citizen on my resume? Ngl it kind of feels weird to just write U.S. Citizen on my resume, haha
Disagree with nobody giving a shit about it because everyone else from his country has to go through it. I've spoken to a couple of kids that went through mandatory military service in their respective countries, and it does help to differentiate you a bit/make your profile more interesting, especially if you did something more uncommon during your time (e.g., became a squad leader, volunteered for selection at a more hardcore unit etc.). This is especially true as OP is planning on getting deployed. Most people in mandatory service go through a month of basic training and then either get an office/logistics position in the military bureaucracy or stay on as an infantry grunt sweeping floors all day. The experience is absolutely not the same for everyone.
And let's not forget that plenty of people simply evade service altogether, so the notion that absolutely everybody of the same nationality does it isn't even accurate.
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