Military Veteran Transition Advice (Post-MBA)
All,
I'm currently an officer on active duty (Naval Aviator) finishing up my MBA in finance from a non-target school (GWU). I have an undergrad in Aerospace engineering from the Naval Academy. MBA from a non-target is a bit unfortunate, but it was free and a function of where the Navy stationed me.
I have 1.5 years on my contract and am trying to prepare myself as best as possible over this period.
What I am doing currently: 1. Breaking into Wall Street online course to refine my knowledge/skills. 2. Networking through mentorship programs and alumni networks (periodic networking visits to NYC). 3. Attending as many career fairs as I can to meet various people throughout the industry. 4. Attended and reviewing investment banking institute course material for interview prep
What can I do to better prepare? If I have time, I might try to volunteer/intern somewhere while in Norfolk to get practical experience, though I don't know how feasible this is.
Anything else you might recommend? Something that might pad my resume?
As for GETTING a job, I'm already looking into many of the vet transition programs and hoping a connection is able to guide me to something when the time comes.
Any and all help is greatly appreciated!
-Keith
Try to not reference 'the danger zone' too much in your cover letter. I understand it may be difficult ;)
Wait.... so wearing my flight suit to the interview is NOT recommended???
The rule of thumb for aviators is to generally not wear your flight suit, but always bring your helmet.
There are two things I would recommend are getting solid references/letters of recommendation from your chain of command and the people your served with. Also, consider people that served under you as well. Also make sure your resume is pretty.
It seems like you are reviewing materials for your interviews keep that up as much as possible. Also, try to practice questions with a friend. Definitely try and lever as many vet programs as possible. Reach out to any alumni from your schools and veterans that are in positions that you would like to one day be in.
As someone who successfully did what you are trying to do, your easiest path to IB by far is to drop out of GW (I think 6 credits max transfer) and enroll in a full time top MBA program. I went to top 20 program when I was in and it took a 16 month fight (and a lot of luck) to break in at a lower level/comp than if I had just gone to H/W/S when I got out.
If you really want to spend time you could replace the MBA studies with CFA studies (not too helpful in IB but in your case shows an interest and may help with the M7 application). Feel free to PM me.
Army SIGO here, Are you using FourBlock as a vet transition tool?
Solid suggestion. They weren't on my radar yet - definitely going to use them if I have the opportunity in the future.
It would be better if you were a student. Fourblock focuses more on Vet students rather than Vets themselves. Another recommendation is potentially going for a stronger MBA (M-7) because you see a lot of Vets going to M-7 schools and go into investment banking as associates. Fortunately, Military gets better consideration for acceptance to top school than other candidates. I would recommend this option if possible since you have 1.5 years out.
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