Thoughts on post grad military reserve enlistment?

Hi everyone. I find myself in an odd situation.

I landed a middle office internship for summer 2026 but graduated a year earlier then my expected dec 2026. (I work full time college part time to support family but picked up more school when I got an offer)

So I'm like ok, I'll just work my small time job until internship, but I find out I'll be getting laid off starting new year.

Im 23 and finding another job right now seems out of reach at this time. I'm still trying but the stats are against me.

Worst case scenario if I'm going to be unemployed for 6 months before my internship, it wouldn't hurt to go to boot camp to build my body and learn a thing or two.

Is this a good idea? I'm not crazy about the military, but I'm physically confident I could make it. I'm just lazy. if I did do reserves or something would that help my career in the future?

I'm looking to do something that will help me build experience and possibly gain leverage in landing a career in banking.

Im based in New York City
Open to any ideas/suggestions/opinions

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

The short answer from my experience / standpoint is yes, there would be a number of positives:
- diverse unorthodox background that will make you stand out in a pool of applicants
- security clearance
- veteran network
- veteran specific programs / internships
- on the job experience / skills (depends on your military job obviously)

However, the pros do not come without cons. You could get seriously injured in training, deployed on short notice, instructed to attend additional training schools after boot camp that you have to travel for, get assigned work that you have to complete outside of drill which may interfere with your civilian life, etc.

Happy to discuss further over a call.

 

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