Undergraduate ROTC -> Reserves + Finance OR Active Duty
Hello all,
I am currently a sophomore studying finance undergraduate at a top 25 business school in the United States. I am also in the university's ROTC program and enjoy it, but unsure if I want to serve after college on active duty as I would prefer to work in finance after college, specifically IB and eventually PE. I have a good GPA, an internship set up for this summer in ER, and am trying to get something IB related for next summer. My cadre would be able to help me gain the best slot for advanced camp so I know that an internship is possible for next summer. I work very hard and I know that I want to work extremely rigorous hours in finance after college.
Regarding my service commitment after college, I hear many people serving in active duty after college for 4 years, obtaining top 10 MBA, and working in IB or PE after. I also hear that the path to serving in reserves after college, and working in IB or PE is still possible but it might be more work, and I am willing to take the extra work to make it possible. I do not know anyone who has done this but other discussion posts online say it is possible.
I would love to be able to speak to someone about this if you have made it this far in reading, any information would be very helpful as I do not personally know anyone in my situation and feel very confused. Please message me and I will talk ASAP.
Service Academy grad getting out after nearly 7 years heading to a T20 FT program here. Can’t speak on behalf of the actual job aspect, but can give you my thoughts/regrets.
Firstly, it sounds like you’re more interested in going directly finance then MBA route, which there is absolutely nothing wrong with. You’re setup for it, too. I think you should absolutely do what you love and not feel obligated to do four years/five and dive on active as we say.
I can tell you many of us at 18 years old for service academies and enlistment did not fully understand the commitment we were getting into compared to how little of life’s delicacies and pay we’d have, and that’s what enticing so many to get out after initial commitment. The classic, “grass is always greener.”
Reserves are definitely a possibility but I’m not fully fluent on it since I turned down the reserves when I separated. A reserve recruiter is who you need to talk to, but also understand they won’t be completely up front with you as they have a quota to meet.
With all this being said, I now have the wonderful leadership experience which helped me for MBA applications by experiencing deployments, work ups, etc that I don’t think I’d have received outside of the military. Also, the extensive benefits for education through GI Bill and VA has set it up where you could potentially make up to $6k/month or more completely tax free while out of the military studying at a full-time MBA and receive a free laptop, healthcare, etc.
This is a you decision at the end of the day, but so many of us have been bitter about the military because we weren’t fully committed. Those that are committed will also treat you differently if your intention is to get out. Most are not very understanding of it, which is acceptable with military culture being a “duty” idea. If I had a career path in mind like you and on the fence, I’d choose finance + reserves. You can always mobilize to active from there once you know more. That being said, I’ve experienced the grass and I’m now trying to make it greener.
Thank you very much. I appreciate the information.
Current ROTC student in the process of going through it and have learned a lot through speaking to a lot of people. Send me a message and we can compare notes.
Current ROTC student in the process of going through it and have learned a lot through speaking to a lot of people. Send me a message and we can compare notes.
Came from a similar background to you, but ultimately chose to go Active Duty. It’s all up to you and what you want out of life. I wanted to be challenged mentally and physically and to gain a unique life experience, on top of serving my country.
That being said, I did my 4 years and got out because I always knew the military wasn’t my long term goal. It somewhat came at a cost to my professional career. I DID NOT go the MBA route and instead worked at a corporate job that paid for my Master’s which I used to pivot into finance. Most of my peers from school are VPs/Directors in banking now. That doesn’t bother me, but it’s something worth considering.
Even knowing what I know now, I’d pursue the same path.
As an aside, the MBA is a great tool for Vets to transition into industry and make up for lost time, but the military is hemorrhaging officers and Veteran applications for MBAs have gone through the roof, so it’s become a lot more competitive. I knew very few people who did it 5-6 years ago and now everyone is doing it. I don’t see the trend slowing down anytime soon either, so just keep that in mind.
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