Veterans in finance
I am looking for some advice. I am about four years from retirement and I would like to work in IB afterwards. What is the best way to go about this? I’m not sure if there are any other veterans on here or anybody else that has tried this and had some success.
I could finish BA before I retire and then go get an MBA.
Retire then go finish my BA and try to use a more traditional route in my 40s haha.
Retire get both my BA and MBA then try to work in IB.
I know that are some skillbridge programs but that might not work. Depending on what is going to offer at that time and it will be up to my commanding officer on whether or not I can participate.
Spent 4 years in AD, now working IB. Assuming you mean you’re about to hit your 20 year mark, which would put you in late 30s/early 40s territory.
As someone who was in their 30s, I think it’s doable, but you have to understand that nearly all your peers will be in a different stage of life and willing to put in extremely long hours for relatively mundane and inconsequential work at times. As someone with more life experience and most likely more managerial experience than even senior bankers, you may struggle with this. There’s definitely a level of swallowing your pride.
That being said, as someone who took a more circuitous route to IB, I’d suggest doing BA>MBA. You want to come in as an Associate, not an analyst. If you work at a place with good leadership, like I do, your maturity and confidence under pressure will go a long way and hopefully accelerate your career more. That being said, I was closer to my 20s than my 40s when I started, so I’m unsure how recruiters may view the age concern. Others with more experience may be able to provide better info. Happy to talk more though.
There are a few things you should know and consider before contemplating this path further. Don't let this deter you if you're hellbent on IB, just some things to think about...
There are plenty of veterans in IB, but 90+% of them were junior officers for several years then went the post-MBA associate route. A few guys land IB gigs without getting their MBA, but it's more the exception than the norm. If you don't have an MBA, you'll start as a 40+ year old analyst (assuming you joined the military at 18 and take 2 years to get your bachelors)...you'd literally be twice the age of your peers, and starting at the very bottom of the barrel like some fresh outta basic training private. If I'm being honest I think landing at a reputable bank would be unlikely, and if anything you might be able to join some lower middle market bank working on smaller deals for relatively low pay.
If you're able to get into a semi decent MBA program after you get your bachelors, you can enter IB as an associate and the MBA program will serve as a launch pad into more reputable shops.
With your NCO leadership experience, I'd definitely consider general management roles - you'll be able to have a more meaningful impact on your organization, and your starting salary would likely be higher than the lower middle market IB job described above.
Let me know if any questions on any of that, happy to help any way I can
Thank you guys for the insight. To clear the air on some things. I did join at 18 and will be 38/39 when I retire. I am also an AD1 (aviation machinist mate) and I am still eligible for TA (tuition assistance) so I can finish BA. I am currently attending National University in San Diego. As for the age gap thing I am going to starting on the bottom anywhere I go. It’s going to be rough. But I think it’s something that I will like and do well at.
…
Dude if you're abt to retire as E-7/E-8/E-9 I'd seriously consider doing something else. It's the same way as if some 40 year old dude asked about enlisting. You're just at a different stage of life. Take some time off and enjoy retirement. Do Skillbridge and leverage the veteran network to find the next thing
From one veteran to another, I gotta be brutally honest man - I'd echo ooh wa wa wa wa's sentiment above. This is very much akin to some 40 year old dude starting a career as an enlisted soldier. You're doing menial BS tasks and your schedule is entirely at the whim of your superiors.
I hate to be a Debby downer but your odds of landing at a decent shop aren't great. There are many Skillbridge programs that will enable you to go straight into a management role, likely making more money than you'd be bringing in as a lower middle market IB analyst (not to mention better hours). If you can get into a top ~50 MBA program, I think you stand a decent chance of cracking into a more established middle market shop. It's important to get good grades in your undergraduate studies and package a good narrative in your essays for your MBA application. It's worth noting you'll prob be the oldest person in any program you apply to...and one of the oldest IB interns in history lol
This is just my two cents. Continue reaching out to as many veterans in the industry as you can to feel out what makes sense for you. Best of luck!
Thought this was some kind of military jargon the first time I read it. Ho ha wa wa wa!
Lots of investor (early and late stage) dollars flowing into the AGD market, given your background you could provide those firms valuable market insights. Would consider looking at the PEs and VCs in the space and seeing if you have mutual connections to assist in breaking in. Lots of VCs investing in defense tech out there that were started by Vets and prefer to hire vets
OP probably doesn't have the right background. Those places are looking for former officers/academy grads and maybe some enlisted vets w/ special operations backgrounds.
Agree with that - certain backgrounds are more attractive than others. Would say any experience on the acquisition or contracting office side is very relevant as VCs/ PEs and portcos look to better understand the flow of dollars from federal agencies
Quia suscipit vitae assumenda est. Voluptatibus voluptas unde sit quibusdam dolore aliquid. Qui a quod atque dignissimos. Sunt et nam corporis et et omnis. Odit qui quam omnis quis magnam quia nobis. Porro dolore corporis voluptatem ab voluptatum illo officia.
Fuga laboriosam magnam maiores dolores nesciunt est nemo. Autem alias dolores libero est qui dolore vel. Eius cum dolor eos ab unde. Sit consectetur commodi minima corrupti.
Similique ab ut deleniti occaecati. Autem consequuntur voluptatum qui nesciunt. Sapiente accusantium quas voluptate harum iste.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...