Hey guys, I’m looking for a little career advice. I’m 25 and am just now finishing my undergrad because I did four years as an intel analyst in the Air Force. I’m a non-traditional student at UPenn graduating with a degree in Data Analytics; my GPA at graduation will be ~3.7. I’d love to have a career in finance but I’m not really sure where to even start. Any input is greatly appreciated.
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Thank you for your service. First I'll ask a question. Did you like working as an intel analyst?
I did! It was a little trying at times (I was a cryptologic linguist if you know anything about that), but all-in-all it was interesting work.
Great! Like LeveredBetaBoy said, many firms would be interested in you. I would try to kind something more on the analytical side, since you seem to enjoy that kind of work.
I imagine a lot of firms would be really interested in your profile for a wide variety of roles. Have you done any research in terms of the different business units within banks and different fields within finance more broadly? If you're looking for a career where you can perpetuate your knowledge of data analytics, it may be worth looking into trading desks that have structured sales & trading programs. Depending on if you want to be markets/client facing or if you'd feel more strongly about doing more "behind-the-scenes" development work i.e., quantitative strategy/algorithmicdevelopment, these desks have those kinds of opportunities. That line of work isn't in my wheelhouse, but maybe faceslappingcompilation or YoungDumbFullOfRum could help you out.
I had a huge long post typed out that was super helpful but WSO glitched out and deleted it...
Long story short: Use LinkedIn to network and learn about different careers in finance, google large and midsize banks/finance institutions and veteran to learn about the veteran focused hiring pipelines that are available, and feel free to PM me if you'd like. I was in your shoes a few years ago and would love to help.
many bulge bracket wall street firms have veteran hiring programs. They are not open to hiring all year round...so you should check each firm individually for the application dates
MS, GS, JPM, Citi, BoA, etc...they all have veteran hiring programs in various depts and functions...at different times of the year...so go do some research.
just a quick google search and i find https://www.goldmansachs.com/careers/professionals/veterans-integration…</a">https://www.goldmansachs.com/careers/professionals/veterans-integration… https://www.morganstanley.com/people/experienced-professionals/veterans</a">https://www.morganstanley.com/people/experienced-professionals/veterans and many others...
Thanks so much guys! This is all really helpful.
Data analytics is a good skill to have a base on. I think with a few courses on excel and quantify your interest in the markets you could have a good start.
The biggest deal as a non-orthodox candidate is explaining your interest (considering its not your field of study) and proving that you are willing and able to learn finance.
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