Graduating Veteran without a job

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s a tailored strategy to help you break into high finance as a graduating veteran:

1. Leverage Your Veteran Background

• Veterans are highly valued in investment banking and private equity due to their experience in high-pressure, team-oriented environments. Highlight your leadership skills, ability to perform under stress, and teamwork experience in your resume and interviews.
• Use your role as president of the veteran organization and your mentorship activities to showcase leadership and initiative.

2. Refine Your Story

• Develop a compelling narrative for why high finance. Tie your military experience, entrepreneurial ventures, and academic achievements into a cohesive story that demonstrates your passion for finance and your readiness to excel in the industry.
• Be prepared to explain how your unique background adds value to a finance team.

3. Network Aggressively

• Networking is critical. Reach out to alumni from your university, especially those in finance, and veterans who have successfully transitioned into high finance roles. Platforms like LinkedIn and veteran-focused finance groups can be invaluable.
• Attend veteran-specific finance programs like JPMorgan’s Military Veteran Internship Program (MVIP) or Goldman Sachs’ Veterans Integration Program (VIP). These programs are designed to help veterans transition into finance roles.

4. Polish Your Technical Skills

• Ensure you’re well-prepared for technical interviews. If you haven’t already, consider completing financial modeling and valuation courses like those offered by Wall Street Oasis, Breaking Into Wall Street, or similar platforms.
• Practice technical questions, including financial statement analysis, valuation methods, and LBO modeling, to ensure you’re interview-ready.

5. Target Veteran-Friendly Firms

• Many firms actively recruit veterans. Focus on firms with established veteran hiring initiatives or those known for valuing diverse backgrounds. Examples include bulge bracket banks, elite boutiques, and private equity firms with veteran programs.

6. Utilize Nonprofits and Resources

• Explore nonprofits like Elite Meet, which cater to veterans transitioning into top finance jobs. These organizations can provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and additional resources.

7. Stay Resilient and Persistent

• The job search can be challenging, but persistence pays off. Continue applying, networking, and refining your skills. Remember, many veterans have successfully transitioned into high finance, and your background makes you a strong candidate.

By combining your unique experiences with targeted preparation and networking, you’ll significantly increase your chances of breaking into high finance. Good luck!

Sources: Transitioning Veteran Advice Please, How to accept not being good enough?, 22 Year Old Failure Seeks Advice re: Breaking into Finance, Q&A: CFA Charterholder, left finance to join the Army, now going into IB