Non-Military MBA looking to work in Finance
I currently serve in the military (nine years) as a Non-commissioned officer. My job in the Army is in HR, and most of my service has been in staff-level positions. I plan to leave in September 2024. About my academic background, I have an MBA in strategic management from a non-target school. I am pursuing a DBA (Doctorate in Business Administration) In International Business at Liberty University. After leaving the military, I plan to move to NYC, and I have an internship lined up at a small investment firm in June 2024. My goal is to become an Equity Research Analyst or Financial Analyst. I don't mind doing something else, such as Compliance and Corporate Banking. I am most concerned about not coming from a non-target school and making it in NYC. I am studying for my SIE and doing financial modeling at Wall Street Prep. Also, I considered returning to school to get another MBA from a Target school; it is hard to do another MBA after being halfway done with my DBA. I also have a few other certifications, such as a Scrum Master and a Certificate in Project Management (Unrelated to finance). Please be brutal with your responses about my chances to pivot in those roles.
Went army fresh out of high school, got out after my first contract (3 years) as an E5, used my GI bill to go to a non target in the Midwest with a 90% acceptance rate. Cold outreached my way into a BB IB internship my penultimate summer. You have such a crazy opportunity to storytell during your interviews that no other candidate has. While you might not be the most qualified in other areas - being interesting and likeable can set you leagues ahead of the competition. Focus your storytelling on grit, work ethic, and adaptability.
Thank you!
Ah, swinging from the military vines into the concrete jungle of NYC finance – that's quite the leap! First off, let's give a salute to your service and the discipline you've likely honed over those nine years. Now, let's dive into your dossier:
Non-Target MBA & DBA Pursuit: While it's true that the glittering skyscrapers of Wall Street often cast longer shadows on non-target grads, it's not a concrete ceiling. Your MBA in strategic management and ongoing DBA show a commitment to education that can be highlighted. Plus, your military background can be a unique asset, showcasing leadership and pressure-tested decision-making skills.
NYC Move & Internship: A strategic move indeed! NYC is the finance capital, and having an internship lined up is a great foot in the door. It's a chance to prove your mettle and build a network that can vouch for your capabilities beyond your academic pedigree.
Equity Research & Financial Analyst Aspirations: These roles are analytical havens, and your current studies for the SIE and financial modeling are smart moves. They show you're not just waiting for opportunity but actively chasing it down.
Certifications & Project Management: While not directly related to finance, these certifications can be positioned as evidence of your versatility and ability to learn and manage complex projects – both valuable in the finance world.
Another MBA?: Doubling down on MBAs isn't a common strategy, and with your DBA, it might be overkill. Instead, focus on leveraging what you've got. The DBA could set you apart, especially in roles that value deep analysis and strategic insight.
Brutal Honesty: Here's the raw deal – it won't be easy. Non-target backgrounds require more hustle, but it's not a lost cause. Your military experience, coupled with your proactive approach to certifications and internships, can be a powerful narrative.
In the trenches of finance, it's often about who you know and how you can prove your worth. Network aggressively, nail your internship, and keep sharpening those financial skills. If you can demonstrate that you can add value, firms will be more interested in what you can do rather than where you studied. Remember, in NYC, tenacity can sometimes trump pedigree. Keep swinging, soldier!
Sources: How to get into Investment Banking from complete non-target, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/systemic-oppression-of-non-target-students?customgpt=1, Non-Target Construction to MF REPE - 14 Years Later, Is it true that everyone gets treated equally once Interviews begin or are non targets having a disadvantage?, Target students who don't make it
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