Former Force Recon Team Leader -> Non-Target MBA -> IB Summer 2026
Hi everyone,
Just joined the community and wanted to introduce myself.
I’m a 32-year-old Marine Corps veteran who spent 9 years in the Marine Reconnaissance community. I started my career as a point man on a military freefall team conducting high-risk reconnaissance operations before advancing to Team Leader and Operations Chief. I am currently a first-year Dual MBA & MS Finance student at the University of San Diego (Knauss).
I am targeting Investment Banking Summer Associate roles for 2026, specifically in the Los Angeles/SoCal market. Outside of school, I act as a General Partner for a private investment club partnership managing ~$815k AUM, where I’ve been cutting my teeth on active capital allocation and modeling.
On the personal front, my wife Tori and I live in the San Diego area and spend our downtime volunteering as scientific research SCUBA divers, surfing, skiing, and backpacking around California.
Coming from a non-target school and a non-traditional background, I know the hill is steep. I’m here to soak up as much technical knowledge as possible (currently grinding through the modeling courses) and connect with others who have navigated the "Military -> IB" pipeline.
My Asks:
- Any advice for 30+ year old candidates breaking into IB?
- Tips for navigating the various Veteran Integration Programs at bulge bracket banks from a non-target?
Looking forward to contributing where I can.
Semper Fi,
Chris
Chris, welcome to the community! Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s some tailored advice for your situation:
Breaking into IB as a 30+ Candidate:
Navigating Veteran Integration Programs:
Additional Tips:
Your background is impressive, and with the right preparation and networking, you can absolutely break into IB. Semper Fi!
Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/my-2-cents-on-sa-recruiting-from-a-non-target-background?customgpt=1, The Case for Choosing a Non-Target, Networking 101 – 8 tips from a “non-target” school student, The Case for Choosing a Non-Target
No advice, just want to say that’s awesome
Feel free to ping me. Background 6 years in the military, multiple deployments during GWOT, hit an IED, and medically retired. I transferred to a Target/Semi Target did 2 years in IB at an EB, then went to a T-15 MBA then went to consulting at a MBB now in UMM PE.
Getting into IB is going to be incredibily difficult from an non-target but not impossible I've seen it done many times. I would have told you to go to UCLA or USC for B-School if you wanted to stay in Southern California. You are going to have to network and network and network along with prepared to be rejected. You need to do technical interview questions and case studies. Be willing to put yourself out there.
Realize that what you did in the military is in the past. Do not constantly talk about it. Now when I meet other vets in finance especially at events we tend to connect. There are so few vets especially OIF vets in finance.
The IB scence in San Diego and PE industry is very light. There are a few firms but the barrier to entry is high and some are not great.
In terms of veterans programs. When I worked at my EB we did have a veterans program but it was mainly S&T, and back office roles. I never met another veteran in IB in my office. I met a few in offices roles like IT.
I have a few guys I might be able to connect you with in the industry who are veterans.
Great story. Not a vet, can you explain why you decided to go EB-> MBA-> MBB? Did you feel like PE wasn't for you at first after your IB stint or you wanted to knock out the MBA?
This is badass. Thank you for your service. I cannot remember the name off the top of my head unfortunately but there is an investment bank in the Northeast that's pretty big and their whole thing is recruiting ex-military guys. I'm sure you could find it within a couple google searches.
I don't know for sure but I have a feeling that if you can nail technicals, your background will give you an extreme leg up. The hard part will be getting in front of banks, especially from a non-target. If you can Network your ass off to just get an interview, you have a shot.
We had an associate at my prior bank who was in the marines who was 35+ and broke into banking as an associate
Will circle back to this post when I can read it fully. First of all thank you for your service.
I’d look at Lincoln LA (aerospace & defense) practice and they hire many people from nontraditional backgrounds. Really think you might fit that shop well. PWP LA has a few military associates.
know there is an ex-GS/cap group guy who was former DEVGRU. maybe consider reaching out to him?
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