Hello! I’m new to the WSO community and received an email to do a Q&A. I’ll be honest, I rarely open myself up to anyone in person, much less online. But, I do this in the spirit of paying it forward. Hopefully my journey can help others in this community.
Brief background:
- BS in Accounting from a state college (not elite in any way).
- 4 years in Big 4 (TBH, I loved my time here.)
- Highlight: Dabbled in Tax and Advisory. Also passed the CPA while here.
- 3.5 years as an Army officer (I would have never guessed I would have been jumping out planes and helicopters!)
- Highlight: Learned how to lead from the front.
- Accepted into a Top 10 MBA program (Class of 2021)
- Highlight: Deciding between consulting and an FLDP
Ask me anything
Down to answer anything Big4, CPA, Army, Airborne, and MBA related.
WSO Podcast: Big 4 Accounting -> Army Officer -> Top MBA
Member @Rogue_Pogue_Monkey" shares his story from making it to the Big 4, the struggles of passing the CPA and how he got promoted. Learn why everything changed, why he decided to join the army and what happened when he collided into the parachute of another officer at 900 feet. Hope you enjoy (listen below).
did you ever try drugs before becoming an officer? if so, how much did they care when you told them during your interviews (or whatever the interviews are called)? or did you lie about it during the interviews? kind of personal so you don't have to respond about yourself if you don't want, could talk about what you've heard about other people's situations. also thanks for your service
Maybe a question that wasn't touched on during the podcast, you briefly mentioned what you want to do in the future be it consulting of FDLP, why is that and what would you want to gain out of it? Would you see in these careers for the long run or would you try something else later?
WallStreetOasis.com Maybe close the podcast with a bit of forward looking stuff?
Consulting: I’ve seen the post-transaction results (B4) and now understand how certain actions on the “floor” (Army) could impact an organization and why these actions may impact their financial statements/process. As a leader I’ve had to create a vision, document it and transform that vision into a feasible strategy, execute it and deal with the post execution success/failure.
I’ve seen “great ideas” from my leadership play out and COMPLETELY CRUSH the morale of my Paratroopers but hey, “we made mission, right?!”.
I’ve also seen how “leveraging the people on the ground” can pay IMMENSE dividends when crafting a strategy. Unfortunately their lack of rank creates an obstacle for them to voice their opinions at times.
So, I think I’m in a good place to transition into strategy consulting and be part of that process, albeit, my background is not the same as a Fortune 500. However, time and time again I’ve seen how humans will act/respond/think very similarly despite the differences in industry/circumstances.
Honestly, I would love to just see where this opportunity takes me and like the idea of learning how to help companies strategize better. Long-term path is somewhat unclear here so, I’d probably assess every 12-18 months where I’m at.
FLDP: I suppose this is a natural transition. I have my CPA, I’ve led Paratroopers, I’ve experienced busy-season and have executed 36+ hr missions multiple times. I think I can add value to whatever company/FLDP I join by simply being a reliable workhorse and empathetic leader. Obviously, the goal would be a VP role and beyond. We’re talking LONG LONG term here.
Disclaimer: I have a kid so, that is definitely a factor in this decision. I would assume an FLDP’s work-life-balance is better than consulting. Regardless, we have to make sacrifices to make shit happen sometimes. This is constantly on my mind.
LONG READ
First thing I’ll ask is, what are you trying to get out of these 4 AD years, since you know it’s short term. It may sound a bit transactional but trust me, the Army WILL squeeze every oz of juice you got (I’ve seen this for both short and long term service members).
So, what are your AD goals?
Like you, I also knew it was a short term decision for me, but I also knew what I wanted to get out of it: 1) Contribute my part in paying back what I know this country has afforded my family and 2) Leadership experience. 3) Experience a different way of life.
No where else in corporate America, maybe with the exception of TOP LDP pathways, will you be given the leadership responsibilities/ opportunities you are given as a Platoon Leader/CMDR (a good PL role is also not guaranteed). Especially as a 23-25 year old. No chance in hell a Fortune 50 will be like,” Hey guy, would you like to lead our program AND our employees?” Not a chance for entry level. This experience, FOR ME, was worth the short-term career change. Now, thanks to that experience, I can pivot into roles I couldn’t have as a B4 CPA. And that’s with or without an MBA.
So ask yourself that question first.
Also, the following was not my main objective but it definitely is a cherry on top: the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
As an OCS Officer, I was entitled to 100% of the bill 36 months out. My ROTC buddies had no idea how to leverage the GI BILL until their REFRAD time, and only to find out they would be approximately 30-50% vested by the time they left. West Point and ROTC Officers may have different timelines to start accruing this benefit based on whatever undergrad scholarship amount you received.
The reason I bring this up is because it is a life CHANGING benefit. If this is something you’re looking at, look at key dates and work backwards. You may have to stay in 5-6 years to get the full bill. My ROTC buddies actually wished they would have stayed an extra year to earn more of the benefit. And by the way, the bill WILL pay for 100% of a public school MBA (Haas, Ross, Darden, Kenan-Flagler, Anderson) no questions asked, if you’re 100% vested. That’s a HELL of a benefit.
With regard to serving in the reserves, FWIW, the reservists I’ve met kinda hate their Army job. They would have preferred to have served their AD time and then bounce. So, food for thought...
I assume You’re 21/22years old?
If so, I think you have time to go experience the military (since you’re already in a military program), mature as a person, gain critical leadership/people skills, maybe get some funding for your further education and then separate in time to start an MBA/masters program at the age of 27/28. Which is approximately the AVG age anyways. Nothing lost by serving but a whole lot that you gained.
*** If you’re smart, dedicated, and disciplined enough, you COULD run a side hustle. At the very least, this could sustain your CRE skills and convert those side skills/experiences obtained as an AD Officer into resume bullets. That’s something I could have done better: keep up with business world innovations.
Curious to hear your thoughts.
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