Army to Wall Street IB

I am currently involved in an Army ROTC program and will be commissioned as an officer. I'll be serving around 4 years to complete my contract. After service I'd like to get my MBA. Assuming I graduate at 22, after my service obligation and MBA, will I be too old to pursue an ibanking career, or will my military service be looked upon favorably?

 

First, thank you for serving our country

Second, focus on the current challenges after your commission: Officer Basic Course, Airborne School, Ranger School (if you are attending)

Third, If you are only going to serve 4 years my recommendation would be to take the GMAT before graduation since that is the biggest pain in the ass.

Fourth, if there are still Veterans programs @BB's (GS/BAML/JPM) then apply to them to gain experience while competing for a full time employment.

Those are just my recommendations since at the end you have to do what is right for you. Good luck.

Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum
 

A lot of banks have military programs and are sensitive to your service and time that is required. That is a highly respectable addition to ANY resume. Service to your country is a real positive for anyone. And honestly, the military has a top notch reputation for discipline and teamwork.

But to answer your question, I've seen a few people with past military experience at bulge brackets via linkedin so you are definitely not too old.

 

First, you will not be too old. I know an 0-6 that got out and became an Associate.

Second, you need to focus on being a good Platoon Leader/Commander. Considering you haven't commissioned yet, you have a long way to go. You don't want to start your military career with one foot out the door. Right now, nothing comes before the Army and your (future) Soldiers. Go to Ranger School (regardless of branch), perfect your OPORD writing skills, understand the training model, get in the best shape of your life, and get a mentor in your branch.

Finance is easy and Military is the flavor of the day. When you are 12 months out from applications start studying for the GMAT, 6 months start taking the test. If you deploy and are lucky enough to have downtime (these days you will), study for the GMAT then. Also at 6 months out start reaching out to Veterans clubs at top schools, they often can influence admissions.

All that being said, cross that bridge when it comes. You have more important priorities.

 

Chiming in here, same as everyone else - thanks for your service. Coming from a military background, assuming you earn good marks you shouldn't have a problem getting into a good MBA program, or even straight into IB if you so desired. Although as the poster above me said, as a whole you shouldn't be worried, so focus on whats on your plate now. Good luck!

 
Best Response

Not sure how military experience is evaluated for Investment banks (probably well) but for transferring its affirmative action times 100x even for schools like Harvard, Yale and Stanford given a 4.0 gpa at an easy non target state school and given good standardized test scores. The only thing is that some schools like penn ug, columbia, etc have "general studies" programs for military and others who take a break from schooling which aren't "targeted" but this being said many schools do put you in the standard college/recruiting pool and you should be able to figure out which by looking at their websites. It also helps a ton for HBS/GSB/Wharton if your interested in an MBA and is considered slightly more positively in the admissions process than being URM (which if you are as well, is also extremely helpful). Hope this helps, others might be able to help in regards to how IB's view it (you'll be 25/26 as an analyst though, which may/may not be an issue)

 
  1. First of all I don't know what you're really asking and I'm not sure if this question is serious. Feel free to correct my interpretation.

  2. No bank is going to just 'give' you a job b/c you were in the fuckin military son. If you're thinking the military is a good idea b/c the 'exit ops' I'd suggest you rethink that.

  3. What the fuck are you talking about? Forget shit from your internships? No shit, you're about to do a 'non-finance' job, unless you're a POG for at least 4 years.

'Before you enter... be willing to pay the price'
 

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