Blue Collar to Blue Chip

I have been searching this site for a while now as a non member and I couldn't really find anyone that matches my situation. I am hoping that someone reading this will have had a similiar situation or at least seen one and can give me some advice. I am a military veteran attending a non ranked state school. I have a next to 4.0 GPA and I am interning with a major defense industry company in a finance role. I have an opportunity to join TFA and I am considering whether or not it is the best route to help me get to IB in NYC. I want to attend a top five MBA grad school, but I dont know if I should pursue that before an entry level analyst position. I will be 25 when I receive my undergrad in May, then two years with TFA and two years as an analyst would make me 29 when I would apply to grad school with my current plan. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

Nothing horribly wrong with your current plan. People have exited TFA to IB pre-MBA. But one possible catch I see here is that you'll be 27 at that point, and it sucks, but age might be an issue pre-MBA. I would play it safe and try to break in now, rather than put it off further.

Although your exact situation might be hard to find perfect info on, there are definitely threads on former military breaking into finance. Networking opportunities definitely exist out there for guys like you - possibly even on this site. You might be at a non-target, but don't downplay your ~3.9-4.0 or your defense industry finance exp.

 

Thank you for all of your help. I just learned about IB Institute. Is that reputable? Does anyone talk about it? Thanks again.

Very Respectfully, Bberry
 

I don't see any reason you shouldn't at least get looks for analyst positions directly out of undergrad. There are lots of unique recruiting opportunities for veterans, and you have obviously kicked some ass grades wise. TFA is great for b-school, but not sure it's best for your situation.

"For I am a sinner in the hands of an angry God. Bloody Mary full of vodka, blessed are you among cocktails. Pray for me now and at the hour of my death, which I hope is soon. Amen."
 

I noticed some of the veteran recruiting by GS but I get shutdown every time I apply for them. Are there other veteran outlets that you know of?

Very Respectfully, Bberry
 

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