Hello,
I am attending an M7 MBA program next year (Columbia/Sloan/Wharton) and, after doing some research into the various career fields, I am leaning heavily toward banking post-MBA. I am a career-switcher out of the military and and looking for guidance regarding where to start off. I am not looking for exit opportunities per se; I would like to find a bank that would provide me with a long-term, sustainable career. As such, work/life balance is my primary concern. A few questions I have:
Is it reasonable to recruit for non-east coast offices (say in Chicago/West Coast) out of an east coast MBA program? My understanding is that the offices in these locations are a bit smaller and people tend to stay there for longer periods of time.
Are there career opportunities in capital markets groups for career-switchers? Similar to the above, my understanding is that people stay in these groups for a long time, and that they offer a better balance.
What type of opportunities do middle-market firms provide for students at a top MBA program? I would be open to a place like Lincoln International or RBC if it provided a better work culture. The problem is that very few students seem to work for banks like these; is this because these banks don't recruit there or selection bias on part of the students?
My main interest is helping companies with their financing needs in order to help them grow; I am open to different types of groups/products. I appreciate people taking the time to help me out.
Career Banking: Military to M7 MBA (Originally Posted: 12/28/2015)
Hello,
I am attending an M7 MBA program next year (Columbia/Sloan/Wharton) and, after doing some research into the various career fields, I am leaning heavily toward banking post-MBA. I am a career-switcher out of the military and and looking for guidance regarding where to start off. I am not looking for exit opportunities per se; I would like to find a bank that would provide me with a long-term, sustainable career. As such, work/life balance is my primary concern. A few questions I have:
Is it reasonable to recruit for non-east coast offices (say in Chicago/West Coast) out of an east coast MBA program? My understanding is that the offices in these locations are a bit smaller and people tend to stay there for longer periods of time.
Are there career opportunities in capital markets groups for career-switchers? Similar to the above, my understanding is that people stay in these groups for a long time, and that they offer a better balance.
What type of opportunities do middle-market firms provide for students at a top MBA program? I would be open to a place like Lincoln International or RBC if it provided a better work culture. The problem is that very few students seem to work for banks like these; is this because these banks don't recruit there or selection bias on part of the students?
My main interest is helping companies with their financing needs in order to help them grow; I am open to different types of groups/products. I appreciate people taking the time to help me out.
Very doable on all counts. That said you shouldn't be trying to get this information by asking us on here. All are great conversation starters.
You've got LinkedIN. If there's a mid-market firm you're interested in go to their page, select employees, and set your "previous company" filter to screen for vets. Ask them directly. At this stage in the game it's perfectly OK to not be sure whether you want to work in mid market firms or a large one, and most vets will be willing to have that discussion with you.
Also if you want to do finance and have a bit more time look into positions in Charlotte or Atlanta. Depending on how things work out I may be able to give you some insight next fall...but everything I've heard so far is that they're a lot better. It's not due to a lesser workload mind you, but because the culture in those towns is such that most people think the idea of face time is retarded.
As a follow on to what @Bigass_Spider" said, reach out to as many different veterans in banking as you can find on Linkedin. Figure out the full name and email structure of the bank, and email them directly. It doesn't matter if they are from the same branch or officer vs enlisted etc, the military network is hands down one of the top networks anywhere. The response rate from other vets will be extremely high and they will be very willing to help you get an interview or just tell you more about where they work and the job itself. Use first names, no Mr or Mrs stuff, you aren't in the military anymore.
Here is a basic example that you can essentially copy and paste.
Justin, My name is @PeterMBA2018" and I am a current student at Wharton/Sloan/Columbia. Prior to this I was an infantry officer in the Marine Corps. I was wondering if you would be open to a brief phone conversation so I could learn a bit more about your experience at XYZ bank and finance in general. I have attached my resume for your consideration. Best, PeterMBA2018
For what it's worth I have interviewed at every bank I have ever applied to, and the common factor has always been talking with a vet there who has been willing to push my resume to HR and make sure an interview happens.
Fing spot on cayo
Eveniet dolorem dolorem qui fugiat non consequatur delectus. Maiores dolor voluptas ex optio cumque quo. Et enim quo deserunt dicta odio quis.
Dolor nihil voluptates earum incidunt error vel consequatur. Voluptates ut itaque esse nostrum assumenda suscipit quasi. Sed ipsa doloremque et architecto qui voluptates fugit.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...