I interned at BB investment bank and received an FT offer, but I want to join the Marines
I'm a college senior with an offer to return to the bank where I interned last summer. However, I am going through the recruiting process to train to become a Marine officer. The commitment is a minimum of 4 years. If I return to civilian life in the future, will banking opportunities be open to me given my successful internship? I want to discuss this possibility with the people at my firm but I'm afraid of bringing it up with them because they might think it's ridiculous / I wouldn't want to lose my offer. Any guidance would be appreciated! Thank you.
Your internship will be irrelevant in 4 years time.
I disagree with the above poster.
There is a strong military alumni network on the street. Straight civilians won't hire you, but those with a military background will. If you want to serve your country, then follow your calling. I wanted to join the military but couldn't due to medical reasons. I know my boss would hire someone like yourself. WS has plenty of different personality types, but one of the few commonalities is that every single successful person on WS admires those that make tough decisions - this is one of them.
My advice - follow your calling. Network during your time in the military. There are connections to be had at every firm on the street. With an offer in hand you should start early and get on these peoples radars. Do it right and you can land at whichever firm you covet most.
I'd take the FT offer given the extreme pay difference and the fact that you won't be in high risk of developing PTSD which is a VERY prevalent thing for those in combat. Not to mention the lack of support the gov't has in treating the vets.
That said, if you hate the bank you were at and are okay with the potential risks then do it.
This is a shallow and ignorant comment.
Ignorant? I'd disagree considering I've been to VA probably 200+ times and know first hand the difference of people in my family and family friends who have been to iraq. Combat is no joke and I don't think people know how damaging that can be whether it be physical. psychologically, or both. Obviously he could do reserves though.
Check this link out if you still think being in war is just like any other job. http://www.veteransandptsd.com/PTSD-statistics.html
This is ridiculous. 12 years in the Marine Corps and both myself a large majority (i.e. nearly all) of my friends/peers/colleagues do not suffer from PTSD. Absolutely sad to turn this into a decision between a big salary or getting PTSD.
From what I can see, those are two very different paths. I'll perhaps give you something else to think about.
It appears to be you are thinking of the wrong things. I feel that your decision making should be between military and a career in banking, while you are now thinking about military and then banking. Four years in the military is a long time so perhaps make your decision on simply living it up in the army first.
If you feel strongly about joining the army (and I believe that you will definitely need that to have a good experience) then I doubt any internship offers will stop you from pursuing it. Would your bank saying no lead you to stop going to the marines? If yes, then perhaps you shouldn't join the military after all as it seems like your priorities are not 100% in tuned.
I'd agree with SSits. Your internship wont matter in 4 years. Bear in mind, the most realistic way back into banking after your service is through a M7 MBA into a post-MBA associate role. Think through this thoroughly, it is not as simple as Chestnutxyz makes it out to be. Pursue which one you truly want to pursue. Both involve a lot of shit times, and you'll most certainly regret your choice during the shit times if it is not the role you truly wanted.
I work in commodities trading; seems lots of firms have military recruitment streams and could be a better fit than IB (based on the very little I know about IB)
And you would almost certainly be forgotten by your current firm :)
If you do, go MARSOC
Ask HR.
Your internship is still relevant but it's easier to job hunt in school vs. as a lateral or someone who's working. Whoever said there is a strong military network on the street is correct though.
If I were you go with whatever you want to do. Banking isn't some magical profession that people make it out to be.
There's also nothing stopping you from complete ting you analyst program and then joining the Marines. That would give you the most options going forward, witch business school being a good path to get back into finance if that is what you desired.
This feels like a personal decision. You know what banking is like, have been successful so far, so why do you want to join the marines? If the pull is that strong, why fight it?
Keep in mind the historical attrition rate for Quantico OCS is 25-33%, so there's a good chance you'll be back on the block in a couple of months. Suggest you reach out now to somebody at the MD level who's a Marine vet (there will be at least one at any BB) to be your guide to revisiting your FT opportunity if USMC is a bust for you. This assumes you leave Quantico for medical/injury issues, not because you wet the bed or couldn't take being yelled at by DIs, LOL.
I joined the Army as a PFC at age 26 but I went the National Guard route. IET was rather easy for me, but Quantico is a LOT harder. And active duty can suck, as other posters here point out. Do you really need to be a Marine, and an officer?
BTW, I now think joining the military was the best decision I ever made. GL to you.
I will add that a lot of MBA programs actively seek veterans. Additionally, if you are not using the military to pay off current loans you will have the GI Bill which will pay for it. I know plenty of former officers who got out and went directly to a MBA program(most went to Stanford).
Also if you decide to go Marines I would strive to be in MARSOC. Its always better to be around triple volunteers.
It depends. Do you want to sacrifice your life for something greater- enduring grueling sleepless hours in between mandatory training, getting screamed at by your superiors and bonding with your brothers who also signed up for this shit, or do you want to join the marines?
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