Military Experience - Yay or Nay?

Dear WSO,

If you were a potential employer screening interns, how would you view a junior who has a leadership experience in the Army? (Republic of Korean Army Corporal). I am having a hard time debating with myself deciding whether I should evade conscription and focus on academics and professional endeavor. So far, it seems like pros of evading the draft seems to outweigh the cons, but I am more than willing to serve if such a leadership experience will provide me with personal growth & success in financial industry. I'd be happy to hear your opinions, cheers.

Thank you.

 

A lot of the guys at my school (US) took their time in the army if they were require to serve, and then resumed their studies and recruited as appropriate. If anything, it's looked upon favorably because you're more mature and it's a positive experience.

I've heard it also screws you pretty hard if you're planning on going back to Korea and aren't a dual citizen, so I'd keep that in mind.

 

I'm at a US office of a European bank and about half of IBD has military experience, mostly as a conscript in their home country. If you spin it well it absolutely adds to your story. Personally I would see an evader as someone more likely to shirk on a commitment (renege, jump ship early in an analyst tour) but I am biased as I was in the us military for >10 years.

 

I would really appreciate any Tips you have in terms of "spinning well"

Currently in the process of trying to land an entry level analyst position in the off cycle.

I am enlisted got out 2013, just finished my BBA Finance already in NYC, Interned at a small middle market from april 2015 - dec 2015. Was hired as an analyst Jan 2016 (No financial modeling though). I am looking to apply to the veteran integration program this year and all open CIB, IBD, etc.. would you be willing to take a look at my resume for me? If you can it would be a great help.

Or maybe just give me some pointers on things you put down.

 

While I was not hiring in finance I most certainly gave applicants with prior military preferential focus (no, I am not prior military). I always had better results with those folks.

Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.
 

I can't speak to the Army but I can tell you every Air Force logistics guy I know hates being a loggy. I would go with combat arms personally. It also sounds like you would find that job more enjoyable anyways. The reality is most civilians can't tell a sniper from a battalion XO. If you aren't in a Special Operations role you are just a generic "military officer" to most people who haven't served. That is both good and bad when you get out depending on the situation. So just do whatever you are more interested in.

 

First, I'm not trying to dismiss your questions, Im about to make the opposite transition and wanted to give you no BS feedback.

Honestly, you should join the Army because you want to be in the Army not because of any perceived potential future career benefits. If you are looking to do something service-related, there are plenty of great things to do that are less lifestyle-changing than the Army. You probably knew that response was coming, but I am saying that because it is true. Even with 'a cozy desk job' you will be doing PT, getting up early, and have to go through basic, AIT, just like everyone else. You can also deploy and even with the wars drawing down, you never know whats going to happen. If you dont go in with a genuine desire to be a soldier, you are going to hate your life.

That being said, if you want to serve 3 years and then leave to head to finance, thats fine and thats admirable. There is a strong military network in finance. Just know this: those three years are three years that you are not building models and getting to know the industry -- you will be 'behind' those who went the typical analyst route. Your military experience isnt going to trump someone that has great finance experience. That is the basic summary of what I've learned from reaching out to other vets.

 

Enlist because you want to be a soldier, not because you want to set up networking opportunities 7 years (3 years enlisted + 4 years college) from now.

Also, why is your avatar a picture of the Finance Corps branch insignia? Army Finance has nothing to do with the type of finance discussed on this site, and your prospective MOS (paralegal) is part of the JAG branch, not the Finance branch.

 

Thanks The_Regulator I've got a few good Veteran connections and they have been great sources of information. They have often been able to point me in the right directions for jobs to apply for, but still run into difficulties once the CV gets in front of the hiring managers as the background is just a bit too eclectic.

I think I have narrowed down the CV as the thing that's holding me up, but know it's going to be a tough thing to get right given my circumstances, hence my happiness to pay for the right sort of experience to help me with it.

Thanks again for the advice and input!

 

You should of course highlight this. S&T hires a good number of former military and varsity atheletes. They like the discipline and stamina they require as well as that energetic/forceful personality that often comes with it.

BTW if you are the US I would recommend sending a resume (+ cover letter if necessary) over a CV.

 

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