Would Joining the Army Hurt My Career Prospects?
I’m nearing the end of my university studies in the UK, where I’m on track to achieve a 2:1 in Economics and finance. My immediate goal is to break into investment banking quickly, with plans to transition into a more relaxed role after about 3-5 years. However, I lack internships and come from a non-target university, which makes that path more challenging. Consequently, I intend to gain some work experience before applying for a top MBA program, ideally at London Business School, with the aim of entering at the associate level.
My dilemma lies in the years leading up to my MBA. Most programs expect around five years of work experience, and at this point, I have 18 months at a HSBC call center and three months in a financial admin role, plus some retail experience. I’ve been considering a position as an Intelligence Officer, which involves a 3.5-year commitment. I’ve heard that MBA programs value the leadership experience gained in the military, but this role wouldn’t provide any finance-specific experience. While I’d be managing intelligence analysts, it wouldn’t relate directly to finance.
I know that banks like JPMorgan have veteran recruitment programs, but I’m concerned about how an MBA combined with military experience would be viewed without any prior internships or analyst experience. Should I pursue one or two years in an analyst position before enlisting? Would it even be feasible to gain entry to an MBA program without that financial background?
I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice!
One response
It sounds like you have a good game plan lined up, but I understand your concerns about how joining the Army might impact your career aspirations in finance. Here are some thoughts to consider:
Leadership and Skills Development: The experience you’ll gain in the Army, especially as an Intelligence Officer, can provide you with valuable skills in leadership, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure. These attributes are highly regarded in finance and can make you stand out in MBA applications. Many programs appreciate diverse backgrounds that bring different perspectives to the classroom.
Networking Opportunities: While you may not gain direct finance experience in the Army, the military often has strong alumni networks and connections in various industries, including finance. This could be beneficial when transitioning to a civilian role later on.
MBA Experience Requirements: It’s true that many top MBA programs prefer candidates with several years of relevant work experience. However, they also value diverse experiences, and unique backgrounds can compensate for a lack of direct finance roles. If you can articulate how your military experience has developed your leadership and strategic thinking, it could add depth to your application.
Timing Your Decisions: If you feel that gaining finance-related work experience is essential before applying to the Army, consider seeking roles in finance for one or two years. This would provide you with a solid foundation and make your future MBA application stronger. You could always consider joining the Army later to gain leadership experience.
Veteran Recruitment Programs: Look into companies that have strong veteran recruitment initiatives. While they often seek candidates with military backgrounds, they also value a mix of experiences. Your MBA, combined with your military experience and any finance roles you pursue, may enhance your candidacy significantly.
Explore Hybrid Options: Some reserve roles in the military could allow you to maintain a civilian job in finance while still gaining experience in the Army. This could be a good way to balance both worlds and keep building your finance resume.
Ultimately, it’s about aligning your career goals with the opportunities available to you. Both paths have their merits, and you should choose the one that best fits your long-term aspirations. Good luck!