Cully Cavness ⋅ Denver , CO ⋅ 8 years experience

Hi Johnny,

It looks like you have already gotten some good advice here regarding the various pathways into the industry. I think that both B-School and entry level positions can be a good start for building a career in finance.

My advice is a little bit "softer," but something that you might find very useful. I recommend that you begin to reach out to everyone and anyone you know in the finance industry, as well as to people who may be able to make introductions to people in the industry. Your goal in these initial conversations should be to plan a lunch or coffee to learn more about your contact's career path, experience, and advice on finance careers generally. Eventually, one of these conversations may lead to a job. Regardless, you will learn a great deal about the industry and build a valuable set of professional contacts to lean on when you do finally break into the business.

Be patient, and always remember that your network is one of your most valuable assets. You can begin to build that today. Please reach out to me directly if I can be of any assistance in this regard.

Cully Cavness

Johnny Cao ⋅ El Paso , TX U.S. Army, First Lieutenant ⋅ 3 years served

Kit,

Thank you for the quick reply. As of now I project Investment Banking would be the best path to take at this stage. I have taken to account of several factors to make this determination. My role as a Logistics Officer have allowed me to be in a position where I have worked with several clients whose demands I have to balance with pragmatism and optimism. I am also fairly young compared to my peers and still have plenty of energy to work through tough/austere conditions.

I have no family or geographic limitations as I am use to traveling around because of the nature of the military. I am currently looking at Stern and Fuqua as programs to apply for. I will message you immediately and forward you my information.

Kit Lancaster ⋅ Chicago , IL GCG Financial ⋅ 5 years experience

Johnny,

Great question. The jobs you are contrasting have vastly different career paths and value education differently. A graduate degree could be a massive waste of time and money depending on your interests, short term goals and desired career trajectory. Both of the career paths stated above have specific designations that could be far more valuable depending on where you want to go.

Which one do you favor? What are your family or geographic limitations? Do you already have a program in mind? I have a lot of questions before I can give a qualified response or make a worthwhile introduction. Would you have time for a call later on today or next week?

Thank You
Kit

Johnny Cao ⋅ El Paso , TX U.S. Army, First Lieutenant ⋅ 3 years served

Thank you so much for the advice. I really do appreciate the insight that everyone has taken their time to share with me.

Jamie--I'm pretty sure the business programs that I am aiming for right now place some of their students into the Investment Banking/ Management industry. If not, I am currently taking the GMAT one last time to see if my next score would place me into a higher bracket for MBA programs. As you said, a lateral transfer into an entry level position does look favorable coming straight from the military. As of right now I am having difficulties navigating through the recruitment process or finding career opportunities of programs for military personnel. I will send you my resume.

Joe-- That is great to hear. I agree that having a career that trains and provides certification would be the best result. I believe the most difficult obstacle I face right now is navigating through the waters collecting a database of potential employers or openings that my skill set would exactly be a fit for. I hope to network with veterans who made the transfer over in the private sector and are currently working in the banking/Investment management industry.

Joe Doherty ⋅ Stoneham , MA Oracle ⋅ 13 years experience

Hi Johny,

I really like Jaime's advice to piggy back Fidelity has a large presence in TX if you were interested in that route.

I myself started in Finance for me I was given an opportunity at NY Life / insurance does a lot of hiring of agents which is a difficult job but the training and the experience gave me an opportunity to pass my insurance and series 6 which made me more marketable

Another path is entry level Fund accounting depending which investment firms are near by which sounds hard but it isn't instead it more tedious but great way to get a foot in the door.

And if you do end up in business school look into working for the schools finance office

Lastly you should check out entry level opportunities at retail banks. I know lots of people who started as a teller and moved their way up in management.

Good luck!!!

Jamie Warner ⋅ Somerville , MA Liberty Mutual ⋅ 6 years experience

Hi Johnny,

Thank you for your service!

Though business school can be a great opener, I wouldn't necessarily recommend jumping right into it without a plan. Does the program you're considering have great connections and place many students in finance related careers? If not, you might just be accumulating unwanted debt. Many large companies have programs where you intern with them throughout your program and are hired upon graduation if they like you. Check if the school has connections with those programs or if graduates have successfully participated in them. Have you considered a finance degree?

I would also research some of the companies you would like to work for. What are the backgrounds of other employees? What kind of skills and degrees do they have? You can find information like this on LinkedIn or similar sites.

I would have to see your resume to be sure, but your background probably gives you enough leverage to get an entry level position. Another thing to consider is the other facets of the finance industry. At large companies like Fidelity you can start in the call center and then work through certifications/advanced degrees on their dime. Many companies have funding for you to attend business school part time. That would help you get non-military work experience and your degree at the same time.