Morgan Lerette ⋅ Glendale , AZ AAA ⋅ 6 years experience

Nigel,

Let me chime in for insurance. At the field level, the structure is very similar to the military with sales/claims representatives (soldiers), team leaders (same), assistant mangers (squad leader), and managers (PSG/PL).

That said, there are corporate jobs very similar, if not identical, to Investments.

with insurance, you have dual paths and direct leadership positions. Investments may be very similar. I'm not sure. I chose insurance to be in the field because, as a soldier, I enjoyed direct leadership positions more than staff (PL vs staff).

MCL

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco , CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

Nigel,
Thoughtful question. Finance and Insurance are both very broad fields. I do not think you need to necessarily decide between one or the other, and there are many similar roles within both industries.

Perhaps more important, what role(s) do you see yourself playing at an organization you might join? (Sales, accounting, analysis, IT, research, trading, statistical-analysis, operations, government-relations, etc.)

What do you enjoy? What would you do if you did not need to work for a living?

I respect much of what Dr., Robert Shiller at Yale writes. His recent book "Finance and the Good Society" touches on both Finance and Insurance. It might be worth a read, it's on my summer reading list.

http://press.princeton.edu/releases/m9652.html
"An Interview with Robert J. Shiller
• The title of your book, Finance and the Good Society, might strike some readers as a contradiction in terms. Why are they wrong?
Finance is widely viewed as an activity that promotes inequality. But financial institutions can be democratizing and can reduce inequality if they are set up right. Finance is not merely about making money. It’s about achieving our deep goals and protecting the fruits of our labor. It’s about stewardship and therefore about achieving the good society.
• Who are you trying to reach with this book?
My first inspiration was my college students, who are trying to find their place in the world. Doing just about anything important for our society requires some knowledge of finance and working with people in the various financial roles outlined in the book. As I worked on it more, though, I conceived a broader mission, namely rethinking how people in these financial roles actually work together to produce a good society. Thinking about this is something we should all do because it will help us do a better job of figuring out how financial innovation can improve society.
• How does the current financial crisis relate to your book?
The financial crisis is a growing pain, the kind of accident that happens as we develop and move forward. There was too much complacency about existing institutions. Our reaction to the crisis should primarily be to develop fundamental financial innovations that better serve our real goals.
• Given the aims of the good society, what role should government play in the financial sector?
We have to be careful that government isn’t captured by existing financial interests. People have to see a sharp distinction between financial forms as they exist today, and that often serve some specific interests, and the kinds of democratized forms we might see tomorrow. A properly functioning government and a properly functioning financial community should consider the interests of all elements of society, and will encourage innovation that will eventually make existing financial forms obsolete. Doing this well requires technical financial expertise, not political slogans, and respect for the experience of people in the financial community."

-Tom

Robert Schamis ⋅ Berwyn , PA U.S. Air Force, Senior Airman ⋅ 4 years served

Nigel,
You make the opportunity whatever you decide to do.
Both careers are mainly sales related. It's up to you to find clients and build your book of business so you can make a living. Initially, both careers require long hours and smart working methods and education to get the clients to sign with and stay with you.

I have been in the brokerage business for over 20 years and I love it.
Prior to this I spent four years in the USAF, got my BSEE, worked as a senior electronics design engineer and had my own clock restoration business.

Find what you love to do and you'll never work another day in your life.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call me: Bob Schamis - 610-408-1986.

Kevin Wiley ⋅ Kingston , WA Ameriprise Financial ⋅ 4 years experience

You could imagine I am leaning toward the financial industry, Morgan Stanley does a lot to help veterans. Let me know if you have questions.

Kevin Wiley
Financial Advisor

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
2011 NW Myhre Road, Suite 301
Silverdale WA 98383
Office 360 613 1975
Fax 360 613 1992
TF 800 447 6021
Kevin.wiley@morganstanley.com

Seattle
601 Union Street, Suite 2900
Seattle, WA 98101-9925
Toll Free: 800-755-5720
Fax: (206) 206-464-5928

Kelly Thrasher ⋅ Denver , PA Accolade ⋅ 20 years experience

Depends on the company. Seek out companies that are Vet Friendly and back up veterans. You'll find a ton of opportunites out here but do the research on the company first. The one that I work for (2 years now after my 2011 redeployment) is very vet friendly and insurance/financial services. What are you most interested in and are you willining to move to the opportunity?