Jeffrey Duck ⋅ Deltona, FL Deploy Tech Services ⋅ 30 years experience

Hi John,

First I need to say that I'm not the most qualified person to respond to your question but hopefully you'll find my 2 cents worth a nickle.

Both of my brothers are bankers, one got his MBA at Booth and is at the top level of a large retail bank and my other brother has an unrelated bachelors degree and works in commercial agriculture lending with a small bank. My mother worked for several years as an investment advisor. My knowledge comes from my exposure through them. As for me, I work in tech but for awhile, I enjoyed scalping options and made a very good income trading about 5 minutes a day.

So far as banking goes, I think there's a surplus of experienced bankers with MBAs who would be in line for a job before you. In many industries, I'm comfortable recommending someone take just about any job they can get just to get into a company then they can prove themselves and work their way up - hopefully quickly. But in banking, I think you have to enter it at a certain level. If you start working in a retail center, you'll likely find it difficult to move up to where you would like to be.

As for investing; over the years, I've met many people who were convinced to get their Series 7, believing it would open a door for them but later learning that's exactly what it did for them but the door didn't really go anywhere. Whenever someone approaches me as an investment advisor, I ask them how much money they have and then some follow-up questions. The conversation usually ends with me asking why, if they're good at investing, they aren't doing better with their own money. Shortly after, the conversation usually ends. The point to that is, there are many people who will try to sell you on becoming an Investment Advisor for straight commission and most (not all) who take that route end up with little more than a lesson to look back upon.

This is by no means definitive and there's much that I haven't had any exposure to so hopefully someone else will chime in and help you identify the good jobs in banking and investing.

So now for the good thoughts... Having 8 years in the Corps as enlisted and an MBA and an MS in finance puts you in a kick-ass position for a small company. By small, I mean $50M in sales, or less than 100 employees. (That's REAL general but something in that range or anything smaller.) If I were in that situation, I would focus on a business in a blue collar industry but not specifically. I'm just talking about businesses other than finance.

When someone's built their own business and has gotten it to the level where they need someone to specifically handle financial matters beyond general accounting, they likely have a strong opinion as to how they want their business run but can have a hard time finding someone will do things the way THEY want them done. They built their business by doing things their way and slight variations can make them uncomfortable. That's just one scenario that comes to mind but I can think of a lot of reasons your background would fit very well into a small business.

What sets you apart is the education you've got along with being enlisted. Who do you think would make a better CO, a Gunner or a Lieutenant? A WO has proven experience. He/she's paid their dues and have the hash marks to prove it. A commissioned officer has a degree and has learned structured processes, how to create them and how to interpret them, and once given a command, they will learn how how their CO wants things done. This isn't a great example but hopefully you get the picture.

In the proper environment, you provide the benefit of both while most people only fit one. You've proven your ability to follow and won't have a pissy-fit because you don't like how your boss wants to do things. You're used to working for someone who says exactly how they want things done. Pride doesn't get in the way. You have experience in simply doing your job how you're told.

But also, you have the education to put you into a top, high paying position. You may not have the experience, but you have met the requirements to get started and just need someone to provide you with an overview. Put your background as an enlisted Marine with your degrees and you have exactly the kind of person I would have killed for when my business was at that point.

And trust is very important. The last person I had for a CFO was excellent at his job but. I know that because I spent the first year or so looking over his shoulder and checking everything he did. The only thing I could have asked for is that he didn't take it so personal that I checked up on him. He was smart and very experienced and like anyone who's 'been around the block' in their job, they don't like to be watched. But a good small business owner will want to check on you and watch you very closely when you start. While many people who would take that job may be put off by that, I assume you've got no bones about it.

The bottom line as to why I think this would be a good move is because of the future it provides. Small business owners have to leave eventually. They sell out, partner-up, pass the business down to the kids, something... but eventually they have to leave. You can be in a position to know that business better than anyone else other than the owner so you have a good chance of either becoming the owner or at least becoming indispensable. (My father went to work for someone as a mechanic when he got out of the air force. At the first indication that the owner had financial problems, he came up with a plan and bought the shop. The previous owner was one of my dad's best employees for 20-something years to follow.) If after a year or so with a business, that business doesn't look like it's going to lead you in the right direction, you've now got a bit of experience in that situation and hopefully have made some new connections so you can find another place with better opportunity.

Hopefully you find this useful and can relate it to what real opportunities you run across. No matter what you end up doing, I think getting an MBA is priceless. It can be used anywhere. Personally I have few regrets in my lifetime but one of the biggest is that I didn't get an MBA. Not for the paper but for the education. Good luck!

Semper Fi

Brock Renshaw ⋅ Tampa, FL Citi ⋅ 7 years experience

Hi John,

I transitioned from the Marine Corps (0231) after 10 years of active duty to the Defense Intelligence Agency about 10 years ago. And, after 10 more years at DIA, I left for Citigroup, working in Anti-Money Laundering; about 18 months ago. Not sure what your MOS was, but I would be more than willing to talk as my transition to the Financial industry was very recent, and hopefully I can help you. You may want to canvas Citi's opportunties in the Austin area at: http://jobs.citi.com/. Citi also promotes an appreciation of military service.

Please feel free to reach out.

Semper Fi,
Brock
brock.renshaw@citi.com / 813.340.6925

Adam Weisberger ⋅ Edison, NJ New York Life Insurance Company ⋅ 7 years experience

John,
Depending on the role you want, check out New York Life and overall strong firm with many options. You will start out as an agent, almost everyone does, but it will build on the education that you already have.

Walt Overfield ⋅ Virginia Beach, VA United Healthcare ⋅ 15 years experience

John,
Any industry that uses money has financial positions at every level. Most don't require a license. I used my MBA in Finance in several Health Insurance companies. Consider Google to find "Finance Jobs in Austin Texas". Most won't meet your requirements but look at the industries that meet your long-term goals. For the top industries on your list, identify the top 25 companies based on your research. Because many companies do not advertise their positions, consider joining a professional association like the "Society of Financial Service Professionals". Google to find more. A good professional association will allow you to network with members to find the best non-advertised positions. Use Google as you focus in on the best positions for you!
Good Luck!

Cyril Reif ⋅ Mckinney, TX Sun Microsystems ⋅ 41 years experience

Hello John,
Banking is a great career for people with military experience. It is highly structured and process driven. I’ve know many successful bankers who started their work careers in the military.
You have great assets, your MBA and MS, they are excellent differentiators and will help you get hired. Additionally as you apply your military experience and the things you have learned in earning your advanced degrees you should stand out among your peers and hopefully advance quickly.
Now a sobering fact. You need to be prepared to take a lower level job to get into the institution. Banks like to promote from within and expect people to start at lower levels to prove themselves and to learn the procedures and policies of the particular institution.
Based on where you are located I would focus on regional banks, rather than the big national banks. Some good candidates would be Frost, Regions, Comerica and Compass.

Maria Klutey ⋅ Ridgefield, CT General Electric ⋅ 25 years experience

Hi John -- I took a similar path (many years ago!), getting my MBA after leaving active duty (though my undergrad had no finance or quantitative emphasis). I've spent the last 20+ years in finance -- in corporations (Amoco) and GE Capital mostly. As a different perspective to Jeffery's above, I found (both as an employee and manager) that being in a large organization can be a great career path, especially to start. Large companies hire lots of new people, so are sometimes more willing to take a chance on someone who doesn't have specific prior experience but has good overall skills and education. In addition, there are a lot of people within the organization to train you, both formally and informally. Many companies, including GE, have specific programs geared to hiring veterans, or at least have a strong interest in hiring veterans. I don't have any insight into the Austin area, and don't believe GE Capital has a strong presence there, but with your military experience and MBA, you have a lot to offer. Happy to discuss further if it would be helpful. Maria Klutey, mklutey@alumni.princeton.edu

Julie Chahboune ⋅ Duluth, GA Brenau University ⋅ 9 years experience

Hi. I'm a Career Counselor and saw your question. While I don't have contacts in the Finance industry necessarily (I'm not a head-hunter), I CAN offer you helpful link on transitioning from Military to Civilian work. It's from The Florida State University Career Center, where I used to work. The other is the Riley Guide which is an excellent all-around source for occupational information and job searching. I'd be happy to give you feedback on your resume, if you'd like (free, of course). Good luck!
Military Transition:
http://career.fsu.edu/IMAGES/PDFS/Guides/TransitioningFromTheMilitary.pdf
Riley Guide:
http://www.rileyguide.com/

Joel Padua ⋅ Aurora, IL HIFE- Heartland Institute of Financial Education ⋅ 5 years experience

Hi John,
I know someone who lives in Austin, Texas. He used to be in the Marine but now a successful in Financial industry, they have office there, why not visit him one day, tell him Joel Padua from Chicago sent you. I know he can help you, he's helping me here in Chicago, I'm a Registered Nurse but now in Financial industry. If you're interested I will give you his name & number

Joel

Bruce Cohen ⋅ Fort Lauderdale, FL Leland Capital Advisors LLC ⋅ 25 years experience

John: I have been in the finance industry for over 25 years and would direct you to look at alternate finance firms. These include Factors, Inventory and Purchase order finance companies.
There are several in the San Antonio area.
I am in this business and we value leadership, hard work and street smarts to a higher degree than degrees and licence's. While I do not know if they have an opening or are hiring look at a company called Far West Factors I believe they have an office in Austin or San Antonio. Also Goodman Factors in Houston. Both fine firms and many companies in our industry are looking for business development officers with your background.
Hope this helps.
Bruce

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

Why does a career in Finance intetest you?

Do you know what roles in the Finance industry interest you?

C R ⋅ Los Angeles, CA ⋅ 20 years experience

With your comments about wanting to have your military experience valued and wanting to stay in TX, I second Maria's suggestion to look at possibilities at USAA.

Crystal Benton ⋅ Alexandria, VA Powell Tate ⋅ 13 years experience

Hi - This is a little tip more than an answer, but Bank of America actively recruits veterans in a variety of roles and values the leadership experiences you'd bring to their company. You might want to take a look at them: http://careers.bankofamerica.com/us/working-here/military-veterans/

Maria Erchul ⋅ Spokane, WA Incyte Diagnostics ⋅ 15 years experience

Seeking connection with a USAA Recruiter may be ideal - they have excellent recruiters. Let me know if you need help.
Maria (former Recruiter for world's largest credit union)

Patrick Hollis ⋅ Hudson, OH Horizons Incorporated ⋅ 46 years experience

Hi John.
First of all, I'd like to thank you for your service to our country.
Secondly, I'd like to emphatically state that Jay Ahuja's advice, above, with respect to pursuing a position with one of the Big Four CPA firms, is exactly what I would recommend for someone with your interests, experience and credentials. Please be aware the opportunities are not necessarily limited to the obvious areas of audit and tax as they also offer broad career opportunities in consulting.
Further, career advancement can be very fast for committed, ambitious employees either within one of the firms or, perhaps, at one of their clients.
This is essentially the course I took in my career and I found it extremely rewarding and fulfilling.
My very best wishes in your search for the right position. If I can offer any further insight, please feel free to contact me by email.

Richard McCann ⋅ Bellingham, MA Consulting CFO and Advisor ⋅ 30 years experience

Have you tried applying for a job at one of the Big 4 accounting firms? They are usually looking for veterans and not enough generally apply. These are the names - check out the web sites career section to find out about open positions and expressing interest as a veteran: Ernst & Young, LLP, Deloitte LLP, KPMG, LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP

Jay Ahuja ⋅ Mc Lean, VA ⋅ 30 years experience

John:
The Big 4 Accounting firms recruit veterans so would encourage you to apply to these firms - Deloitte, KPMG, PricewatershouseCoopers, and Ernst & Young. You may have to start at the entry level but you have the opportunity to advance rapidly if you do a good job. The training they provide is phenomenal and the opportunities outside after you work for them for a few years are immense. All the best in your job search.

R Peters Hubbell ⋅ Poughkeepsie, NY RP Hubbell and Company ⋅ 35 years experience

I would suggest that you check out the Appraisal Institute website. Real Estate appraisers are integral to financing and with commercial properties deal with risk reward and values. There is a fairly lengthy "apprenticeship" before gaining the MAI designation but it is definitely worth it for a steady income that can average well into the high 5 figure to low 6 figure range. Average age of appraisers is high 50's, so many of us will be retiring and industry will need "new blood". Pay is generally higher in major metro areas but good incomes can be achieved in the "countryside". If you had any map training while in the service that would be a valuable skill as would GIS.

Gary Jorgenson ⋅ Bothell, WA ⋅ 20 years experience

John,
There are opportunities for a variety of skills at AT&T. We have careers in finance, accounting, strategy, and analysis. We have a large presence in Texas with corporate headquarters in Dallas and additional offices in Austin and San Antonio. The following web page will give you more insight. http://att.jobs/doing-great-things/military

Let me know if I can be of further assistance

John Lopez ⋅ San Marcos, TX U.S. Marine Corps, Corporal ⋅ 8 years served

Tom,
I received my Bachelors in Management from Park University. MBA and M.S. Finance was received from Webster University. Positions that interest me are Capital Asset Analyst & Financial Analyst. Some examples of required knowledge I am reading off a Financial Analyst position are
• Sage MAS
• BizNet reporting tool
• Oracle Hyperion Financial Reporting tool
• SAP-Business Planning and Consolidation tools
• Business objects Explorer
• SAS programming
I do not have a list of preferred employers, but I wish to stay in the Austin, TX area and I do not have a team of mentors.

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

John,
Where did you attend school for your Bachelors and Masters?

Please share one or more job postings that interest you.

What specific software is mentioned that you do not know?

Do you have a list of preferred employers?

Do you have a team of mentors, and from where?

John Lopez ⋅ San Marcos, TX U.S. Marine Corps, Corporal ⋅ 8 years served

I would like to thank all who replied. The advice and direction given in this post is very helpful.

Tom,
My initial interest in finance start while taking courses for my MBA. The finance courses always seemed interesting to me so I decided to pursue an M.S. in Finance. My assignments always pushed me to be a critical thinker and I loved the challenge. Organizations need a good finance department, and I would love the challenge of gathering data to analyze, and help management understand where the company is heading financially. I feel I am at a disadvantage because I have no experience in the industry and am not familiar with some of the reporting software some companies are asking for.

Po Wong ⋅ Orlando, FL Johnson & Johnson (retired) ⋅ 40 years experience

Hi John,
Thanks for your service!

Here is a link to Finance jobs in J&J. It updates daily. Most Finance jobs are in North East and Global if you are mobile and can re-locate. J&J Finance Group has one of the best career development programs which mean they move high potential employee upward frequently. With you limited civilian working experience but with very good education credential, I suggest apply any entry level (Financial analyst) to “get in the door” to gain experience. Then the rest is up to you to show if you can produce great results and performance.

http://jobs.jnj.com/go/Finance-Jobs-at-Johnson-&-Johnson/358219/?utm_source=careersite&utm_campaign=CareersHomeMenuFinance

Good luck and contact me (private message) if you have questions.