Frank Aburto ⋅ Jersey City, NJ U.S. Army, Captain ⋅ 6 years served

There are a number of veteran programs at the major banks that allow veterans to get into programs through a new process rather than b-school routes. We have one at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, but it starts recruitment to fill summer associate roles, so it will not start up again until late winter of next year. It is a rotational program that would allow you to rotate between trading and research. I would definitely echo what Patrick mentioned above, determining exactly which role you would like and why is definitely helpful. The CFA is definitely beneficial for any research analyst role, as most will require you to work towards it anyway while employed by the firm.

Aaron Spool ⋅ West Orange, NJ CIT ⋅ 11 years experience

I would recommend reaching out to people who actually are in the field and see if what they do is up your alley. The i-bank field has changed greatly from a decade ago and there is a lot less money and opportunities there. Also, many of by b-school class went down that route, and got zapped in the downsizings that happened. The difficulty with banking is that it doesn't necessarily translate into other positions so easily. Now, this is just my opinion, and I know plenty of happy bankers. But I would first talk with these people and see if you are a fit, and know why you want to go.

The easiest way into banking is from a business school program that feeds into an analyst/associate class. That being said, this isn't an easy route (getting in to a b-school that is a feeder school or getting into the analyst/associate class).

None of this is insurmountable.

If you do your research and really want banking...the best route then is a smaller/boutique/regional shop. You will probably get more meaningful work from one of those shops as opposed to a big bracket place that may have you just editing power point decks.

I'm not trying to be a downer. I know plenty of folk who love banking...and plenty others who do not. I just don't want you to get blinded by the flash of the profession and chase something that when you get it...isn't what you want.

Richard Buck ⋅ Patterson, NY EY ⋅ 25 years experience

Check with Drexel Hamilton, LLC is a full-service institutional broker-dealer founded on the principle of offering meaningful employment opportunity to disabled veterans desiring a career in financial services. We are committed to developing the best broker-dealer in the market, but most importantly earning the trust of our customers as we demonstrate our commitment to highest standards of Ethics, Morality, and Service.
You can contact: Jim Cahill (212) 632-0410 jcahill@drexelhamilton.com

--------------------------------------------------------
Richard Buck
76warrior85@gmail.com (personal email)
www.linkedin.com/in/ribuck/

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

Alvaro,
2 ideas:
1) requested a mentor from the ACP program (in-person or remote), and be as specific as possible regarding your "ideal mentor"
http://acp-usa.org/Mentoring_Program
https://apply.acp-usa.org/apply/Protege_Application

2) join your local CFA Chapter and see if it offers mentoring and networking opportunities

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

Alvaro,
Can you please provide a "status updates" and "After Action Review" (AAR).

Keep us informed on your progress and let us know what is helpful and what is not. This helps both Veterans and mentors, and let's us know that you have either reached your goal, or might require further assistance, advice and mentoring.

Second, please give back, helping Veterans and others, in whatever way you can and choose. Status updates and AAR's a one way you can give back, in that they provide information for Veterans and mentors that potentially improves the mentoring process and information available to Veterans.

Alvaro straub ⋅ Mission Viejo, CA U.S. Navy, Lieutenant ⋅ 9 years served

Thank you for the information!

Alvaro straub ⋅ Mission Viejo, CA U.S. Navy, Lieutenant ⋅ 9 years served

Thank you for the help! I am scheduled to take the CFA this December and will think about what skills I already have and cross-reference to the different job descriptions you stated. Thanks for your time and interest.