Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
A lot of veterans look at consulting as a career option after the military. Exposure to lots of industries is appealing as a way to help learn more about future career options. Additionally, the “you have to be ready for whatever the client wants” approach is a dynamic that fits well from service members transitioning from the chaotic nature of military life. And the pay and benefits of consulting sure are attractive.
Learning about the experiences of others is a great way to help you in your own decision-making process, both in looking at an MBA and what your career options are for after. This former 75th Ranger Regiment officer will share his own story of how he left the army, got an MBA, and ended up in consulting.
Today’s interviewee agreed to work with The Veteran Professional on conditions of anonymity.
What did you do in the military?
I was an infantry officer and served in the conventional force and the 75th Ranger Regiment.
How did you decide on pursuing an MBA?
I honestly didn’t know what an MBA was two years prior to applying. I went this route because some other guys in my unit had done it and I thought it would provide me time to figure out what I wanted to do after the army.
Is there anything you would have done differently in applying to MBA programs?
Yes, a few things.
I definitely would have started studying sooner for the GMAT and GRE. After 6+ years in the military, I needed to do some serious refresh on standard English and math. I personally used Kaplan’s service and was satisfied.
I would have connected with veterans organizations like Service to School. These organizations are there to help and have the expertise. I thought I should be able to do it alone and that isn’t always true. Like a lot of veterans, I didn’t want to ask for help, but I wish that I had.
Is there anything you would have done differently prior to starting your MBA program?
I would have found some business fundamentals classes. I was incredibly behind the business power curve going into school. I remember it taking me the first month to truly understand the difference between PE & VC. Included in there I would have paid for an excel class.
(Mark’s note: We leave the military where everything was free, and we all hesitate to pay for personal education or other professional expenses. First, you will have to accept that things are lo longer goig\ng to be provided by the military. Second, a lot of other people will be doing this and if you don’t you could find yourself behind the power curve.)
What are you working on now?
I currently work for one of the MBB as a consultant. I mostly focus on operational work and am currently enjoying it.
Why did you decide on consulting?
I actually had a really unique way that I worked myself into consulting: I applied online. I did not go through the school recruiting events, as I wasn’t planning on consulting. Then my girlfriend (now wife) and I decided to stay in NYC, and so my original employment plan changed. Through playing rugby, I met some guys who encouraged me to apply to one of the MBB consulting firms. And so I went through the traditional online process and got the job. Even my school was astounded that it worked this way.
Consulting was appealing to me because I was still unsure about what industry I really wanted to work. To me, knowing what I didn’t want to do was as important as knowing what I did what to do. The broad exposure to industries and companies gained through a consulting role was attractive to me as I looked to learn more about where I wanted to work.
What has been the biggest challenge of working in consulting? Even with a top-tier graduate business education, there is a massive learning curve and while you are climbing that it can lead to some extremely long and frustrating nights.
More specifically my first project was absolutely awful; I almost quit. The industry did not interest me and the manager was not a great fit for someone that previously was not in the business world. I have a bit of a direct style of communication and it took him six weeks to tell me he didn’t like this and thought it was unprofessional. I imagine a lot of veterans may face a similar problem. Military communication is very short and direct, but in the civilian world, this is not the case. Like or hate it, that is the truth.
What about the best part?
After the first project, it has to be the people. I have been blown away by the caliber of people and just how normal most of them are, given that they are incredibly smart and high-performing people. I have definitely made some long-lasting friendships.
I also found the open dialogue refreshing. In my interview, I openly asked one of my interviewers about his exit plan from the firm, to which he honestly answered that now having a few kids he was looking outside consulting for his next role. I really enjoyed being able to have this type of honesty in a place I worked.
What advice would you offer to anyone who thinks this might be a career option?
Talk to some people in the industry and apply to all the firms because any job is better than no job. If you focus too narrowly you might miss your opportunity.
Beyond consulting, my general advice to veterans is to be ready to be humble. You may someone younger than you who knows a lot more about that job than you do. Yes, firms definitely want your leadership experience. But they are really expecting that first you learn the ropes, and then when you enter a position of greater responsibility you will be ready to execute successfully.
Looking back on your transition, what would you have done differently?
Applied for VA benefits. At the time I thought it was cheating the system and I felt bad about it mostly because I saw people abusing the system making massive claims they didn’t deserve and I didn’t want to be associated with that group. I lost a full inch of height in the army and the VA basically said that was normal despite only being 28. I would have pushed harder on this because now I do get some back pains but I don’t have the time to go to the VA and fight them on it.
What were some unexpected challenges in the transition process?
I had a lot of challenges with the VA. What I tended to see was that the medical staff was helpful and experienced, but it can often be a challenge to get past the administrative personnel. If you can, I would physically go down to the VA nearest you to get yourself setup at the start.
Most importantly, what was the best chow hall you experienced?
Third Ranger Battalion during breakfast.
Related:
Military to MBA: Columbia Business School