Veterans walk out of service with a seriously diverse skill set. Strategic thinking? Check. Discipline? Built-in. High standards? Non-negotiable.
The finance industry just so happens to demand all of the above.
It’s fast-moving, goal-driven, and full of opportunity. From investment banking to risk management, there’s a role for just about every skill set. (Check out this newsletter edition if you'd like more on this)But like any civvie sector, it comes with its own set of challenges, and rewards.
Why finance and veterans make a solid match
The core of most financial roles?
- Data analysis
- Strategic planning
- Confident execution
Sound familiar?
This is a performance-based industry. Hitting targets is the name of the game, whether that’s bringing in new business, protecting assets, or navigating volatile markets. That objective-focused mindset? You already have it. It’s just about swapping mission briefs for balance sheets.
You’re also used to managing risk, staying calm under pressure, and making decisions when time’s short and stakes are high. All of which make you an ideal candidate for roles in operations, compliance, or analytics.
But it’s not all sharp suits and spreadsheets
Let’s be honest, finance isn’t for everyone.
- The pros?
- Clear progression routes
- Solid pay
- High demand for skilled talent
- Wide range of roles across sectors like asset management, fintech, and corporate banking
- A strong match for military precision, pace, and structure
- The cons?
- It’s competitive. Results matter and client expectations are high.
- Hours can be intense in some roles (investment banking, we’re looking at you).
- The learning curve is steep if you’re new to the industry, acronyms, platforms, and regulatory standards will feel like learning a whole new language.
But let’s be clear: none of this is beyond you. Veterans thrive under pressure, and with the right support and training, you can build a long-term, impactful career in this space.
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Veterans already breaking into the sector
One of the biggest assets veterans bring? Risk management.
In service, you’re trained to evaluate threats, mitigate risk, and make decisions without faffing. That maps directly to finance roles, whether it’s protecting client portfolios, flagging regulatory issues, or making time-sensitive investment calls.
You’re also used to working with multiple stakeholders, hitting tight deadlines, and adapting fast. Add to that a calm head and strong ethics, and you’ve got the makings of someone any financial firm would want on board.
Is finance right for you?
If you’re after a challenging, well-compensated second career with structure, progression, and a clear mission, finance is worth a look. Just go in with your eyes ope, it’ll demand high standards, but you’ve been here before.
At Redeployable, we leverage AI to make career resettlement simple, transparent, and tailored to you. Our AI-powered tools help to match you with careers based on more than your rank or role, analyse your skills to highlight civilian job matches you may not have considered and provide step-by-step guidance so your transition isn’t a guessing game.
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