Beyond the Uniform

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BTU #29 - Eric Hulbert: Navy Aviation to BofA to the Boston Consulting Group

Justin Nassiri

“I was under the impression that theres this war for talent out there and everyone is trying to recognize talented individuals. My experience is that companies are looking for a round peg to fit into a round hole, and it doesn't really matter how awesome the peg is; if it doesn't fit exactly they're not interested. It doesn't matter how valuable a jack of all trades is - because they are - a swiss army knife is an incredibly valuable tool. But that doesn't help you get your foot in the door."– Eric Hulbert

Eric Hulbert is a Consultant at the Boston Consulting Group in their Atlanta Office. He started out at the Naval Academy, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in History. After that he served for over 11 years as a pilot, Wing Asst Training Officer, Maritime Watch Officer, and ROTC instructor. After his transition from the military, Eric worked in the Finance Industry at Bank of America - as a Vice Principal of Strategy Analyst. Eric holds an MBA and a Masters of Science in Industrial & Systems Engineering from the University of Florida

In this conversation, we cover a lot of topics, including:

  • What life was like balancing active duty as a ROTC instructor, a family, and earning two master's degrees
  • An overview of the Strategy Analyst role at Bank of America
  • How Eric's first salary out of the Navy compared to his Navy salary
  • An overview of the career progression of a Strategy Analyst
  • How Eric approached his second career search compared to his first, and how he decided on Management Consulting
  • What day-to-day life is like at the Boston Consulting Group
  • What sort of experience Eric has had in his first year of consulting, and how to navigate your options within consulting
  • And much, much more…
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QUESTION OF THE DAY: How can I make these episodes more valuable to active duty military personnel considering transitioning to the civilian world? Please let me know in the comments.

Scroll below for links and show notes…

Selected Links from the Episode

Show Notes

  • 1:38 - Eric's background
  • 2:42 - How Eric decided to leave the Navy and how he approached that decision
  • 4:48 - Eric's decision to pursue an advanced degree while still on active duty and the advantages of this approach
  • 6:42 - What life was like balancing active duty as a ROTC instructor, a family, and earning two master's degrees
  • 10:17 - What was most helpful for Eric at grad school in preparing for his civilian career, and what he wishes he had done differently
  • 14:50 - What drew Eric to the Bank of America and the world of finance
  • 16:50 - An overview of the Strategy Analyst role at Bank of America
  • 17:58 - The day-to-day life of a Strategy Analyst
  • 20:34 - Where Eric felt most ahead and behind his civilian counterparts in the first few years of his career
  • 23:15 - How Eric's first salary out of the Navy compared to his Navy salary
  • 25:20 - An overview of the career progression of a Strategy Analyst
  • 27:40 - How Eric approached his second career search compared to his first, and how he decided on Management Consulting
  • 31:06 - Advice on how to better understand oneself and find your ideal career
  • 34:07 - What it was like interviewing for consulting, and advice for those wanting to do the same
  • 38:40 - What day-to-day life is like at the Boston Consulting Group
  • 42:50 - What sort of experience Eric has had in his first year of consulting, and how to navigate your options within consulting
  • 47:58 - Indications that you may love life as a Management Consulting... and signs that you may hate it
  • 49:50 - The most surprising aspect of Eric's transition to a civilian career
  • 52:17 - Final words of wisdom