Should I defer my target MSc?
So I've been accepted to a target MSc programme in Europe (think LSE/LBS/HEC/Bocconi/Imperial) and looking to recruit for IB SA positions in London. Thing is, I have the opportunity to defer the programme for a year (enter in 2025 instead of 2024) in order to serve in the military at my country, at a pretty elite special forces unit. I'm unsure over what to do. On the one hand, the military training and overall life as a soldier will be pretty brutal and I'd be putting my career on hold for a year. On the other, I'm afraid that if I go directly to the MSc, I'll regret it later as I won't have the opportunity to enter the army again. Then there's also the state of the hiring market to consider (rates easing, SA 2026 might be smoother sailing than 2025?). I'm torn here. Anyone care to chime in?
So you fear that you will regret not taking the army position that “will be brutal and put your career on hold for a year”?
Sounds funny when you put it like that, but yeah, pretty much. I mean, it's kind of a once-in-a-lifetime thing, and I'm afraid I'll regret not having taken the opportunity when it was available, especially considering that the MSc offer won't be going anywhere.
First of all, is there a real chance that you would be put in the front lines of any conflict? If so, definitely do not join the army unless you are deeply patriotic.
I know a few people who were in the military prior to IB - it is often something that is quite respected on the CV, as it shows discipline and hard work - particularly if you accomplish something beyond the average soldier (leading a unit or ranking highly). So there is the argument that it wouldn't entirely put your career on hold.
I never had the opportunity to serve in my country's military, and I do understand the idea that it will build you into a stronger version of yourself. If this is something you are passionate about - go for it. However, there are some military service programmes that barely train you and are generally seen as a waste of time (greece for example) and some that are quite intensive (south korea, switzerland, norway, etc). It will also depend on that, so make sure you speak to people who have gone through it - I'm sure you can find them on LinkedIn.
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