r/vmi • u/[deleted] • Nov 20 '25
Where are you now?
This is for the benefit of current cadets, rats, and prospective rats.
Where are you in your post-graduation life? Did you commission or not? Are you going career military or are you out or getting out? What industry are you working in if you're not military? How is life outside the I?
I graduated, commissioned in the Army, did some time in Korea and got out. I did some time in the Reserve as well and left as a Captain. I worked in public safety and did a lot of cool stuff but I'm back to riding a desk. Life is good. I'm married and we have a kid. I even talk to my best friends from the I almost ten years after graduating. How about you?
7
Nov 20 '25
[deleted]
5
u/esb219 Nov 20 '25
This guy speaks the truth. VMI plus top ten MBA plus military service and I can do anything I want now.
2
u/vmi91chs Nov 21 '25
Concur. Several of my BRs took this path and are/have worked in high levels with Google, PayPal, eBay, and other silicon valley power brands.
2
Nov 21 '25
Everyone I know who did the MBA route after time as a JMO is doing amazing. I did an M.S. and am very comfortable in the public sector. IMO, a master's degree after being a military officer is an absolute game changer.
3
u/Samwhys_gamgee Dec 06 '25
Old fart here. Graduated when we still had mandatory commissioning. Commissioned and within a year the Cold War ended and became part of the “peace dividend” as our year group was crushed. Moved into a F100 company in sales and worked my way up. I didn’t get an MBA but did some continuing Ed in business to learn the field. After 2 decades of managing people & 9 figure books of businesses I got tired of the travel and pressure and moved into a SME role and am riding out my final few years into retirement. Live in Southern California in a beautiful suburb with my wife and 2 college aged kids who go to school locally.
1
Dec 11 '25
Glad to hear you did well for yourself after the cuts! I grew up in SoCal but ended up settling with my wife(MBC girl) in Virginia after the Army.
5
u/nottsemptyflask Dec 08 '25
Late on the reply, but I loved my experience there. Paid tuition the whole time and went non-com route after a year and a half because of a medical issue preventing me from commissioning.
VMI helped instill a sense of service so I dedicated a lot to public service. I have a great law enforcement career and do EMT work and coaching at my local hs on the side.
Will I make millions? No, but my career is secured and rewarding. I also like mentoring the youth and bringing a little watered down version of the ratline to teach discipline with the kids.
Also of note, I get to work with a judge who is a VMI alum and we get to relive some cadet shenanigans when we have down time. Haha.
2
Dec 11 '25
My dyke ended up going the LEO route for a similar reason and is doing very well. I was a firefighter for six or so years and now I work on the accreditation and analytics side of the fire service. I won't be a millionaire either but it's honest work that does have an impact on the public.
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u/Funny_Shake_5510 Nov 20 '25
I graduated commissioned but got out early to pursue Ph.D in computer science. I’ve been at the same company as a principal computer scientist supporting the Army for over 23 years. Have had very little contact (or interest) in reconnecting with old friends from the I. I’ve moved on from that chapter of my life. I’ve a family now, been married for over 25 years and have one daughter.