Veterans Day Reflections from Jeffery Barrett
Posted: November 10, 2020
Jeffery Barrett, U.S. Army veteran and Bancroft Capital’s first Veteran Training Program graduate
As we continue our tribute to the devoted veterans that make up the Bancroft Capital team, we are especially proud to share reflections from Jeffery (Jeff) Barrett, U.S. Army veteran and Bancroft Capital’s first Veteran Training Program graduate.
A 20-year Philadelphia public school teacher, Jeff was medically retired from the Army Reserves as a service-disabled veteran in December 2018. Over the course of his reservist duty, Jeff was mobilized (called to active service) 10 of the 20 years.
On March 31, former U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Jeffery became the first candidate to formally graduate from Bancroft Capital’s Veteran Training Program. Jeff, who was part of the inaugural class of candidates in January 2019, has permanently joined Bancroft as part of the fixed income sales team.
Reflections from Jeffery Barrett:
Challenges in transitioning from the military to the corporate world
One of the biggest challenges I experienced was preparing for the licensing exams. Just like the military, finance has its own vocabulary and terminology. Understanding how to speak the new language was the first challenge I had to overcome, before even getting into the details of the different products across the world of finance.
Overcoming the challenges
Bancroft’s structured Veteran Training Program was instrumental in facilitating my transition to the corporate world. In addition to helping with all of the various licensing exams, the program sat me next to industry veterans in each of our departments who provided insights into each product and helped me to better understand the concepts I needed to both pass the tests and become a productive member of the firm.
Advice for veterans ready to transition out of their military roles and into civilian careers
I would encourage all active members of the military to think about their future transitions well in advance of separation. Getting into Bancroft’s training program before I was formally separated from the service allowed my family and me time to properly plan for the transition and alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty that so many other veterans face as their military careers end.
Experience in Bancroft Capital’s Veteran Training Program
This opportunity has truly been life-changing. Bancroft’s Veteran Training Program has afforded me the opportunity to develop a career in the finance industry and provide for my family. My role with Bancroft is one that I can develop and expand over the coming years to sustain my family to the end of my working days.
Looking to the future of my finance career
I look forward to being able to bolster Bancroft as a firm, so that we can continue to enroll candidates into the program. Accepting more transitioning veterans to begin their journey in finance is the underpinning of the firm, and, as the program’s first graduate, I want nothing more than to contribute to providing future veterans with the same opportunities I received. I also appreciate the opportunity to lever my prior military and civilian experiences to contribute a unique perspective to both Bancroft and the finance industry as a whole.
Veterans Day Reflections
It’s my belief that every day is Veterans Day.