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Tag: The Next Step

Working With the Embassy of Spain: Josh Kiggans ’25

This article is part of The Next Step series. While the four years at VMI are designed for cadets to push themselves academically, physically, and mentally to tackle the demands of life at a premiere military college, they also prepare cadets for life after graduation. Whether that life be one in the military or one in the private sector, VMI faculty and staff provide guidance to cadets along their journeys. One department specifically dedicated to that endeavor of post-Institute success is the Office of Career Services. In The Next Step series, we highlight cadets preparing to enter the workforce after graduation, as well as those still in the midst of their cadetship preparing for internships over the summer. 

Josh Kiggans ’25 has always wanted to help others. He came to Virginia Military Institute with the mindset to join the military. However, over the years, he realized another goal.  

“In high school, I told people that if I didn’t join the Navy, I would like to find a way to help people in a foreign country,” he said. “I realized that this previous goal was one that I really wanted to pursue and was motivated to follow.” 

Kiggans, a psychology major from Virginia Beach, Virginia, will be part of the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP) through the Embassy of Spain following his graduation from the Institute.  

“I applied to NALCAP because I wanted the opportunity to help others and teach, as well as travel the world and learn more about other languages and cultures. I had previously studied abroad through VMI’s summer study abroad programs to Spain,” he explained. “When the program ended, I knew that I had to find a way to get back to Spain.”

With the help from Dr. Sabrina Laroussi, associate professor of Spanish in the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures, he was able to find the right program that fit his needs. 

“In the NALCAP program, I will serve as a teaching assistant in a classroom helping teach English and coming up with activities about American culture,” he said. “I currently do not know which age group I will help teach, but the ages I can teach range from 1 to 18 years old.” 

Thanks to the Office of Career Services, Kiggans was able to land the job with the Embassy of Spain.  

“There was an Embassy of Spain table at a career fair where I was able to get in touch with someone who worked with the NALCAP program. I was able to keep in contact with their representative, and he was very helpful throughout the application process,” he stated. 

He credits Laroussi with helping him get through the process by answering any questions he had, while also developing his Spanish and connecting him with people to attain the job. 

“VMI prepared me for this next step in my life with the opportunities to study abroad and develop cultural experiences in areas most people don’t go to,” he commented. “I believe that having a VMI degree on my resume has given me a competitive edge in obtaining this job, because it tells an employer that you’re hardworking without directly telling them that you’re hardworking. And with all the opportunities VMI gives you to develop your professional career outside of the military, whether it be through the career services, network of alumni, opportunities to gain leadership experience, etcetera, my degree certainly sets me apart from the crowd.” 

He said another important person in his life who’s inspired him is his mother.  

“When she was my age, she did a similar program in Japan and has given me advice as well as been extremely supportive the entire time,” he said. “Both of my parents have given me the opportunity to further my education and have been supportive along the way. I would not have been able to get through a place like VMI without them.” 

He’s hoping in the next decade he’s able to have a career based around building a better community for people to live in. After his work with the embassy, he hopes to join the U.S. Navy and give back to the country that has given him so much. 

From Law School Dreams to Army Leadership: Jeremiah Wilks ’25

This article is part of The Next Step series. While the four years at VMI are designed for cadets to push themselves academically, physically, and mentally to tackle the demands of life at a premiere military college, they also prepare cadets for life after graduation. Whether that life be one in the military or one in the private sector, VMI faculty and staff provide guidance to cadets along their journeys. One department specifically dedicated to that endeavor of post-Institute success is the Office of Career Services. In The Next Step series, we highlight cadets preparing to enter the workforce after graduation, as well as those still in the midst of their cadetship preparing for internships over the summer. 

Jeremiah Wilks ’25 never intended on commissioning when he came to Virginia Military Institute. 

“I had a misconception of what the military is like. I originally planned to attend law school following graduation from VMI,” he admitted.  

His time at VMI swayed his decision, though. 

The international studies major from Richmond, Virginia, will be commissioning into the U.S. Army as an infantry officer following when he graduates. He branched Signal Corps detail infantry, where he will be an infantry officer, from second lieutenant to captain, and will transition to Signal Corps as a captain.

“I chose to commission into the U.S. Army because I will gain experience as a platoon leader early in my career, ultimately developing me as a leader and learning how to influence individuals in an organization,” he explained. “This generation has a shortage of leaders, and this role will sharpen my leadership and project management skills. Additionally, the stable income and benefits that the U.S. Army offers is hard to turn down.” 

He said commissioning will also allow him the opportunity to attend law school later in his life with federal tuition assistance the Army provides, alongside health care, the GI Bill, and loans with exceptional interest rates. 

“This environment will make me more adaptable, increase my workload, and give me a good foundation for my career with real-world leadership experience and top-secret clearance,” he said.  

As an infantry officer, Wilks will be responsible for leading infantry soldiers at all levels of command and combined armed forces during missions on the ground. He will assess the situation and lead an attack, defense, and other operations. Other duties second lieutenants fulfill include platoon logistics, and training. 

In the next decade, Wilks hopes to be working for the government in Northern Virginia or Washington, D.C., preferably in the tech field or intelligence.  

He credits his dyke, 1st Lt. Johnnie Walker III ’22, as his inspiration for this career path.  

“VMI gave me a foundation of discipline and many opportunities to lead others,” he said. “I believe VMI on your resume is unmatched.” 

Blending Passion for Medicine and Soccer with Graduate Opportunity: Whitney Tracy ’25

his article is part of The Next Step series. While the four years at VMI are designed for cadets to push themselves academically, physically, and mentally to tackle the demands of life at a premiere military college, they also prepare cadets for life after graduation. Whether that life be one in the military or one in the private sector, VMI faculty and staff provide guidance to cadets along their journeys. One department specifically dedicated to that endeavor of post-Institute success is the Office of Career Services. In The Next Step series, we highlight cadets preparing to enter the workforce after graduation, as well as those still in the midst of their cadetship preparing for internships over the summer. 

Graduate school was always on Whitney Tracy’s ’25 list following undergrad. Although her dream of pursuing medical school has changed, her time at Virginia Military Institute has guided her on a different path.  

The biology major from Blandon, Pennsylvania, will be attending Western Carolina University (WCU) for a Master of Health Sciences with a concentration in emergency medical care.

“After some career exposure and talking to various individuals in the health professions, I made the decision that I wanted to go to physician assistant (PA) school,” she explained. “I applied to WCU specifically because I was given an offer to be a graduate assistant for the women’s soccer team. With this, I would be able to coach while also earning a master’s degree, which was very appealing to me.” 

Tracy chose WCU because of a connection to one of the assistant coaches at the university, who happened to be her assistant coach on the women’s soccer team at VMI earlier in her cadetship. He reached out to her for the graduate assistant position for the women’s soccer team at WCU.  

“I specifically decided to do the Master of Health Sciences because, although it wasn’t exactly the program I had been planning to do. I saw it as a program that would help me further my knowledge of the medical field and give me a competitive edge when I do apply to PA school,” she said. 

Her program entails learning about health sciences in an administrative role, with a focus on emergency medicine. Also, with her role as a graduate assistant for the women’s soccer team, she will primarily be working with goalkeepers.  

“This will allow me to gain a more in-depth knowledge of the practices of medicine to help me when I do go on to PA school,” she said.  

She’s also always wanted to coach, so it will allow her to continue being part of a soccer team in some format.  

“When I got the offer to coach and continue my education at the same time, it felt like everything fell into place for me. This program is an opportunity for me to continue my love for soccer while preparing myself for the medical field as I improve my resume for PA school,” she said. “I have had a lot of experiences with the coaches I have had throughout my playing career that have influenced and impacted me in countless ways. I hope to be able to influence some of the players in the same ways that I have been while I am their coach.” 

Thanks to VMI, Tracy has been able to make multiple connections that have brought her many opportunities, including providing tools she can carry with her for the rest of her life — like time management, communication with others, and leadership skills. She was also able to do two summers of research at VMI and an honors thesis, which have taught her essential skills that will help her thrive while in grad school at WCU. 

“It has also set me up for success in more ways than one,” she commented. “The name VMI speaks volumes across the country and has helped me to not only get this job but will continue to help me get jobs in the future as I continue with my career.” 

Her future goals include specializing in women’s health — like becoming a PA in one of the branches of the military. She would also like to continue coaching soccer in some capacity.  

“This opportunity helps set up my future in a variety of ways so that I can take it in whichever path makes the most sense for me as I grow and develop as a person,” she admitted. 

Taking the Law in his Hands: Christian Walker ’25

This article is part of The Next Step series. While the four years at VMI are designed for cadets to push themselves academically, physically, and mentally to tackle the demands of life at a premiere military college, they also prepare cadets for life after graduation. Whether that life be one in the military or one in the private sector, VMI faculty and staff provide guidance to cadets along their journeys. One department specifically dedicated to that endeavor of post-Institute success is the Office of Career Services. In The Next Step series, we highlight cadets preparing to enter the workforce after graduation, as well as those still in the midst of their cadetship preparing for internships over the summer. 

LEXINGTON, Va. June 11, 2025 — It was never the intent of Christian Walker ’25 to go to law school. Initially, he had no desire to. He was also incredibly unsure about what his future would hold.  

“My 2nd Class year is when my interest in potentially attending law school was ignited as I would take several classes that involved different sectors of the law,” he explained. “Through taking these courses, I discovered a passion for law and hope that I would one day be able to pursue a career as a lawyer.”

The international studies major from North Chesterfield, Virginia, said he has long felt his purpose in life is to serve others.  

“I feel that law is one of the professions where you can consistently help people day after day,” he said. “This is something I was seeking when I was trying to figure out what to do after college, and it was something that I found in the law.” 

Walker is expecting law school to be a challenging experience, something he hopes will help with his goal of becoming a JAG officer.  

“From what I’ve heard talking to other individuals who are currently in law school, there is a new challenge every day that your professors expect you to not only think critically about but also expect you to apply relevant legal arguments to,” he commented. “However, law school creates an environment for individuals to work together … at the end of the day, everyone has the same goal, which is to be a lawyer.” 

He credits Maj. Tim Passmore, assistant professor of international studies, in helping him discover what law school could do for him.  

“He taught the very first law class that I took during my cadetship, and it set the foundation for my interest in the law,” he stated. “Through taking other classes taught by Major Passmore, and getting the opportunity to attend the Law of Armed Conflict Competition in Sanremo, Italy, he has helped foster my interest in the law and give me the knowledge required to succeed as a first year in law school.” 

Walker said VMI has instilled structure and drive in himself, which will allow him to succeed in all facets of life. From the early wakeups and tidy rooms, Walker knows that even the smallest details need to be thought about. 

The bonds he created while at VMI have shown him that there are always people who will go out of their way to help, if ever you should need it.  

“That’s something that I feel very few other colleges create while people attend. Without the environment that VMI creates and the challenges it puts you through every single day, I would not have had the tools to succeed and the drive to achieve greater things,” he said.  

He hopes in the next decade he will be able to provide legal support as a JAG officer, then potentially a federal prosecutor. Most importantly, he wants to make an impact on people in a positive way, especially if they are going through tough times where they may have nowhere else to turn.  

“I absolutely believe VMI gives me a competitive edge on my resume. The Institute has a reputation for helping create strong academic habits that will help cadets even after their time at VMI is over, and that is something that is taken into consideration when applying to schools after VMI,” he said. “The reputation that alumni of the Institute have helped create is strong and has spread to graduate institutions. It is through their hard work and dedication that allows my application to look stronger because ‘Virginia Military Institute’ is on it, and it is my hope that I can carry on this legacy.” 

From VMI to Government Defense: Kevin Dougherty ’25

This article is part of The Next Step series. While the four years at VMI are designed for cadets to push themselves academically, physically, and mentally to tackle the demands of life at a premiere military college, they also prepare cadets for life after graduation. Whether that life be one in the military or one in the private sector, VMI faculty and staff provide guidance to cadets along their journeys. One department specifically dedicated to that endeavor of post-Institute success is the Office of Career Services. In The Next Step series, we highlight cadets preparing to enter the workforce after graduation, as well as those still in the midst of their cadetship preparing for internships over the summer. 

Dreams of commissioning may have been eliminated over a year ago for Kevin Dougherty ’25, but his call to duty did not diminish.  

The applied mathematics major from Virginia Beach, Virginia, had an original plan to commission in the U.S. Navy as an explosive ordnance disposal officer, but he was medically removed from the Naval ROTC unit over a year ago. Instead, he has accepted a job with Lockheed Martin. 

“I still wanted to contribute to defense capabilities in as much of a capacity as I could and I thought of no better way to move forward in my life than work for the top defense contracting organization in the United States,” he explained.  

He will be a guidance, navigation, and control modeling and simulation engineer in which he will be working within the missiles and fire control sector of the company. He will help develop, analyze, and test algorithms that govern the aspects of missile systems and other defense platforms. 

“I think the skills I have learned here at VMI, both technical and nontechnical, have prepared me for a job in an industry like defense contracting,” he said. “Going through classes with both a military basis and a non-military basis, I believe that I have a step up from individuals who go to a ‘normal’ college and want to get into defense contracting. I also believe that the alumni pipeline is huge with defense contracting and understood that with using the alumni network I would have a shot at getting into such a massive organization like Lockheed Martin.” 

He credits the help of friends, family, and some alumni in getting the opportunity to work for Lockheed Martin.  

“I think having VMI on my resume doesn’t necessarily give an advantage, but I think if that same resume crosses the right person’s desk at the right time, it can lead to something big for sure,” he admitted. “I believe VMI has had an impact on much of my non-technical skills. It teaches you so many soft skills that make someone successful like time management, public speaking, self-discipline, and my personal favorite, resilience. Life is difficult, but I think these skills can take you very far in both the military world and the civilian world because at the end of the day they all develop you as a leader in today’s society.” 

Dougherty said he’s not sure what the future holds, but he’s focused on the today — knowing if he can focus on that, success will come on its own.  

“I think what really inspired me to embark on this career path is the possibilities of where it will take me and where it will lead in the future.” he commented. “I am super excited to move somewhere I have never lived and work with new individuals in a new environment.” 

Onto Law School: Recent International Studies Grad to Take on Notre Dame

This article is part of The Next Step series. While the four years at VMI are designed for cadets to push themselves academically, physically, and mentally to tackle the demands of life at a premiere military college, they also prepare cadets for life after graduation. Whether that life be one in the military or one in the private sector, VMI faculty and staff provide guidance to cadets along their journeys. One department specifically dedicated to that endeavor of post-Institute success is the Office of Career Services. In The Next Step series, we highlight cadets preparing to enter the workforce after graduation, as well as those still in the midst of their cadetship preparing for internships over the summer. 

From legislative intern to Virginia Military Institute graduate, the next step for Jimmy Murphy ’24 is law school. 

After spending several summers working in the U.S. Capitol, in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, Murphy will be heading to Notre Dame Law School in the fall. 

The international studies major and national security minor from Golden Valley, Minnesota, took his first internship the summer of 2021 as a legislative intern with the Office of Congressman Jim Hagedorn (R-Minnesota). 

After that, he spent his summer as a committee intern with the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Last summer he was an intern with Van Scoyoc Associates, a government affairs team based in Washington, D.C.   

He credits his internships to setting him up for success. 

“My internships prepared me for my next step of becoming a lawyer because they gave me invaluable experience and confirmed what career I wanted to pursue” he said. “The experiences of serving the constituents of Minnesota’s 1st District, Sen. Rob Portman in the U.S. Senate, and a distinguished list of veteran/defense clients exposed me to the fulfillment of a career of serving others. In addition, working for so many accomplished legislative staffers, lawyers, and government officials gifted me with an amazing support network through my journey. None of my success would be possible without them.” 

Murphy was admitted to several top 20 law schools but accepted an offer to Notre Dame Law School. 

In his last year at VMI, Murphy was awarded the International Studies Award, which is given to the top graduate in the Department of International Studies and Political Science. He said that his time at VMI has benefitted and shaped him in many ways including sharpening his time-management skills, instilling the importance of a strong work ethic, and showing him the value of being a servant leader. 

“These skills are going to serve me greatly as I pursue my career as a lawyer and public servant,” he said. “Future clients and employers of mine will know that no matter what pressure, hurdle, or trial I am faced with,; they can take solace in the fact that they are getting a tested individual who gladly embraces pressure and relishes in being the hardest worker in the room.” 

As a 1st Class cadet, he led a seminar in partnership with the Pre-Law Society on the law school application process, served as vice president for the Education on the Cadet Equity Association, and finished up his final year on the VMI football team.  

Murphy also finished his senior thesis, “Money Talks? Lobbying, Ideology, and Issue Salience in the United States Senate,” in his national security minor. 

“The major takeaway I had from my last year at VMI was while work is certainly important, you should not allow the pressures of a career or outside expectations to steal your joy,” he said. “Life on Earth is short, and the Bible speaks often about the importance of loving others. Simply put, there will always be an assignment to do, a paper to write, a Zoom call to take, etcetera. But do not pursue life compromising the relationships you have built or thinking that your worth is built on a salary or title.” 

For the summer, Murphy will be working at a boutique law firm in Minneapolis before starting law school in the fall. He hopes his story can inspire others to chase their dreams.  

“I do not come from a wealthy family, I am a first-generation law student, and for many years I sometimes questioned whether I had the abilities to achieve my ambitious goals,” he said. “I want to be an example for anyone who might’ve gotten knocked down. Not even just in academics, but in life — anyone who might be feeling like they came up short, or who might be getting pegged as somebody who can’t achieve certain things. Maybe they can look at me and see how I never gave up, never stopped believing in myself, and found my strength in the Lord to triumph over every hurdle life placed in my path.” 

After Notre Dame Law, Murphy wants to join the Navy or Air Force JAG Corps, clerk for a federal judge, and eventually return to his home state of Minnesota to continue a career in public service and politics. 

From VMI to Private Equity: Warner Collier ’24

This article is part of The Next Step series. While the four years at VMI are designed for cadets to push themselves academically, physically, and mentally to tackle the demands of life at a premiere military college, they also prepare cadets for life after graduation. Whether that life be one in the military or one in the private sector, VMI faculty and staff provide guidance to cadets along their journeys. One department specifically dedicated to that endeavor of post-Institute success is the Office of Career Services. In The Next Step series, we highlight cadets preparing to enter the workforce after graduation, as well as those still in the midst of their cadetship preparing for internships over the summer. 

Business and computer science were two industries that Warner Collier ’24 saw opportunity in. Coming to Virginia Military Institute, he wanted to cast as wide of a net as possible, which brought him to major in economics and business, with concentrations in decision analytics and financial analysis, along with computer science and cybersecurity minors.  

“As I progressed through rat year, I knew I wanted to work in finance after joining the Cadet Investment Group,” he said. “I did more research on careers in finance and gravitated towards private equity.”

Hailing from Midlothian, Virginia, recent graduate Collier is now set to work for Civitas Growth Partners as an analyst.  

“I will be involved in all aspects of the deal sourcing process,” he said. “This will include identifying and reaching out to potential investment opportunities. Also, I will analyze company financials, KPIs, build out financial models, and communicate key insights. Lastly, I will sit in on portfolio company board meetings and monitor the financial and operating performance of the portfolio companies.” 

Coincidentally, Collier said this was the first job he applied for.   

 ”I wanted to work for an organization which aligns with my moral values. For the same reason I chose VMI, I wanted to be a part of a firm which believes in doing things the right way,” he said.  

Working for a small company like Civitas was what was most attractive to Collier. He said it would allow him to have more learning opportunities and contributions.  

“I was drawn to private equity as I enjoy analyzing companies, figuring out what makes them work, and implementing strategies which yield real results,” he said.  

He believes that having VMI on his resume aided him in landing this job.  

“The number one reason Civitas hired me is because they know they can trust me. The foundation of VMI, honor, is the competitive edge I have over others,” he said.  

VMI has taught him to be comfortable in the uncomfortable. 

“VMI puts you in high stress situations which give you valuable tools that translate to the workplace. I’m confident in my abilities and work ethic due to VMI,” he said.  

Becoming a Research Technician at Johns Hopkins Neurosurgical Lab: Jackson Miller ’24

This article is part of The Next Step series. While the four years at VMI are designed for cadets to push themselves academically, physically, and mentally to tackle the demands of life at a premiere military college, they also prepare cadets for life after graduation. Whether that life be one in the military or one in the private sector, VMI faculty and staff provide guidance to cadets along their journeys. One department specifically dedicated to that endeavor of post-Institute success is the Office of Career Services. In The Next Step series, we highlight cadets preparing to enter the workforce after graduation, as well as those still in the midst of their cadetship preparing for internships over the summer. 

Jackson Miller ’24 has aspirations of becoming a doctor. The recent graduate from Rockville, Maryland, will be taking a step in that direction as a research technician at the Johns Hopkins Hunterian Neurosurgical Laboratory starting this summer. 

The Johns Hopkins Hunterian Neurosurgical Laboratory is the nation’s first experimental surgery laboratory, according to its website. The lab houses research groups representing multiple specialties and interests in the neurosurgical community, with a facility fully equipped with a microsurgical laboratory, cell culture and microscopy facilities, quantitative image analysis, certified operating rooms, and radiologic equipment. 

The English major will be working at Hopkins to perform research and earn money before going to medical school.

“I want to practice medicine because it is important work and I like to help others,” he said. 

His duties will include performing cancer research and experimenting with new types of chemotherapy and cancer treatments. As for his future goals, he sees himself as an emergency medicine doctor in the U.S. Army, which is a nod to his mother’s profession.  

“My mom was a surgeon in the Navy for 25 years, and she’s the one who inspired me to think about medicine as a way to serve my country, and to serve others,” he said.  

Miller credits VMI for preparing him for the future.  

“VMI prepared me to embark on this difficult journey by challenging me with academics, the Rat Line, and with my experiences on the boxing team here at the Institute,” he said. “In particular, boxing taught me how to fight hard through adversity and push my limits.” 

But the VMI alumni network gave him a competitive edge, he said.  

 “I would not have the opportunities that I am currently taking full advantage of without the help of VMI alumni. The alumni network here is incredibly strong, and they look out for members of the VMI family by helping them look for jobs as well as through exceptional mentorship,” he said. 

Embarking on an Influential Internship at U.S. Army War College: Earl Filgo ‘25

This article is part of The Next Step series. While the four years at VMI are designed for cadets to push themselves academically, physically, and mentally to tackle the demands of life at a premiere military college, they also prepare cadets for life after graduation. Whether that life be one in the military or one in the private sector, VMI faculty and staff provide guidance to cadets along their journeys. One department specifically dedicated to that endeavor of post-Institute success is the Office of Career Services. In The Next Step series, we highlight cadets preparing to enter the workforce after graduation, as well as those still in the midst of their cadetship preparing for internships over the summer. 

An internship at the U.S. Army War College was something Earl Filgo ’25 wouldn’t pass up. It was not a particular goal he had been striving for, but something he was required to do to complete his national security minor.  

The international studies major from Jakarta, Indonesia, said he had applied to several other internships, but he was a little late to the game. He said thanks to the help of Col. Spencer D. Bakich, professor of international studies and the director of the National Security Program at VMI, he was able to gain an internship with the Army War College. He said without Bakich’s endorsement, he doesn’t believe he would have received the internship. 

“Being a VMI cadet was what opened up the door and brought me through the finish line with regards to obtaining this internship,” he said. “This internship with the Army War College is very much relevant to my future military career in the Army and I hope that it would make me stand out for my preferred branch of military intelligence.” 

In his position, he will develop scenarios that will help the Army assess senior leaders’ ability to think strategically.  

Thanks to the opportunities and resources VMI has presented, Filgo has had great assistance to his personal and professional development.  

“I would not be where I am now if I had not gone to VMI, a commissioning track with an Army ROTC scholarship, the Institute Honors Program, and the various connections through alumni and faculty,” he said.  

In the next decade, he sees himself either retired from the Army, setting up a business in either the space or security sector, or continuing with his military career while being involved diplomatically as a military liaison in the U.S. State Department. All of which, he said, wouldn’t be possible without the inspiration he gained from his father.  

“My dad inspired me,” he said. “For most of my middle and high school years, I did not know what path to embark on, I was directionless, so I decided to start on a similar path as he did.”

Striving for Financial Advising Success: James ‘Alex’ Baber V ’25

This article is part of The Next Step series. While the four years at VMI are designed for cadets to push themselves academically, physically, and mentally to tackle the demands of life at a premiere military college, they also prepare cadets for life after graduation. Whether that life be one in the military or one in the private sector, VMI faculty and staff provide guidance to cadets along their journeys. One department specifically dedicated to that endeavor of post-Institute success is the Office of Career Services. In The Next Step series, we highlight cadets preparing to enter the workforce after graduation, as well as those still in the midst of their cadetship preparing for internships over the summer. 

Gaining real world experience was a high priority while attending college for James ‘Alex’ Baber V ’25. The economics and business major from Richmond, Virginia, landed an internship at Tandem Investment Advisors, headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, for the summer. 

He’s known about Tandem since his 3rd Class year and started his interview process last summer. 

“After meeting the employees, I knew that Tandem was a great fit for me and would give me the ability to develop my technical skills,” he said.  

This summer he will be working closely with the investment team, where he will be researching companies by analyzing their financial statements, then presenting his research to the team.  

“Although it will be a lot of work, I am excited to do something that will have a real impact on others,” he said. “There definitely is a little bit of pressure that comes with that, however, I think that is the best way to develop.”

Last summer, Baber interned at Capital Wealth Planning, giving him great experience and pushing him to attain another internship for this summer.  

“The people at Tandem are what drew me to choose them,” he said. “It is a very solid group of people, and they pride themselves on their work and their strategy. I knew that I wanted to work somewhere that I could be proud of, and Tandem is exactly that.” 

Baber credits VMI for giving him opportunities, while instilling a sense of personal honor and responsibility. He said that when a company hires a VMI cadet, they know what they’re getting — an employee who can operate under pressure, who is trustworthy, accountable, and hardworking. All of these are qualities developed at VMI, Baber said, setting a cadet apart from other candidates.  

“I also think this school teaches perseverance, not just as a rat. The day-to-day here isn’t always easy, however learning to overcome challenges will only benefit me,” he said. “I think that the small things like waking up early, having a clean appearance, and being on time are all things that cadets take with them after graduation. These are the qualities that differentiate VMI from other schools.” 

He also said his namesake is an inspiration for his career path in economics and business.  

“My grandfather, the third and my dad, the fourth both had a huge impact on me growing up. I learned about the importance of work ethic, honesty, and building relationships,” he said. “At the end of the day, they drive me to be a better version of myself, and to bring pride to our name.” 

His goal, after graduating VMI and in the next 10 years, is to be a financial advisor with his own book of business.  

“Growing up I had the opportunity to watch my father help others by advising them, and the impact that he had really stuck with me,” he said. “I always wanted to work in the financial industry, but as an advisor you really can forge relationships. I want to be able to help others and be proud of what I do every single day.”