From Basketball to the Army

Marshall Plumlee, a former NBA player, found his passion for the military while playing on the National USA team on a US Army base in Germany. At Duke University, he pursued both basketball and ROTC, balancing his athletic career with his military aspirations.

• Coach K, Duke's head coach, played a significant role in supporting Plumlee's pursuit of both basketball and the military.
• He served concurrently in the New York Army National Guard while playing for the New York Knicks.
• After realizing he wouldn't achieve his basketball dreams, he made the decisive move to become an Army infantry officer in 2018.

A Challenging Transition to the Army

Plumlee joined the prestigious Airborne School and Ranger School in the Army, where he was surrounded by individuals who pushed him to grow and excel. He served in the 75th Ranger Regiment, deploying to Afghanistan twice.

• He described his experience as a Ranger as a period of profound personal growth, learning the value of teamwork, leadership, and resilience.
• He emphasized the strong bond he formed with his fellow Rangers, describing them as some of the highest-character, hardest-charging individuals he had ever worked with.

From the Battlefield to Business School

Following his service in Afghanistan, Plumlee and his fellow Rangers were stationed on a base in the Middle East. He observed his comrades preparing for MBA programs, recognizing the potential of transitioning from the military to the corporate world. Inspired, he started preparing for the GMAT.

• Plumlee encountered challenges framing his military accomplishments for civilian audiences. He sought guidance from fellow veterans who had made similar transitions.
• His efforts led him to discover Blackstone's MINT program, a summer internship for veterans aimed at easing their transition into the finance world.

Blackstone's MINT Internship: A Stepping Stone to Finance

Blackstone's MINT program, designed for veterans, provided Plumlee with valuable insights into corporate life and the world of finance. He was placed on the Tactical Opportunities team, which invests across asset classes, industries, and geographies.

• He embraced the challenge of learning the language of finance, finding that his military experience equipped him to navigate acronyms and jargon.
• The program encouraged open communication and challenged his previous mindset of hierarchy and obedience.
• Plumlee credited MINT with helping him overcome imposter syndrome, as he was encouraged to voice his opinions and contribute his insights.

An MBA and the Path to Blackstone

Plumlee's MINT internship experience proved beneficial during his MBA program at Harvard Business School. It provided real-world context for his academic endeavors and helped him connect with peers in the finance sector.

• He recognized the importance of ongoing learning and continuous improvement, viewing his career as a marathon rather than a sprint.
• He returned to Blackstone for a summer associate program, where he received a full-time offer to join the Tactical Opportunities team.
• He credits his experience as a Ranger, his MBA, and the support of his colleagues at Blackstone for shaping his successful career transition.

From Army Ranger to Blackstone Associate

Marshall Plumlee's story is a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and leadership skills cultivated through military service. He seamlessly navigated the transition from the military to the finance world, demonstrating the value of veterans in diverse fields.

• He emphasizes the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and continuous learning in any career path.
• His story inspires others to pursue their dreams, regardless of their background or previous experiences.