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. Jun 18, 2024 — 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.” 

Laura Peters Shapiro
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE