<p>Hey everyone,
I've noticed that there seem to be a lot of academy graduates on here, so I thought I'd ask about what kind of careers can be pursued after service in the military.
I've gotten the impression that most graduates of the service academies end up in the business world. How feasible is it to become a journalist, academic (professor), diplomat, etc. after a career in the military?
I ask because I very much want to serve but I do not see myself ever enjoying a career in business.
Thank you for any input</p>
<p>The answer is; it depends what your education and background are in. If you major in political science, then getting a job as a diplomat is easier than a major in history. Also, you have to realize that a lot will depend on what you do for the 5+ years on active duty.</p>
<p>Many companies like military personnel as wall as college graduates because they are committed and finished what they started. They didn't quit partially through something. Military personnel also have the advantage because they have actual work experience and because of the discipline that they are use to working under.</p>
<p>So, the broad answer to your question is; "Yes, ex-military/academy people have an excellent opportunity in finding civilian careers". The direct answer is; "Depending on what your degree major is in and the work experience you had for the 5+ years of service, will determine what you are qualified for on the outside". There are plenty of people who go into non-business jobs. There are plenty of teachers, pilots, scientists, researchers, engineers, archaeologists, nurses, doctors, linguists, etc...</p>
<p>I'm interested in International Relations and the social sciences department at the United States Military Academy. Does anyone know of any cadet who has majored or minored in International Relations and where are they now?</p>
<p>Its just like any other college degree...</p>
<p>Yes, but in other colleges many go on to grad school, whereas service academy graduates serve in the military.
Five years or more in the military seems like it could damage a person's success in academic fields that require extensive schooling beyond four years in college.
That's why I ask.
By the way, thanks for the response Christcorp.</p>
<p>There isn't anything that says you can't go to grad school. Granted, you may not be able to go full time, but there are plenty of military officers who have gotten their master's degree. Just like any other person with a job. They take night classes, correspondence, online, etc....</p>
<p>Also, is there some reason that you believe getting out of the military at 27 years old; and having spent those 5 years getting actual experience and getting your master's, some how damages your chance of a career? I don't know of any career; other than an athlete, where 27 years old is considered too old. Plus, in the "REAL" world; meaning not the academics world of make believe; those 5 years of experience if in your field of your degree, is much more valuable than a 24-25 year old with a master's degree.</p>
<p>The Army will send its good officers to grad school, I have it guaranteed in my personnel file (not because I'm a good officer per say but because I chose to spend 8 years instead of 5 on active so that the Army MUST has to pay for my grad school after year 8 if I still want to go). Almost any BN commander you come across will have a graduate degree. During my time at USMA I new officers that had 3 masters and 2 Ph. D's, so yeah, you can get a graduate education.</p>
<p>Any soldier (both officers and enlisted) can get their graduate education either partially or fully funded. Sone will use VA benefits.The majority will use tuition assistance (TA). A select few will get to go to grad school through Advanced Civil Schooling (ACS). The officers who teach at the academies tend to have gone the ACS route. </p>
<p>There is a payback in terms of additional duty years for utilizing this benefit. An officer who uses TA owes one additional year of service after the date of completion of his last class. The ACS payback is 2-3 years of service for every year of full-time graduate school.</p>
<p>In this era, an officer should have earned a Master's before the O-5 selection board to remain competitive.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Yes, but in other colleges many go on to grad school, whereas service academy graduates serve in the military.
Five years or more in the military seems like it could damage a person's success in academic fields that require extensive schooling beyond four years in college.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>most college grads do not go directly to grad school. Many MBA and other adv degree programs require work experience before you matriculate. In my limited experience - many college grads who go directly to grad school go to avoid working or because they can't find a job that suits them.
The average age of a first year law student and med student is now the mid 20's.
So - yeah - serving as an officer for 5 years in the military in no way should hurt you career wise.
You can be anything you want to be after the military whether you serve 5 years or 20 years - most people do not stay in the same job or career anymore.</p>
<p>My DH got his masters at O-3, he did this at Ft.Bragg while being stationed there. Your owed time runs concurrent with any other committment, however, in our case and many other people's committment than gets tacked on because they PCS during that time.</p>
<p>When we were at CGSC, there were many guys who went to California for their Masters (can't remember the name) when they were a captain. It seemed @ 50%. As AF we were amazed by the number because in our career we only know 3 people who went full time for their masters. Yet, on our block at Leavenworth I would say every house had the Cal. tour. I can only remember 1 guy who had to get his Masters at night while we were there.</p>
<p>Americankid,</p>
<p>The variety of post military careers of USMA graduates has expanded tremendously over the last 20 years as the number of academic majors has increased at USMA. There are now over 40 different majors to choose, including many in non-engineering areas such as english, history, legal studies, social studies and languages. Check out the USMA website for more info. </p>
<p>Also check out the new changes to the Graduate School for Service Program mentioned in earlier posts. USMA graduates can guarantee an opportunity to attend a fully paid graduate program in return for additional service time.</p>
<p>Just a side note, remember you are only 18. My DH and I both have masters. I am now in a field that is nowhere near my Masters (got it when I was 32). Life will take twists and turns, even before the 5 and dive. Many kids enter college with a clear cut major in their mind, however, when they get into their classes, they change their mind. Your goal right now should be about the SA and how you will serve your country (career field), not about post grad school. You will spend the first few years going to "school" for your field, you might get into your field and love it so much that stepping out to attend grad school might take a back seat to your goals. However, like everyone has stated to get promoted at a certain point you will need a Masters' to be competitive.</p>
<p>Looking back at your first post about journalism, you may want to try to get into PA (Public Affairs). As for professors, you will need a Masters and PHD. I wanted many moons ago to be a prof, but every prof at any 4 yr. will tell you the saying is "write or die", in oter words you need to being willing to write a book. I know friends that are at/were at the AFA, who were on active duty as professors. To become a professor after graduation you need to have a PhD. Many officers stay in their field and become the expert regarding a specific field. They are highly sought after by the Beltway bandits, but to get to that point you need to do the 20, part of the demand is leadership and the puzzle palace experience</p>
<p>Wow, thanks for all the responses!
You guys really put things in perspective. Even though I seem a bit young to be worrying about these things, joining the military is a pretty big decision. But I guess I should follow my dreams and try to do what I've always wanted to do (i.e. become an officer). </p>
<p>bulletandpima, I certainly know what you mean by "write or die" for college professors. I come from a family of professors where this is a harsh reality that creates a lot of stress for everyone. </p>
<p>But could anyone explain this...I didn't understand what you meant bulletandpima.
"They are highly sought after by the Beltway bandits, but to get to that point you need to do the 20, part of the demand is leadership and the puzzle palace experience."</p>
<p>Thanks everyone</p>
<p>Beltway Bandits are the people who live in the VA/MD area and the puzzle palace is the Pentagon.</p>
<p>What basically happens is one day you go into the Pentagon wearing a uniform, the next day you go in wearing a suit and making much more because your now corporate. These guys are called contractors, and work for companies that DOD has hired for special projects.</p>
<p>My H is a Beltway Bandit! :)</p>
<p>I talked to the ESO at the Ed Center where I work to verify TA reqs. Officers do owe 1 year of service after the completion of the last reimbursed class.</p>
<p>Motherdear which side VA or MD? We were the VA side and will be again someday soon.</p>
<p>Definitely NoVA. I can't stand MD. :)</p>
<p>From what I understand, the Academy's Association of Graduates has many career services available after your 5 year commitment. Google "west point association of graduates" and check it out. I've heard that there are many companies offering $100,000+ jobs to alumni with only a bachelor's degree. Many companies value cadets because they know the extreme work ethic it takes to make it through 4 years at the Academy. In other words, the opportunities are pretty nice if you decide to do the "5 and flight"</p>
<p>When you seperate from the service you will have to attend many seminars, and large corps related to the defense industry will show up for job fairs. I think that 100K for with only 5 yrs experience will be few and far between, even for No VA. The offers that would be 100+ are for people who have very specific jobs in the service...remember the corp. world relies on supply and demand. I would think the service member who speaks 3 languages and is in intel would be heavily recruited, same would be true for IT, the person who decides to go into Public Affairs and does not have a masters may have a harder time.</p>