Grad School vs Officer Training School (Air Force)

Graduate School
1

<p>I’m currently a student at CSU Long Beach. I’m due to graduate in a year and I’m just trying to analyze my next steps and would appreciate your input. I’m an International Studies major with a minor in Russian. I’ll be studying abroad in both Russia and Kazakhstan from next summer thru the fall of 2014. I would like to work in intelligence or for any U.S. or global entity that will require me to utilize my language skills and knowledge of Russia and Central Asia. My GPA upon graduation will likely be a 3.5. I haven’t taken the GRE yet. My questions is should I pursue grad school or apply to Officer Training School for the Air Force. If I were to apply to grad school, it would either be at CSU San Bernardino’s National Security Studies Master’s Program or various schools in DC that specialize in my area of International Studies. Officer Training School on the other hand, upon hopeful acceptance, will allow me to serve as an officer in the Air Force in whatever field they need me, which I would prefer to be intel. I currently have 2 internships under my belt with Congress and working in the government affairs division of a major U.S. port. I have some community service but not much and have been involved with heavy research with regards to Russia and Central Asia. Let me know your thoughts.</p>

2

<p>If you want to work in intelligence, your best bet is to pursue a military career first, and then look at graduate school later. Assuming you are successful in your military career, it’s likely that the service will pay for your advanced degree anyway.</p>

3

<p>^Agreed with polarscribe. If you’re going to go to grad school, let the service pay for it! Besides, you have a better chance of getting into intel from within.</p>

4

<p>Thanks guys. I guess my biggest problem is getting into the Air Force via OTS. Its highly competitive unless you want to fly because there’s a shortage of pilots right now.</p>