<p>Does anyone know what weight a Kings Point degree has outside of the Maritime industry?</p>
<p>A friend of mines brother graduated K.P. 10-15 years ago working for G.E… doing VERY well.</p>
<p>oh it weighs about 4oz or so 
only kidding. I know mine was worth more than I’ll ever know when I was breaking into the medical community. </p>
<p>I can say there are two things going for KP graduates in communities “outside” the maritime industry. 1)It says “Academy” on it and 2)People have no clue what it really is so you get the chance to shine when explaining it. The expressions on people’s faces when you really get into what you did are fantastic.</p>
<p>KP2001 - how did you break into medical field? Did you give your give back and than started your medical studies? My son is looking to do masters in business with law degree but says it would be like starting over at age 27 after give back. Unless he does night school while doing give back. I thought could be a lot to handle.</p>
<p>In direct answer to the original question - it depends on what community and field you want to break into. Further as alluded to with the current service obligation ther is at times a feeling and reluctance to “take a step back” to then go forward. That would/will be the case for anyone changing fields.</p>
<p>Speaking from personal experience here’s the assets/positives of an undergraduate degree from KP for starting a career in any field -</p>
<p>1) To start with and explain from my personal experience the statement “it says Academy” on it - You will have graduated from a Federal Service Academy - there are numerous prestigious, well thought of companies, etc that value the general leadership training as well as the moral, ethical demeanor and work ethic all Service Academy Graduates are generally assumed to have or at least have had to get through and graduate - thus the appeal to some employers to SACC hiring conferences.</p>
<p>2) Because of the sea year experience and the inital employment paths many Kings Pointers take they are by some gorups felt to possess a better understanding of international commerce and what it takes to actually work cross culturally and across borders. If you are going to a field where that is valued it’s not a hard transition. Of course adjacent fields like Corporate and/or international law, etc. it’s easier.</p>
<p>3) As far as the medical field I know of two members of the Class of 1980 that graduated two years ahead of me that made that transition I’ve lost track of one of them the other is the Chief of Surgery at Bassett Hospital a part of the Columbia University Healthcare system in Cooperstown NY. It is an interesting, and highly respected hospital, albeit relatively small. I know this because my sister a Johns Hopkins educated ENT Surgeon is on staff there and the staff is populated with many specialists who are products of highly respected programs such as herself. So the transition can and has been done.</p>
<p>4) As far as the business field, Kings Pointers gernally transition to many industries and excel, from my class, the Class of 82 we have products ranging from a successful Hedge Fund founder and CEO, to the CEO of Yakima Industries (you know the company that makes consumer products such as the bike rack on top of your care, to several “C” level folks in the A&D industry, to a highly successful M&A attorney, etc. as well as several folks who are in senior executive positions in places like Maersk Lines, etc.) That said at some point they may have taken a pay cut to make the transition out of the Maritime Industry and certainly did if they transitioned from seagoing positions to shoresides careers. As far as a KP undergrad degree as a foundation for applications to top tier programs at post grad that’s never been an issue.</p>
<p>Hope this helps…</p>
<p>jasperdog - your reply is very helpful. Thank you for taking the time.</p>
<p>I was able to work on prerequisites while I sailed for two years between Kings Point and starting medical school. I did my reserve requirements so had two “good” years there. I then went on active duty to attend medical school so fulfilled the rest of the commitment by serving on active duty. Medical school is probably one of the more difficult tracks out of Kings Point, but with a little determination and flexibility it can be accomplished.</p>
<p>Jasperdog I believe I know the other 1980 graduate you lost track of: last name Franklin?</p>