<p>Anyone know anything about this program? Perhaps someone who participated in this at some point or has a friend who is...</p>
<p>I met a recruiter at a career fair and the program seemed pretty intriguing. I am a junior Chemical Engineer major and if I would have known about this program my freshman year, I would definitely be signed up right now.</p>
<p>One of my good friends in Materials Science did it (at least, I figure that's what it was). He did Navy ROTC to pay for his education, and after graduating went to nuke sub school. Last I heard he was really enjoying it even though the schooling was pretty tough. He's also due to make a lot of money since apparently they get a ton of extra pay. ROTC gets you a boost, being in engineering gets a boost, being on a nuke sub gets a boost, and extended sorties gets a boost. There might be one or two others on top of that I'm forgetting, too. Also, the lack of Al Qaeda submarines is a plus as well. ;)</p>
<p>Subs are tough, most of the guys I knew who went through the Navy nuke program were pretty tough. A few were odd though. Industry loves em, from what I've seen.</p>
<p>I work in power plants with a lot of ex Navy guys. I work in fossil plants, and I imagine you would find more navy guys in the nuclear plants. One of them flunked out of college but got excellent marks as an enlisted nuclear sub reactor operator. He really knows his stuff and talks a lot about his experience. Another young engineer was an officer on a sub and never talks about it. He wouldn't even tell our CEO the name of the sub he served on. Must be classified. From what I hear, these kinds of programs offer world-class training. You just have to want to be in the military as well.</p>
<p>I spoke with a recruiter for a while about the program and concluded it wasn't for me. It sounded much more like training to become an operator rather than a design engineer like I want to be.</p>
<p>I am a Navy nuke. I went through the program in the 1970s, drove submarines around, and went on to a civilian career. I have known many folks who worked the program over the years. Everything the others said about the program is essentially true. It will test your toughness. It will teach you to think on your feet. For these and many other reasons, civilian employers are highly impressed with this program. </p>
<p>And, when you've worn the uniform of our country, there are intangible benefits that go beyond issues normally discussed on CC. When you're forty, what will you see when you look in the mirror?</p>
<p>Feel free to PM me if you have any Navy nuke questions.</p>
<p>The program starts off with schooling. For officers it's 6 months of Nuclear Power school (all theory, essentially nuclear engineering) and then 6 months of prototype. During prototype you get qualified to operate a nuclear reactor either in Charleston, SC or Ballston Spa, NY. You will stand shifts on the reactor as you learn to operate it and apply all the theory you learned. Once qualified you will then either serve on a submarine or an aircraft carrier.</p>
<p>The job entails more than being an engineer, as you will also be a leader, watchstander, nuclear operator, manager and a naval officer. This is the main reason why civilian sector loves to hire nukes, both officer and enlisted. Mainly because of the insane amount of qualifications you've accrued and the experience in leadership and technical skill.</p>
<p>To enter the program call up your local officer recruiter to get information. If your grades are good enough and you can demonstrate potential to succeed you will be offered the interview in DC with the head of all of navy nuclear propulsion, a 4 star admiral along with technical interviews to assess your potential. Good luck. I think the rewards are worth it plus the experience can never be taken away from once you complete this arduous program.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the input. </p>
<p>My dad is retired Army after 20 years. I have always admired him because of that and loved going to work with him as a young child and seeing all the respect he got amongst his soldiers as well as the respect he gave to his superiors. I have always told myself I want to be a leader, be it CEO or General. The thought of being a leader of a submarine and especially an aircraft carrier is even more intriguing. However, many people, including some of my military buddies tell me I will make a lot more as a civilian.</p>
<p>I am also fearful of being tied down in one location or assignment. Also, I am worried that it might be difficult finding a potential wife or it could put a strain on a relationship, especially if the woman is just as career driven as me and would not wanted to go to where I would be stationed. I will definitely look more into it. Again thanks for all the responses.</p>
<p>The program that you are talking about is called NUPOC. Earlier this year I interviewed, and was accepted in to the program. For me it was definitely the right decision. I did a couple of coops at a major company, and didn't find it very satisfying. If you go to nupocinfo.blogspot.com you will find a lot of information posted by a recruiter there. </p>
<p>The website has a chart comparing Navy Nuke pay vs industry average pay that I think you will find interesting. IMO it is a difficult thing to compare the pay since there are so many more things to consider. </p>
<p>If you have any more questions on the program, or the interview process feel free to PM me. I'd be glad to tell you about my experiences so far. If you are eligible for the program, there is also a VIP trip that the Navy will send you on to learn more about the program. They will give you a tour of a sub, a surface ship, and also give you the opportunity to meet officers that have been through the program.
Good Luck!</p>