<p>I'm in a tough spot right now. I have to make a choice in the next few months whether or not to stay in the Marines, studying in bits and pieces, or get out and hit the books full-time...</p>
<p>This Fall, I'll be a sophomore in the petroleum engineering program at UND. Originally, I planned to move to Grand Forks after my separation and complete my degree as efficiently as possible. I don't dislike the Marine Corps, but our military in general will be going through a lot of changes that could change my mind very soon. It's a tough decision because I have guaranteed job security right now and am looking at promotion later this year if I decide to stay in. I know I can "make it on the outside," but the uncertainty factor has me second-guessing myself. Maybe I'm just too institutionalized. :)</p>
<p>If I stay in the Marines, I won't be able to pursue internships or attend career centric events on-campus. Those are big negatives in my opinion. I only have eight years invested in the military, so I'm not beyond the halfway point. If I were, I'd just stay in until retirement at or beyond 20 years.</p>
<p>Any opinions? Know anyone in my situation? Do employers frown upon taking 8+ years to finish a bachelors part-time? I can't imagine it would look very good as you're likely to have brain dumped more than the average student.</p>
<p>Honestly, I can’t imagine trying to do this and still being in (former squid). I would go at it full time for exactly what you said, brain dump. Engineering courses build upon one another, and if you have had much time between classes, the catch up sucks. Also, yes, I do feel that internships are crucial. Until you have had some field experience (internship/coop), no one really has a clue as to what the work is going to be like, and employers know that. </p>
<p>Have you thought about transferring to the reserves instead of just being completely done at EOS?</p>
<p>Chucktown pretty much said what I was going to say. However, most of us here on CC are going to be somewhat biased and in some way or another tell you to pursue your engineering degree full time. Ask on military forums as well, and I’m sure you are talking to people in the military to see what they think. All the best.</p>
<p>Is there any sort of program similar to ROTC for already enlisted members? I seem to recall one of my friends in ROTC saying their four years in undergrad counted towards their commitment.</p>
<p>Another problem you might have taking 8+ years to get your degree is some schools have a limit for how long classes are good for credit. I think at my undergrad school it was 8, but I can’t say for sure.</p>
<p>This question goes above and beyond the level of advice I’m comfortable giving online. The big question is whether you are happy in the Marines and whether your position looks secure in the future.</p>
<p>The mostly online UND program (is that what you’re doing now?) is designed to take an extended period of time - they know you are fitting in commitments other than school. Whether you are able and willing to use your time off to study engineering coursework and complete the on-campus lab component depends on your lifestyle and the level of stress associated with your service. You have a very good explanation for taking longer to finish a degree if you go the part-time route and I can’t imagine any employer looking down on you for completing an engineering degree while serving in the Marines (if you are able to do it!).</p>
<p>I spent 4 years in the Air Force before I got my degree, and nobody ever asked why it took me eight years from the time I graduated high school. I will guess that most of the people in the petroleum industry are not military-hating hippies.</p>
<p>It feels to me like this fracking thing is still in it’s early stages, so I would think that petroleum engineers will be in demand for the foreseeable future.</p>
15 years? That is extremely unlikely. The bigger concern is a possible glut with all the students who have chosen to go into the field over the past couple of years.</p>
<p>This is the exact reason I’ve contemplated changing my major to geological engineering… Courses up to where I’m at are identical for both programs. I had no idea until recently how popular this major was becoming. I’d venture to guess it’s the alluring salary, no? :)</p>
<p>“Do employers frown upon taking 8+ years to finish a bachelors part-time?”</p>
<p>In your case it shouldn’t be an issue since you were serving in the Military and companies will see that as a plus. Been an ex military member you will have an advantage in the job market. Military members are sought for their work ethics and leadership, don’t be surprise if you get bump into leadhiship positions right away.</p>
<p>Now given how the economy is right now I’ll rather stay in the military 20 years and don’t take my chances out there.</p>