ds dilemma

C

caligirl

5-Year Member
Joined
Jul 23, 2010
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13
My ds is a 3rd classman. He survived plebe year, did very well academically, and is now at sea. He says he loves it out there,is leaning quickly,and generally having a great time. Here's the problem: the chief engineer (ds is a systems eng. major) is telling him that a BS from KP wont allow him to land a design engineering job. That a BS from other colleges(state university in NE),would give him a better education for naval design or similar careers. I said to ds that he should go to grad school after KP but he thinks it would be impossible with sailing commitment. With so much going for him at KP, I hate to hear him talk about leaving-he loves it there! Ok, so here are my questions: Are system eng. grads hired into the design field from KP? Is the any deferment of commitment for grad school? Do shore side jobs serve to fulfill the 5 year sailing commitment? Where have former KP systems grads done? What companies? I just would like him to have more complete information before he makes such an important decision.
Thanks
 
Don't know about grad engineering school, but our DS wanted to attend grad school after graduation as well. So, he sailed and between trips out to sea was enrolled in grad school at the university. It wasn't easy and took a bit longer to finish, but he got his sailing commitment handled along with his grad school work. These Kings Pointers are bright folks and they have learned to figure things out. So, it's not the best alternative, but it is an alternative and worked for our DS. He has now completed his commitment and has completed his graduate work as well.

It's an idea. I hope others here can give you ideas more specific you your DS's needs. All the best of luck. In my opinion, the worst option is to leave KP. The engineer he his talking with is one person's opinion. I would hate to base the "rest of my life" on one person's o[pinion that may or may not know the full story.
 
There are a lot of things said on ships that may or may not be accurate. Remember, however, that KP is first and last designed to graduate seagoing maritime officers. I, myself did not attend any grad schools and have been working as an Energy Loss Adjuster (Insurance adjuster for the offshore and marine industries) for some time now. I was a Marine Surveyor for the American Bureau of shipping before that. And before that I was a sailing engineer. There are many opportunities in the industry.

I have one question. How was he going to fill his commitment if he wanted to land a job as a design engineer?
 
I think ds's ultimate goal is in naval architecture/design - he's just trying to figure out how to get there.
So I guess the question I have is are the any shore side jobs for engineers in maritime industry that would fill the 5 year commitment ?
 
Yes and yes. Several big shipyards actively recruit all types of engineers, design included. Most likely you would probably have to get a waiver from MARAD, but I'm not sure what that process is like these days. Also, keep in mind that many of the senior marine engineers are probably a bit disconnected from the shoreside world, especially with the design side, so take what they say with a grain of salt. Also, have your son talk to Veronica Barry; she's a huge help with career services and could probably set him up with a a really good internship.
 
I also have a question concerning my DS...If he chooses to take a Navy or Air Force commission, will he have to go to any additional officer training after graduation (besides his specific job school)? Also, I understand that this is on a situational basis, but Generally do KP grads have a better chance of getting a Navy or Air Force flight slot? Thanks! Go KP!!
 
Same question

I ask the exact same question before DS accepted appointment to KP. DS was interested in following a cert in professional engineering. My question was how would degree from KP facilitate that goal. Advice from PEs in my organization were all positive. DS hasnt chosen a plan beyond graduation, but he
Roceeds knowing that he could pursue design or cert in professional engineering.
 
bugsy said:
I ask the exact same question before DS accepted appointment to KP. DS was interested in following a cert in professional engineering. My question was how would degree from KP facilitate that goal. Advice from PEs in my organization were all positive. DS hasnt chosen a plan beyond graduation, but he
Roceeds knowing that he could pursue design or cert in professional engineering.
Click to expand...

Marine Systems Engineering Majors and Marine Engineering and Shipyard Management Majors are qualified to sit for their EIT (Engineer In training) certification, the first step towards becoming a P.E.
 
Thank you everyone!
I'm going to pass this information on to my son.
Jasper dog-thank you- ds has a lot to think about! :scratch:
 
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