Choosing a major.

C

CarlJB

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Aug 13, 2019
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So I’ve no idea if I’ll get into KP this year. Or the next. That being said, I’ve no doubt I’ll get in eventually with enough work and perseverance on my part. (My stats are competitive, I’ve just got to work on fitness)

Regardless, I’m sure I want to attend.

The thing is, if/once I get in, I’m not sure what I’ll spring for. I’m honestly interested in both Engine and Deck. I’ve always loved science and technology, and enjoy building and programming things in my spare time.

But leadership, management, paperwork, and standing bridge watches beneath the stars also sound super cool.

So if I’ll enjoy both paths, my question comes down to which major is more employable, pays better and has the most opportunity to advance. (For example, can a CE become a ships master)

Any input would be great!
 
JMPO, but don't stress about major at this point - get accepted to USMMA and savor your senior year. You'll have plenty of time to learn about your options before you really need to make that selection.
 
And when (if) you get in, you will have introductory courses on both tracks during your first trimester. I would recommend selecting deck or engine based on your interests/talents rather than on trying to guess on the other factors you mentioned, all of which might change by the time you graduate.
 
For the record, being an engineer also requires leadership, management, paperwork and in some cases, standing a watch. . . . although automated vessels has reduced watchstanding some. . ..
 
KPEngineer said:
And ask those mates how much they like being "beneath the stars" on a January night in the North Atlantic
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KPButterflyer said:
Especially when it's hellish cold and frantic.
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Yeah, it's probably right up there with working down in the purifier room in July in Singapore.. If working in a noisy, dirty environment and standing under a blower to keep cool is your bag, then engineering might be for you...
CarlJB said:
so if I’ll enjoy both paths, my question comes down to which major is more employable, pays better and has the most opportunity to advance. (For example, can a CE become a ships master
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1) more employable - engineering, without a doubt..
2) pays better - about the same for seagoing billets (Captains tend to make a sukoshi bit more then the Chief)
3) opportunity to advance - about the same for seagoing employment, maybe a slight edge to engineering..
4) can a CE become a ship master - not unless he learns proper table manners and practices good hygiene..
 
deepdraft1 said:
KPEngineer said:
And ask those mates how much they like being "beneath the stars" on a January night in the North Atlantic
Click to expand...
KPButterflyer said:
Especially when it's hellish cold and frantic.
Click to expand...
Yeah, it's probably right up there with working down in the purifier room in July in Singapore.. If working in a noisy, dirty environment and standing under a blower to keep cool is your bag, then engineering might be for you...
Click to expand...

I'm fine with that.
 
@KPButterflyer you go kid. Don't take any crap off of @deepdraft1 even though he's an unlimited Master and you have zero cadet days. When you go on his ship, find out when he does his laundry so you can wash your greasiest coveralls right before he puts his khakis in the washer. The deck guys hate when you get grease on their khakis! The engine department will back you up as long as you can make a decent pot of coffee in the control room.
 
KP Eng said:
@KPButterflyer you go kid. Don't take any crap off of @deepdraft1 even though he's an unlimited Master and you have zero cadet days. When you go on his ship, find out when he does his laundry so you can wash your greasiest coveralls right before he puts his khakis in the washer. The deck guys hate when you get grease on their khakis! The engine department will back you up as long as you can make a decent pot of coffee in the control room.
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I like you KP Eng.. If I wasn't already retired, I'd sail with you in a heartbeat.. I will however alert Deepdraft2, who currently sails Chief Mate, to be cautious about when he launders his 'going ashore' clothes.. By the way Brah, being a 'Matson stiff' we deck guys only wore 'Aloha' shirts [I preferred Kolekole or Kahala brand] and shorts.. never khakis.. :)

In all seriousness, and just to be clear, I have great respect for the Black Gang.. and during my career I was fortunate to have been shipmates with some of the finest engineers in the U.S. Merchant Marine..

"..so keep this simple thought in mind when you read of record trips, that the men behind the throttles are the men that drive the ships"
 
KP Eng said:
@KPButterflyer you go kid. Don't take any crap off of @deepdraft1 even though he's an unlimited Master and you have zero cadet days. When you go on his ship, find out when he does his laundry so you can wash your greasiest coveralls right before he puts his khakis in the washer. The deck guys hate when you get grease on their khakis! The engine department will back you up as long as you can make a decent pot of coffee in the control room.
Click to expand...

Sir, I'll follow the 12th general order.
 
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