Post-USNA Careers

rviad92o said:
Here is also a great read about the invaluable experience you will get in the military and use it in the civilian world.

https://chartwellwest.com/2018/10/1...anti-fragile-experience-of-the-junior-officer
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As a Dad trying to figure out how, in a non military family, my DS has come to the point of desperately wanting to go the SA route - and still trying to reconcile how a Navy Career will be the best route for DS so I can max my support - this is a great read. Thanks for sharing.
 
In this same vein, looking down the road to when your DD or DS separates or retires from the military, after 5 or 25 or any number of years, I know some families worry about “how can my son or daughter get a job if all they did was work on a ship,” as one concerned parent told me during a visit to see their mid, whom we sponsored.

Give yourself some peace of mind - these are a few of the resources available for that transition:

https://sacc-jobfair.com/

https://militarymojo.org/

https://www.corporategray.com/ (Run by a USMA grad and retired colonel)

http://www.moaa.org/career/

http://www.moaa.org/Content/Events/Transition/Career-and-Education-Events.aspx

https://www.lucasgroup.com

https://www.google.com/search?q=bradley+morris&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari

Tip of the iceberg...
 
What can a USNA grad do? Well, one who worked for me briefly at a Fortune 200 company had the following career trajectory: naval aviator, MBA, F200 marketer, published author, paid speaker. His book and speeches are about leadership, grounded in what he started learning at Annapolis. Super-engaging dude with zest for all he did, but by no means a superhero. Just another USNA grad. Impressive.
 
SCubb said:
As a Dad trying to figure out how, in a non military family, my DS has come to the point of desperately wanting to go the SA route - and still trying to reconcile how a Navy Career will be the best route for DS so I can max my support - this is a great read. Thanks for sharing.
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I hear you!! It’s a process of reconciling Navy to career....my Plebe is getting ready to select a major. It’s a process also coming to the realization (and believing it to be true) that their major doesn’t matter. It’s all counterintuitive to everything I’ve ever known!! BUT I have faith it’s true. We are also non military. No SA experience. I rely on the seasoned, experienced wise veterans here to show me reality! Great people here.
 
I worked with a guy who spent 28 years and retired as an O6 after graduating from the USMA. He gets a nice retirement paycheck from that.

He then got a GS-15 job as a DAC. He sold back (or is the term buyback?) 4 years of his time at the USMA which went toward his GS retirement. I think he served 6 years as a DAC. Because he sold back (or buyback) his 4 years of AD at USMA while a cadet, he now gets a 10-year retirement check for his govt service in addition to the 28-year O6 military retirement check.
 
justdoit19 said:
SCubb said:
As a Dad trying to figure out how, in a non military family, my DS has come to the point of desperately wanting to go the SA route - and still trying to reconcile how a Navy Career will be the best route for DS so I can max my support - this is a great read. Thanks for sharing.
Click to expand...

I hear you!! It’s a process of reconciling Navy to career....my Plebe is getting ready to select a major. It’s a process also coming to the realization (and believing it to be true) that their major doesn’t matter. It’s all counterintuitive to everything I’ve ever known!!
Click to expand...
My Major at USNA ---> International Security Affairs (Political Science). My first job titles in Civilian companies (two Major Fortune 500 companies): Engineer, Senior Engineer, Principal Engineer.

One of my roommates at USNA --->Latin American Studies (Spanish Major). Similar jobs to mine and ended up managing a division of a major company (one of mine mentioned above) with huge technical responsibilities. Basically became a Rocket Scientist.
 
OldRetSWO said:
justdoit19 said:
SCubb said:
As a Dad trying to figure out how, in a non military family, my DS has come to the point of desperately wanting to go the SA route - and still trying to reconcile how a Navy Career will be the best route for DS so I can max my support - this is a great read. Thanks for sharing.
Click to expand...

I hear you!! It’s a process of reconciling Navy to career....my Plebe is getting ready to select a major. It’s a process also coming to the realization (and believing it to be true) that their major doesn’t matter. It’s all counterintuitive to everything I’ve ever known!!
Click to expand...
My Major at USNA ---> International Security Affairs (Political Science). My first job titles in Civilian companies (two Major Fortune 500 companies): Engineer, Senior Engineer, Principal Engineer.

One of my roommates at USNA --->Latin American Studies (Spanish Major). Similar jobs to mine and ended up managing a division of a major company (one of mine mentioned above) with huge technical responsibilities. Basically became a Rocket Scientist.
Click to expand...

The rational side of my brain clearly gets it. USNA is a phenomenal institution for building leaders, academically strong graduates with a strong moral compass. This all translates in both the civilian and military careers.
The irrational side of my brain: “wait a minute, for the last 16 years I’ve been preparing him for the academic rigors of a fine “normal” college. What just happened?”
In the process my respect for my 16yo DS has skyrocketed with his mature, thoughtful rationale for wanting a SA experience. It’s hard to reconcile that DS can be this thoughtful and resolute, and still act like a typical 16 yo so much of the time.
I will get there. I’m very proud of him. Just grasping for some reassurance. These posts help a ton!
 
I totally get what you are saying. And you complete correct. It’s kind of a leap of faith. But take that leap. These kids are attending the finest institution in the world. They are set for life. The connections and networking available to them is unparalleled. Get this: in DS’s very first semester at USNA (he is a Plebe), he participated in senator McCains private funeral. Was part of an historical commissioning of the Navy’s newest ship. Listened to amazing speakers on leadership (medal of honor recipients, astronauts, Mayo of NYC come to mind...there are others!). Spent time at the Holocaust Smithsonian with his company (never forget!), attended and spent time with Honor Flight participants (a highlights for my guy). I’m sure I’ve left something out. I pinch myself when I get random texts about the AMAZING things he is up to. And freshman year isn’t even over yet. Currently he is waiting to hear about spending some time this summer in a very spectacular place, doing awesome things.

When these men and women go out into the world, this is why they are sought out. They are being trained in the best leadership bubble there is. That is something that is different then a regular college. Not to dissuade that path to commissioning, but Mids are exposed to different things at USNA than regular college.
 
SCubb said:
The rational side of my brain clearly gets it. USNA is a phenomenal institution for building leaders, academically strong graduates with a strong moral compass. This all translates in both the civilian and military careers.
The irrational side of my brain: “wait a minute, for the last 16 years I’ve been preparing him for the academic rigors of a fine “normal” college. What just happened?”
In the process my respect for my 16yo DS has skyrocketed with his mature, thoughtful rationale for wanting a SA experience. It’s hard to reconcile that DS can be this thoughtful and resolute, and still act like a typical 16 yo so much of the time.
I will get there. I’m very proud of him. Just grasping for some reassurance. These posts help a ton!
Click to expand...

Trust in the fact your DS will face “rigors” in every direction and dimension, likely far more than academic and any “fine normal college.” I think at 2/c Parents’ Weekend you’ll get to attend class and soak up some rigor!
 
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SCubb said:
rviad92o said:
Here is also a great read about the invaluable experience you will get in the military and use it in the civilian world.

https://chartwellwest.com/2018/10/1...anti-fragile-experience-of-the-junior-officer
Click to expand...

As a Dad trying to figure out how, in a non military family, my DS has come to the point of desperately wanting to go the SA route - and still trying to reconcile how a Navy Career will be the best route for DS so I can max my support - this is a great read. Thanks for sharing.
Click to expand...

You're welcome! My husband graduated from USNA got his MS while active duty and of course, did not really use his degrees in the 23 years he served. After he retired from the military, he was still "young" enough to start his second career that has helped him transition well into the civilian world. He was hired for the job not because of the degrees he has but more due to the experience he had in the military. We have 2 kids and we never pushed the the military on them. They have certainly seen for themselves the military lifestyle, hardship of deployments, and but they have also experienced the many benefits we have received from their dad being in the military. Our DS wanted to join but unfortunately, due to hearing loss, was not able to get a waiver. It was quite a disappointing time for him but fast forward, he is now a junior in college, doing well and may possibly fast track to get his MS with just an additional year. Our DD who is a senior this year surprised us and decided to apply to NROTC and SA. She recently received a 4yr NROTC scholarship to her #1 college and still awaiting to hear from SA. I think it is awesome and commendable that your DS wants to go the SA route. It is not an easy path to get to and they have to work hard for it. It is natural and I totally understand the concerns and doubts when it comes to our childrens' future. All we can do is support them and be there for them no matter where their path leads them to.
 
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Opportunities for grad school during or after active duty are plentiful for all SA grads.

Met a USMA alum who did 8 yrs active duty infantry including multiple tours in Afghanistan; went to Harvard business school on GI bill after.

HR professionals value leadership as a priceless commodity; SA grads bring that attribute in spades.

Life career options are boundless for our academy alums.
 
I am reading a book by Tom Friedman from the New York Times on current global trends. We had him speak at our annual conference for my military organization last fall. One of the things he highlights is that employers are looking for people who can combined technical know how with more soft skills like leadership and interpersonal communication. I think this ties into what the service academies and military leadership in general are providing. A good article from a few years back talks about that concept. https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/23/opinion/sunday/friedman-how-to-get-a-job-at-google.html
 
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