Upon graduation from Kings Point

[usnahopeful2014]

Thank you both for all the info and advice I will definitely take it all to heart when considering my future, be it at Kings Point or Annapolis

 

[jasperdog]

I gotta be me

Sprog - I can understand you being slightly offended and since as a Kings Pointer 28 years out from graduation with lots of classmates who have in their journey through life become attorneys as well, your well stated, well reasoned defensive response is also understandable. However, really not necessary and regardless of where our undergraduate alma maters were way back when we matriculated. I'm not sure your really on mark or your citations are all that relevant to what is being asked by the original poster, as your own concluding statement alludes.

RE:

Ok, this is a little disingenuous. Engineers and scientists are vital to our nation in the military and the civilian sectors, I won't disagree. However, classically-educated liberal artists have equal worth to society. I know you meant the post as tongue-in-cheek, but it is hard not to take offense at what is implied in the message.

Using myself as an example, I graduated with a BA in International Studies (with a minor in English) from VMI. ....

This is not a slam on USMMA. ...

Lastly, and while this is slightly off-topic from the OP's original question, I'll say this: I was a successful Air Force officer, was admitted to law school, and now am an attorney for the Federal Government. I did all of this with a liberal arts degree, and not once in my professional career have I ever uttered "would you like fries with that"?

First the statement is indeed somewhat a slam at KP and you've used a typical lawyer's technique to make it. Say it's not something that it's meant entirely for the reader, listener, jury member to infer and he or she of course infers it.

Second I find it hard to believe that you a lawyer and liberal arts grad from a solid school isn't more than used to hearing trite jokes. Also let's be honest upon receiving your undergraduate liberal arts degree you didn't go out and seek private sector employment, you opted to take a path that your VMI military training, vice solely your B.A. afforded you as an active duty USAF 2LT. I'd bet at least several of your liberal arts classmates who didn't go military, spent at least some time, if not a couple years being "under-employed" before hitting their stride or getting a graduate degree.

Not a slam it's just I believe, solid, good salary employment options for holders of only BA degrees in liberal arts without additional skills (like your VMI cadet corps experience and training) are difficult to find.

Finally if we can't laugh at ourselves, who can we laugh at - relax, enjoy life. I mean as a former boss, friend and Green Beret once told me, it's not hard let alone worth getting upset about, unless you're laying in a foxhole pulling something that used to be a friend over you, trying not to breath, so you get the opportunity to shortly shoot straight up.

 

[usnahopeful2014]

Sprog - I can understand you being slightly offended and since as a Kings Pointer 28 years out from graduation with lots of classmates who have in their journey through life become attorneys as well, your well stated, well reasoned defensive response is also understandable. However, really not necessary and regardless of where our undergraduate alma maters were way back when we matriculated. I'm not sure your really on mark or your citations are all that relevant to what is being asked by the original poster, as your own concluding statement alludes.

RE:



First the statement is indeed somewhat a slam at KP and you've used a typical lawyer's technique to make it. Say it's not something that it's meant entirely for the reader, listener, jury member to infer and he or she of course infers it.

Second I find it hard to believe that you a lawyer and liberal arts grad from a solid school isn't more than used to hearing trite jokes. Also let's be honest upon receiving your undergraduate liberal arts degree you didn't go out and seek private sector employment, you opted to take a path that your VMI military training, vice solely your B.A. afforded you as an active duty USAF 2LT. I'd bet at least several of your liberal arts classmates who didn't go military, spent at least some time, if not a couple years being "under-employed" before hitting their stride or getting a graduate degree.

Not a slam it's just I believe, solid, good salary employment options for holders of only BA degrees in liberal arts without additional skills (like your VMI cadet corps experience and training) are difficult to find.

Finally if we can't laugh at ourselves, who can we laugh at - relax, enjoy life. I mean as a former boss, friend and Green Beret once told me, it's not hard let alone worth getting upset about, unless you're laying in a foxhole pulling something that used to be a friend over you, trying not to breath, so you get the opportunity to shortly shoot straight up.

Jasper

I have to wonder why you even felt the need to reply to Sprog's post. You say Sprog's post in "unnecessary," is yours? My question was very non-specific because I wanted insight about all the different opportunities after graduation from KP. Technical majors are NOT the only way to go, and the fact that people feel the need to keep posting tidbits about the troubles of liberal arts majors tells me that they are trying to convince themselves that they took the "correct" path. Why do you feel the need to comment about the supposed troubles of liberal arts majors without military backgrounds to find jobs?

 

[sprog]

I'm sorry jasper, I can't really find anything in my post that would constitute a slam on USMMA. I firmly believe, as I stated, that the school is great for those who have an interest in commercial shipping and would enjoy studying the subject. I was just noting that the OP shared on this forum that he had interests in the humanities, and as another poster noted as well as me, that USMMA is not the best choice if you wish to pursue a degree in that area. I would also tell someone who wanted a degree in marine engineering that USMMA is probably one of the best places to do that in the nation.

Regarding the "would you like fries with that comment," yes, I have heard jokes about liberal artists and attorneys for many years. I even stated that I was aware of deepsea's message being tongue-in cheek. Nonetheless, what is implied in that message is that an engineering education is superior to a BA degree. As the OP has an interest in liberal arts, and as I consider myself a success story (to some extent), it was my intention to inform him that if he chooses to study a humanities subject and does well, he will not end up in the food service industry or in some other form of marginal employment. Was it a bit off the topic of the thread? Yes, that's why I specifically said that it was. I didn't instigate the digression, mind you, but I felt an obligation to issue my response because the "fries" joke reeks of a bias that is untrue. I hope that the OP took away from my post that you can do quite well for yourself as a humanities major, if you apply yourself. You can be successful in the military and, if you choose, as a civilian. Yes, I know, you can do well as an engineer, or as a scientist, or as an accountant too....never said otherwise. It takes all kinds.

Were some of my classmates with BA degrees underemployed? I'm sure we had a few, there were some guys with pretty lousy GPAs. Were some of my engineer classmates under/unemployed after graduation as well? YES...there were some pretty awful GPAs there too. There is no universal answer. I respect USMMA very much. You guys have successful alums in all fields, and you should rightfully be proud of that.

 

[kp2001]

Just requesting that everyone take a step back, take a deep breath and enjoy the fresh air that enters your lungs.

Then take a moment to take this thread back on topic

 

[jasperdog]

Just requesting that everyone take a step back, take a deep breath and enjoy the fresh air that enters your lungs.

Then take a moment to take this thread back on topic

KP2001: Good point, and as far as the original topic and points, I'd say the responses more than covered the topic very well, perhaps you might want to close the thread altogeher ---

 

[jamzmom]

I've seen many a good thread implode from really good folks simply trying to get their strong opinions "heard". Nothing says "we care" to a kid seeking some advice more than a good old fashioned hair pullin' contest....er.... I mean debate. LOL (disclaimer: I'M KIDDING.) I'm guilty of a few heated debates and can understand everyone's aggravations but as the OP further expanded upon his/her future goals in an additional post, I would hate to see this topic end on a sour note. If I may add some thoughts to maybe get back on track?

I'd advise the OP to keep KP as an option & do a ton more research. I highly advise this as KP would have probably ended up in one big giant maritime sailing only box to me if I hadn't ended up with an AF Intel guy I guess. Or watch his friends go SWO, end up in flight school, sail, ect. KP's options are vast & I am still learning where their type of education leads. KP grads are everywhere I look. They pop up in some strange places. I can truly see a Navy guy becoming FBI out of KP. The maritime skills & knowledge of such folks for security of our commerce & ports is needed & would be one example perhaps? Just sayin' as I know this to be the case in some Intel environments. Thoughts?

I often wish that KP would throw more PR out there about graduate's options & successes. Thank goodness for Alumni. Being the "best kept secret" isn't a great selling point to those of us on the outside who try to explain all that KP is. It even leaves Mids in their last year & their parents saying, "Wow. I didn't know you could do that!" We tend to get a little rocked when your locked on Coastie boy jumps ship because opportunity knocked on door #2.

 

[fairwinds]

I would just like to say that discussions like this one are the reason that I am so happy I found this forum. The posters' "inside" knowledge and the passion with which they share their wisdom shows how much pride they have for the Academy.

I continue to learn so much from those willing to ask hard questions and those willing to give honest answers. Although they might get heated, from time to time, I would hate to see these types of threads shut down too early. (Thanks, moderators, for being great at what you do!)

Thanks to everyone who participated and who continue to educate me about KP!

 

[sprog]

I'd advise the OP to keep KP as an option & do a ton more research. I highly advise this as KP would have probably ended up in one big giant maritime sailing only box to me if I hadn't ended up with an AF Intel guy I guess. Or watch his friends go SWO, end up in flight school, sail, ect. KP's options are vast & I am still learning where their type of education leads. KP grads are everywhere I look. They pop up in some strange places. I can truly see a Navy guy becoming FBI out of KP. The maritime skills & knowledge of such folks for security of our commerce & ports is needed & would be one example perhaps? Just sayin' as I know this to be the case in some Intel environments. Thoughts?

My thoughts are that I don't disagree with you. Your focus is on the end result that a graduate from USMMA can be in the USAF, or can be in the FBI. I never said otherwise. I'm sure they can be and have been accountants, lawyers, scientists, or whatever. Regardless, a USMMA graduate would have studied a maritime field for four years to get his degree. The Journey would require a study of marine fields, even if the destination did not require those skills.

Since college, in my opinion, is about doing something that interests you while you are there (the journey) as much as it is about what happens to you after you graduate (the destination), I would hope that a midshipman at USMMA had at least some interest in the marine transportation/marine engineering fields (as that will be their focus of study throughout their time at school). I think that if he/she didn't have such an interest, that they would be pretty unhappy. This is a universal concept. I have an International Studies degree, and my job has nothing to do with international relations. I studied that subject at school because I enjoyed it, and that is my only point. People should study something in college that they enjoy, because you only get to do it once, and it should be a happy experience.

This is my last post on the thread. If people don't agree with me, fine, feel free to PM.

 

[jamzmom]

I would hope that a midshipman at USMMA had at least some interest in the marine transportation/marine engineering fields

Me too! I 100% agree. That Sea Year thing will, does & has kicked many butts due to that very fact. Going in not reaaaallllly wanting a maritime service academy education would be a major faux pas of ginormous proportions.

Sprog, I don't think we're that far off really. I agree with a lot of what you've said above. I spoke to the end result because that is where I'm at now at this place in time as a bystander watching the whole KP experience unfold & the end result might be the goal in some people's minds. The OP indicated that he/she was looking past graduation and I spoke only to that. Only tryin' to share just one view of so many. Hate to be such a Polly-Anna with rainbows & unicorn giggles but all of our opinions & thoughts might give good food for thought to our young & upcoming so its all good.

As has been said here many times, KP is not for everyone. If someone's goal is to major in English or History, I'd be the first to say that KP will EAT you. I haven't heard that from the OP yet. I get the feeling that they feel more talented at the humanities over the sciences & maths. Just my observation, not fact, so let me back up to address that point & say to the OP that I've seen many a Mid who went in loving their humanities. You can't do everything all aces & calc might be a sore spot. You will struggle but can come out alive. Can I ask what things about KP stand out as one of your choices?

 

[usnahopeful2014]

jamzmom I pm'ed you