electrician's mate 1

[fuzbalman]

hi. i just signed up for the US navy and got a job as electrician's mate. I have engineering credits equivalent to 3 years US study. My question is, is it a good move to have a mechanical engineering tech then push for a management degree? or go finish my engineering while in the navy? thank you very much.

 

[MadMango]

Being an EM is not as "high tech" as some other rates.

I don't understand your question, it's coming across as "Why do apples taste blue?" Always try to take advantage of all the educationsal benefits that come your way while in the Service. Maintain your focus on your life goals and try even harder not to be distracted by other events (it will be hard but not impossible).

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[fuzbalman]

thanks madmango for the reply. i just want to know what will prepare me for the outside workforce when i leave the navy. Will it be better for me to just have an electrical engineering technology associates degree and focus on the experiences i am going to have while in the navy or pursue on getting the electrical engineering degree. thank you very much.

 

[IRstuff]

That's an easy call, a BS is almost always worth more than an AA or AS.

If you've already got 3 yrs of equivalent credit, I'm not sure why you'd even consider an AS over a BS.

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[fuzbalman]

Thanks IRstuff. I was considering an AS and was planning to have a management degree because I am not sure how hectic the work schedule is going to be in the navy. I may not have enough time to focus on pursuing the BS because it is going to be hectic as well.Thank you very much!

 

[MadMango]

I assume you are joining for just the standard 4yrs? Consider the 1st year to be a wash, you'll have Boot Camp, BE/E and your "A School" to worry about. I can't remember if EMs go to "C School". Depending on your orders, you may or may not get assigned to a ship.

Depending on the class of ship, you may or may not have the time for independant study (depends on staffing). As soon as you are out of Boot Camp get to your Educational Officer, get your hands on everything they offer you. You won't be on the water 24/7, the hard part is when not deployed to keep your focus when in port.

If you manage shore duty first, you'll have a greater possibility of finishing that degree.


"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[fuzbalman]

Yes i will be joining just for 4 years. They say that working in the navy is a good experience and will work well on your resume. I just want to take advantage of all the opportunities in the navy and maybe try my luck outside after 4 years. Thank you for the replies.

 

[ssn596]

Is the Navy sending you to A school?

Here is what a construction engineering electrical outfit told me when I consulted them re getting an EE
"With your journey level electrician background and an EE come and see us" You will be invaluable - you can relate to the engineers and be accepted and you can relate to the electricians and be accepted.

I and many others are firmly convinced all engineers should have four year journey training also. At the minimum it shows you how poorly done engineering can screw up everyone else. You will definitely see this in the Navy.

Dan Bentler

 

[mshimko]

My feedback is - IT DEPENDS.

It depends on what YOU want to do after 4 years active duty in the Navy; as well as what "...engineering credits equivalent to 3 years US study" really means.

A few additional comments to consider:
1. "...not sure how hectic the work schedule is going to be...."
Response: you work schedule SHOULD keep you busy 60-70 hours/week. Boot camp; A-Achool (hopefully); then assigned to a ship where you'll START to put knowledge to work. Not sure there's that much opportunity for outside study, but I give you all the credit in the world if you can do it.

2. I consure with a previous poster; a college DEGREE (EE or ME) along with a few years "on the deck plates" will be very desireable to future employers. Many positions, though, will REQUIRE an engineering degree, hence getting that BS is a necessity.

Also; I'm retired Navy, and currently employed in a Marine Engineering firm, so ANCHORS AWAY and BEAT ARMY!

 

[JeannetteMc]

Hello

I will join in the military for 4 years, however... i would like to know if i can study outside the military, navy exactly, while i'm still there?

I know that they have there own univiersities... but i just want other uiversitie, specifically.

 

[Rjeffery]

You bet you can study outside. Most Navy stations in the US are very great universities. Use the tuition assistance program and save the GI Bill for when you get out.
Fair winds and following seas.
USN (ret)

 

[Twoballcane]

Well I know for a fact that if you did some kind of engineering work in the millitary, you will be a prime canidate to the defense companies.

Good Luck!

Tobalcane
"If you avoid failure, you also avoid success."

 

[mdalev]

DOD, as well as the private sectors are always interested in personel who have formal training. However, DOD doesnt pay as well as the civilian sector in many cases. It's a great place to gain experiance. It also depends what department of DOD you work in. A professional degree is a must no matter where you go. They are always looking for those that are one cut above the rest.