I'm majoring in Computer Information Systems and I have one more year of school left. From what I've seen so far in the news, it looks like the high-tech sector should be recovered by the time I graduate. However, I'm not too fond of the high-tech companies because they promised big to attract works when things were good, and tossed them away like rag dolls when things got ugly (Like laying them off right before the holidays).

I'm enlisted in the Army Reserves right now and I was debating joining ROTC or going to OCS after I finish my schooling and become a full time officer in the Army. Anyone here served or currently serving as a junior officer in active duty that wants to share their experience?

 

I've never been a part of the military ( i'm 18), but my advice is to stick with your career plan. Changing your mind mid-way through schooling can be damaging. Go with what you originally planned for, the you will be in the field, able to make a career change of similar industry if necessary. Good luck in whatever you decide!

 

I served as an instructor for army officer candidates, and can tell you that if you can adapt to the military lifestyle, it would be a good career choice. There is a lot to learn that is not in the books, and you'll be a better person for the experience. You'll meet more good people than bad, and I,ve never met an ex-officer that is unemployed. Just don't get your head blown off in the process.

 

 

Vietnam Vet. military is the way to go.

 

You can put your education into play as an Information Systems Officer in most branches of the services and also "Other Government Agencies" right away - just make sure you go into that occupational specialty (MOS or NEC) from the start, and don't get talked into some other job or carreer skill.

Information Technology is a rapidly expanding field in the Military also, and there's no telling where it might take you.

 

Stick with your degree choice and finish school. Give the military a try, and if you don't like it, it will be relatively easy for you to get a good paying job when you get out, especially if you try the"other government agency" route, the National Laboratories are a great place to work IMO. I haven't served in the military but have several friends who went the Reserves route and really benefitted from the experience. Hindsight is 20/20, right?

GOOD LUCK!

Jayson

 

I did 4yrs for Uncle Sam in the USAF, Active Duty, enlisted. It was a good start for me. It provided me with money for college; GI Bill. I got out and am pursuing my BSEE degree and someday plan to be working in some research labratory making inventions to help mankind and my retirement account at the same time. I am currently working for the largest worldwide telecom company and am also dodging the layoff bullets. The telecom sector is in dire straits right now, but we are all hopeful that they will get better soon. Just how soon....no one knows.

The Military OCS and joining as an officer provides job security. But at less pay than what you would make as a civilian. If you like a real structured way of life and job security then being an officer in the military would probably suit you. If you want higher pay and more freedom, then a civilian job could be better for you.

I did my four and was glad to get out. I did get to work with some great and very sharp people. I also got to see some of the not so great people that did not belong. One factor of the military way of life that I disliked very much was the lower your rank, the less respect you get. At least that's how it was for us enlisted. I polished, waxed, and mopped a lot of gov't issue floor tile! If you go in, then going in as an officer would be the way to go.

 

ROTC is not a major, so I'll still end up getting a Degree in Information Systems. I enjoyed the boot camp experience and even served as a squad leader so I'm quite sure I can handle the military experience. I'm going to see if I get get a full time job out of IS internship I'm doing right now and also talk to the ROTC instructor as well.

 

Being a Desert Storm vet as a US Marine i say stat in the military the is alway good dependable jobs for former millitary personel with a good education, the expeirience in the military is something you can never never get in civilian life and on top of that is looks great on a resume!!

 

Get your degree, then find something you like, stick with it, but what ever you stick with. Make sure it has Benefits, A generous 401-K sharing, and a retirement policy.

 

This might be a little long winded, but it's coming from a peer who recently entered the job market with a degree.

I highly recommend staying in the military in some way shape or form. I would look into transfering to a guard unit as an officer.
You are much more unlikely to be deployed here. You can use your years of service and go to OCS. Believe me, the benefits of the Armed Forces are greater than any you will find in civilian employment. Additionaly, you will be earning points toward retirement. It might not seem like much now, but it will in the future.

Everyone that I know that was in the Guard or Reserve, who got out, regrets doing so. Additionaly, it all adds to a resume.

All in all, too each his own. Do what you feel is necesary, but do it without any doubt of regretting the decision.

Simply my dimes worth.

Best of luck.

 

Thanks for the advices, guys. I've gotten a reply back from the Professor of Military Sciend at CU-Boulder, and he told me that I might be able to get commissioned as soon as summer of 2003. I've been discussing going full time with my girlfriend and since I'll need to let the professor know if I intent on going to the reserves or active duty, I'll consider all the advices given to me and decided soon.