Hey guys, so heres my situation.. (warning: semi-long post)
I've always wanted to join the USMC (United States Marine Corps), but the thing is that, I never wanted to join after high school because your options are pretty much limited and they treat you like crap.
Computers are definitely my favorite hobby in the world and I would want to pursue a career in that field for sure....somewhere along the lines of penetration testing, security assessment, hardware/software development, IT management/Database management etc....
The thing is, I am going to be graduating from university (University of California System) with a degree in Computer Engineering, and I am seriously considering joining the united states marine corps (with the degree) as a commissioned officer (provided I make it).
I want to ask you guys (if anyone has any knowledge in this area) what are the PROS and CONS of joining the military, the marines specifically..with a degree in computer engineering, Is it a good move ? How is the salary compared to a civilian job? How are my chances of getting a civilian job after I'm done with the military? Is this type of thing common ? (especially for us computer geeks ?)
I know I'm going to gain tons of leadership skills and opportunities to a.) further my education (they pay for most of it) and of course b.) have fun playing with lots of high tech tools (hopefully)
I am either going to join the USMC right after graduation OR pursue my Masters Degree in computer engineering and THEN join the USMC, is this a good Idea? Ive always wanted to be a fighter pilot, but after tons of tests from the marine doctors themselves, I cant fly (due to my vision) but I might be able to be a flight navigator on a 2 seater fighter jet...which is 6 years minimum commitment, now this may sound a bit too far reached...but how many computer engineers really want to do this type of thing? and I don't know if any company would hire me after flying for the USMC as a flight navigator or working with their 'tech' jobs.
Anyway, you get the picture, I'd greatly appreciate any input from the experts out there, I've been trying to make a decision for a long time.
Thanks!
I've always wanted to join the USMC (United States Marine Corps), but the thing is that, I never wanted to join after high school because your options are pretty much limited and they treat you like crap.
Computers are definitely my favorite hobby in the world and I would want to pursue a career in that field for sure....somewhere along the lines of penetration testing, security assessment, hardware/software development, IT management/Database management etc....
The thing is, I am going to be graduating from university (University of California System) with a degree in Computer Engineering, and I am seriously considering joining the united states marine corps (with the degree) as a commissioned officer (provided I make it).
I want to ask you guys (if anyone has any knowledge in this area) what are the PROS and CONS of joining the military, the marines specifically..with a degree in computer engineering, Is it a good move ? How is the salary compared to a civilian job? How are my chances of getting a civilian job after I'm done with the military? Is this type of thing common ? (especially for us computer geeks ?)
I know I'm going to gain tons of leadership skills and opportunities to a.) further my education (they pay for most of it) and of course b.) have fun playing with lots of high tech tools (hopefully)
I am either going to join the USMC right after graduation OR pursue my Masters Degree in computer engineering and THEN join the USMC, is this a good Idea? Ive always wanted to be a fighter pilot, but after tons of tests from the marine doctors themselves, I cant fly (due to my vision) but I might be able to be a flight navigator on a 2 seater fighter jet...which is 6 years minimum commitment, now this may sound a bit too far reached...but how many computer engineers really want to do this type of thing? and I don't know if any company would hire me after flying for the USMC as a flight navigator or working with their 'tech' jobs.
Anyway, you get the picture, I'd greatly appreciate any input from the experts out there, I've been trying to make a decision for a long time.
Thanks!