Joining Military Post-College?

Hey, was just curious, if I join the military after college, what would that look like? How could it potentially help my career in the future? If any of you have done it or have any thoughts would love to hear them.

Joining the military after college can take a few forms, depending largely on your specific interests and career goals. You'd typically enter as an officer given your degree, skipping the enlisted ranks.

One option is to attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Officer Training School (OTS), depending on the branch. These programs take several weeks and educate civilians or enlisted members on the basics of leadership in the military, military culture, and training for fitness and warfare.

You could also go through a Direct Commission, which is for professionals who have skills that the military needs, such as doctors, lawyers, or chaplains. Direct commission officers often go through a shorter basic training focused on military indoctrination, with further training in their specific roles.

Joining the military after college can have many potential benefits to your future career. First, you'll likely gain leadership experience early on, especially as an officer. This experience can set you apart in the job market.

Secondly, you can obtain additional education and certifications while in the military which can be beneficial when you transition back to civilian work. The military has numerous programs for continuing education, and even scholarships for advanced degrees.

Third, the military can be a good launching point for certain career fields. For instance, if you're interested in engineering, serving as a military engineer can provide hands-on experience and potentially lead to a role in a federal agency or government contracting company later on.

Lastly, you'll gain "soft skills" that can be advantageous in any career path. These include discipline, teamwork, communication under pressure, and adaptability.

Keep in mind though, military service is a significant commitment and comes with its own risks and challenges. It's important to do thorough research beforehand and consider your personal goals and motivations. It's not for everyone, but for others, it can provide valuable experience and a solid stepping stone to their future career.