Posted on 08/05/2005 11:14:52 PM PDT by sdk7x7
I have an important question, so I figured I'd turn to the FR gang for advice. I'm a college student, about to enter my 2nd year. I'm very interested in national security, homeland security, terrorism, etc and I plan to mold my major around these fields.
Eventually, when I graduate, I will have a decision to make: service vs. money. By service, I mean applying for jobs with the federal government, ie FBI special agent, intelligence analyst, etc. While these jobs offer me the opportunity to serve my country--which I truly want to do--they do not offer salaries comparable to the private sector. At the absolute highest end, top executives within the federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies tend to make $150,000 per year. Not that that's any number to scoff at, but much more can be made by pursuing my interests in the private sector: consulting, corporate intelligence, etc.
I am aware that the federal gov't offers great benefits, and I really do feel an obligation to give back to my country, but I am also admittedly attracted to a higher-paying career that would make putting kids through college, having my own house, etc less of a financial strain.
I am hoping that some of you can offer some guidance, especially if you've been in a similar situation. I should note that most of my family is upper-class, so there are some familial pressures to take a high-paying job, etc.
Thanks in advance, sdk
I live in another country, but I faced a similar choice to the one that is confronting you about 34 years ago now. And from what you have said here, I'd say the choice is obvious.
Service. Serve your country. In the capacity that you see fit. I chose military service myself, but other service has value as well.
If you choose to serve, that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Money is nice. But it doesn't compare with what allows you to go to sleep each night, knowing you have made a difference.
But also don't think the choice is as stark as it may seem. People can serve in the most surprising places, and not all of them mean you don't earn money. If you decide to go into the private sector, that doesn't mean you're making a choice not to serve people as well. If you work for a corporation and you do your best to ensure that corporation behaves ethically, that's a valuable task as well. Helping that company to make money so it helps your nations economy can be important as well. In whatever you choose to do, keep your eye out for the chance to do what's right and meaningful.
But if you choose more traditional forms of service - remember they do not have to be forever. If you make the choice to serve, in ten years time, you might decide to leave public service in pursuit of a buck - but you'll always be able to remember that this wasn't all you've done with your life.
The future is in antiquated, obsolete spacecraft parts and salvage... bank on it
Why not start by *not* posting stupid vanities on an internet news forum.
Oh, man, is that true! Used to have a friend in one of the government agencies around here, and I witnessed the week they spent decorating the office for Christmas.
Government agencies have become daycare for college graduates.
Great post. Well done.
Do you really need strangers in an Intenet forum to tell you what to do with your life?
The most important thing he/she can do is to read the little article I put on my FR profile page
Depends on your job... The better half is an Army dentist, and I've pulled in no more than $40K/year, frequently less. Our kids have been in private Christian schools their entire school life, and our daughter is now out of state and we're paying her college tuition (no help). Our home in Hawaii could be sold tomorrow for $500K (and our remaining mortgage is about half that). When he retires in a year we'll still have medical, he'll have a fairly decent pension (though not enough to pay the mortgage) and enough time to work civilian for several years to come.
Also - don't forget that a 3-year stint as an officer might enable you to pull a much better civilian job than you could otherwise find.
Finish school, join ROTC and sign up as an officer. Pay is nice these days, [and if you are in the Navy, you get to use special bathrooms (head)]
You would likely *learn* more as an enlisted person, but the pay is grim at the start.
Have fun, it is after all, your life.
Oh! I should quickly point out the "Christmas" decorations were along the lines of ribbon-bedecked trees, evergreen sprigs and Santa ... none of that "religious" stuff ...
Join special forces. Maybe Rangers, or if you're really daring, the Navy SEAL challenge. You wont get ANY anti-terrorist training in college, no matter what your major. Visit www.navyseals.com forums for some insights. Physical demands are similar for both Ranger and SEALs, although in different ways (with similar dropout rates).
It is very difficult to get into intelligence; the application process is lengthy. I've known of several people whom have waited years going through "stages" of the process. These people had multiple degrees and spoke several languages.
You might be better off planning on going into the private sector first and try for the rest as you work.
of course.
I didn't think they would put up nativity scenes or anything like that
Son, you have a bright future ahead of you. Just remember these three words:
"Integrity, integrity, integrity."
;-) :-D
Sharp as an orange, you are.
lmao
What do your parents have to say? Hard to believe they wouldn't weigh in with an opinion. Here's mine: Join Army ROTC & go for a commission (don't enlist). Branch MI. After 8 years or Major, leave the Army and apply for CIA. Go for DO or DI. Take any overseas positions you are offered. Get a mentor. Don't discount what the 'rents have to say -- they know you best.
It's a great profile! Good stuff and, you're right, more should read it.
Thanks, maybe I'll submit it somewhere that ain't too strict about posts but actually gets read by some FReepers... brookenews.com?
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