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
Moneys nice, but finding a career that makes you happy makes for a better life. If your interests lie along the lines of government service, then that is probably a good place to start.
Your entire post indicates you should enlist with the military, in whatever branch appeals to you, and see what they can offer to you. Much to learn, great times all over the world, friends to last a lifetime, and seriousness of purpose. What more could you want?
Nothing wrong with FBI, Secret Service, etc. Less money, but good bennies. Additionally, you can always get out and go into the private sector.
You can serve your country AND make a lot of money if you marry a CIA agent, go abroad, then lie about your trip and slander the White House about it. Then you can write a book full of crap and get photographed for Vanity Fair.
Oh wait, you actually want to HELP your country? Never mind.
Oh, and I should add money and support for your post-military career.
That's good advice. Intel or signal work in the armed services can translate into a good middle-level job in the civil sector, and then a good private sector gig afterwards.
Just don't get killed while wearing the uniform (i.e. avoid carrier landings and front-line infantry.)
My interests could take me into both public and private service, that's the thing. I think I could be happy with both... I just feel somewhat of a moral obligation to do the former, at least at first.
As for the military, it's truly difficult to sustain a family on that type of pay. I have the utmost respect for our men and women in uniform, but the truth of the matter is they get paid crap. I also feel that I could serve my country better and would get more enjoyment out of a career in intel or federal law enforcement.
I get the impression that sdk7x7 is no Joe Wilson! :-)
Good point. If your college has a ROTC program, I would definitely look into that. If for no other reason as a back up to what you want to do.
One word...Plastics
ROTFL!
Well, good luck to you. But it wouldn't hurt to see what the military offers. Many positions are far above "crap" pay -- and when your housing and food is taken care of off the top, "crap" can start to look pretty good.
Get a public sector job. You've already said that this interests you the most. Sure, money is important, but so is doing something that you enjoy. You can always move the the private sector later.
Learn Arabic which is in extremely high demand. (Or any Middle-Eastern language) Work for FBI or CIA or any intelligent agency. Work there for a couple of years until you get burnt out. Then you can work in private sector and make a killing.
Learn Arabic which is in extremely high demand. (Or any Middle-Eastern language) Work for FBI or CIA or any intelligent agency. Work there for a couple of years until you get burnt out. Then you can work in private sector and make a killing.
Don't answer this online, do it on a piece of paper...but list the fantastic vocations and horizons you had as a child. See how they match up with your passions, talents and skills.
Then check out the book some love to hate, Pastor Rick Warren's THE PURPOSE-DRIVEN LIFE.
Then dive into anything you can find by Zig Ziglar or Steve Douglass (yes, ss in Douglass).
Then you'll be better prepared to make a choice.
How can you go into consulting right out of school? Serve your country first, then go into the private sector, you will be happier and more successful in the end.
Seems like ROTC into one of the service branches would be a good option (pays better than enlisting and you might get some help with college $$) then take that experience into a different Govt. job - FBI, etc. You may make more in the private sector, but then again, you may not.
OK, you could be a soldier or something.. =o)
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