What types of jobs can I pursue in the military with a college degree?

Hey guys, I'm a junior seriously thinking about joining the military after college. I'm interested to know what kind of jobs I could consider in the military with a college degree. What are some paths that people usually take? And how intense is the training in those areas?

Hello! It's great that you're already making plans for your future. There are numerous job opportunities in the military for college graduates across a wide range of fields.

Firstly, you could consider becoming an Officer, which is a role typically filled by those with a college degree. Officers are leaders in the military, responsible for creating and implementing plans and making strategic decisions. You could become an Officer in any branch of the military, including Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force.

For example, aspiring Military Intelligence Officers need a degree and are tasked with analyzing the enemy’s strengths and weaknesses, its probable course of action, and make strategic decisions.

In the field of healthcare and medical sciences, there are numerous opportunities. If you take a degree in Nursing, for example, you could serve as a Nurse Corps Officer, providing comprehensive care to soldiers, and even their families. Similarly, degrees in psychology, dentistry, and various medical specialties could pave the way to a career as a Psychologist, Dentist, or Medical Corps Officer, respectively.

Engineering graduates can also find numerous opportunities in the military. For instance, you could serve as a Civil Engineer Corps Officer (Navy) or as an Army Engineer Officer, where you would design infrastructure, oversee construction projects, and ensure that troops have the facilities they need.

Moreover, if you are inclined towards law and policy, consider serving as a Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps Officer. JAG Officers serve as legal advisors to their respective commands.

The training for each of these roles varies but usually includes both Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Officer Training School (OTS), and role-specific training. OCS/OTS is a rigorous program designed to train, screen, and evaluate potential officers, and it involves physical training, classroom work, and leadership development exercises. After graduating from OCS/OTS, you'd move on to more role-specific training where you'd learn the ins and outs of your chosen job.

Keep in mind, each branch and job will have unique requirements, so it's advisable to contact a recruiter or do in-depth research on each potential career path before making a decision. The military can offer unique career opportunities and experiences, but it's essential to ensure that this commitment aligns with your personal and professional goals. Good luck as you navigate this decision!