Opportunities in civilian military jobs in California?

I've been thinking about pursuing civilian military roles, and California would be a great place to live. Can anyone explain what types of roles are available and what I should prepare for as a high schooler?

There is a wide range of civilian military jobs in California, given the various military installations located across the state. You can envision these roles in two main categories: direct government jobs and defense contracting roles.

Government jobs can include roles within the Department of Defense like analysts, engineers, technicians, administrators, and more. On the other hand, defense contracting companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, or Northrop Grumman hire civilians to work on projects commissioned by the military. In these roles, you could be designing new military technology, running logistics for a specific project, or perhaps doing statistical analysis for a new initiative.

Critically, civilian military jobs often require specific knowledge or skills. As a high school student, the first step towards these types of roles would be to identify your areas of interest. Are you drawn towards engineering and design, logistics and project management, or something more along the lines of policy and strategy? Each path will require different preparation.

For instance, if you find yourself interested in engineering, aiming for courses in advanced mathematics and science during high school would be beneficial. Participating in clubs or activities related to your interests can also be hugely advantageous. For example, joining a robotics club or participating in model United Nations can help you develop relevant skills.

When considering further education, strategic selections of majors and minors based on your area of interest would be the next step. For instance, degrees in fields like Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or even International Relations or Political Sciences could lead to opportunities in the civilian military field.

Work experience like internships with defense companies or relevant government departments can provide a practical understanding of the job. Volunteering experiences, part-time jobs, and extracurricular activities not only help you build a solid base of relevant knowledge and skills but also give you an insight into what working in those industries might really be like.

Remember, though, your path to a civilian military job is not just about building your resume—it's your chance to learn more about what you love and where you see yourself in the future. Good luck!