I'm interested in military contracting positions but would like to know which roles specifically require a degree. What kinds of degrees are most commonly necessary for these jobs, and how competitive is the market for degree holders?
Military contractors offer a broad range of technical, logistical, and support services to the various branches of the military. These contractors often require highly skilled employees with advanced degrees to carry out their work. Here are a few examples:
1. Engineering: This is a field where degree-holders are often recruited, as military contractors require individuals skilled in various branches of engineering. An engineering degree may lead to roles such as systems engineer, aerospace engineer or mechanical engineer, working on designing, developing and testing of military hardware or software.
2. IT and Cybersecurity: With the increasing relevance of technology and cyber warfare, there is a growing demand for individuals with computer science, IT, cybersecurity or related degrees. Roles could range from software developers to database administrators to cybersecurity analysts.
3. Business Administration and Operations: Having a degree in business administration, operations, logistics, or a related field might also qualify you for roles managing and overseeing the everyday operations of military contracts and supply chain management.
4. International Relations or Political Science: These degrees can be useful for roles that involve policy development, defense strategy or threat analysis. Understanding international relations can be very relevant for jobs that involve advising on defense strategies or dealing with international regulations affecting military contracts.
Keep in mind, the market competitiveness varies depending on the specific role, level of educational attainment, and the geographic location of your intended workplace. However, given that these roles are quite specialized, holding a relevant degree could markedly improve your competitiveness. That said, coupling your degree with practical experience (such as internships or work experiences in relevant fields) would make you a particularly strong candidate. Finally, certain contracting jobs may require a security clearance, which can add an additional layer to the job application process.
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