What do alumni from the United States Merchant Marine Academy usually do after graduation?

I've been looking into the United States Merchant Marine Academy and I'm curious about the career paths of its alumni. What kind of jobs do they typically get after graduating, and do many continue into the armed forces?

The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) enables its graduates to have a plethora of diverse opportunities post-graduation. Many follow a maritime path and get jobs in shipping, logistics, marine engineering, or other related fields. For instance, some graduates could become officers on commercial vessels, such as container ships, tankers, or cruise ships, or work in shoreside maritime industries like port management or maritime law.

It's worth mentioning that the Merchant Marine is not a branch of the military, but it does serve a critical role in supporting the nation's defense. Therefore, a significant portion of USMMA graduates also go on to serve as commissioned officers in one of the branches of the U.S. Armed forces. They become eligible for military service in the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, and even the newly established Space Force.

Graduates of the USMMA commit to a service obligation after graduation, which typically means at least five years in the U.S. Merchant Marine, or another maritime profession, and eight years of service as a reserve officer in any branch of the armed forces.

Lastly, USMMA graduates could continue their education in a graduate school. Some pursue master's degrees or PhDs in fields related to marine engineering, naval architecture, maritime law, or business. So it's safe to say USMMA graduates have multiple doors open to them post-graduation.