Advice for BDCPers/NUPOC

[Thisguy]

All right, reading that thread about guys chomping at the bit for their first paycheck, I thought I'd just throw this out there. I've met some quality people who did BDCP, and some real douchebags. So if you've recently been picked up for BDCP (congrats, by the way) or if you've been in BDCP for a while, here's some food for thought:

1) Don't get complacent: I was shocked at how many BDCP/NUPOC guys showed up to OCS not physically ready. That struck me as odd because you're supposed to do the PRT twice a year, and some guys rolled at the in-PRT. I know it's easy to collect a paycheck and know what you're doing after graduation, but stay motivated and don't get lazy. You've still got to get through OCS.

2) Take advantage of BDCP: This sorta goes with the first one. Instead of having a "summer of George" and raking in the cash by sitting on your ass, go out and actively seek internships and co-ops as if you didn't have BDCP/NUPOC lined up. For starters, you'll have extra cash (for Hookers and Blow, right Fly Navy?), plus you'll know what it's like to interview and work in the civilian sector. This should help you make a more informed decision when you're deciding whether you want to stay in or not. I'm amazed at how many ROTC and USNA guys I've met that are hell-bent on getting out of the Navy, yet they don't have the slightest idea of how to write a resume, what an interview is like, or what kind of industry they're even interested in.

I don't want to come off as a pompous prick, but I took the road less travelled by going to college, doing a 7-month co-op, having a job offer from a management consulting firm recsinded due to a hiring freeze the summer before my last semester, then going on 15 interviews before deciding to take a look at the Navy. Having said that, I'm pretty content where I am now, and Corporate America can still kiss my ass.

 

[RichardDelk]

Thanks a lot for the advice. I still plan on keeping my current job while on BDCP (extra money like you said) because it's a really convenient job that I like anyway. As for the working out part, I can see how people would just become lazy and not stay in shape. I plan on not being one of those people, but that will take a commitment on my part...one that I'm willing to make.

 

[Godspeed]

2) Take advantage of BDCP: This sorta goes with the first one. Instead of having a "summer of George" and raking in the cash by sitting on your ass, go out and actively seek internships and co-ops as if you didn't have BDCP/NUPOC lined up.

I think every BDCPer here takes advantage of the program in the way that individual sees fit. I personally use it to just have a good time in college and build a little nest egg for myself. From what I hear, these are the best times one has, might as well live it up.

So far, I've used it to get my skydiving license and a 150 skydives (so far ), my scuba license (working towards my master diver rating), pilots license and a few cool vacations here and there (Vegas a couple months ago, Bahamas, Mexico, and Whistler, BC in a week here). I use the extra money to fully fund a roth IRA every year and invest in other mutual funds.

In a sense, i'd agree with you. Spending all that money on cheezie poofs and Star Trek seasons is counter productive. Many people are forced to work while they are in college. We are lucky enough not to have that burden. Use your extra time to build the resume. I wouldn't necessarily reccommend getting a job, but at least take up some challenging leadership roles on campus.

You are also right on your other point. A lot of people fail to keep their eye on the ball. The navy is paying you to get good grades and stay fit. Two things that are good for you anyway. An extra hour or two of work a day is certainly worth 2k+/month in my book.

 

[Thisguy]

2) Take advantage of BDCP: This sorta goes with the first one. Instead of having a "summer of George" and raking in the cash by sitting on your ass, go out and actively seek internships and co-ops as if you didn't have BDCP/NUPOC lined up. For starters, you'll have extra cash (for Hookers and Blow, right Fly Navy?), plus you'll know what it's like to interview and work in the civilian sector.

The main point of advising you to look for summer internships/CO-OPs in the summer is because BDCP gives you the best of both worlds: a commission without the Navy crap in college. USNA guys lose touch with the civilian world when they ship off for plebe summer. I had an NFO from the boat school tell me "I'd be making more money (he was an aerospace engr major) if I didn't go to the academy, engineers can make 80 grand" Riiiiiighht...

I just think it'd be an advantage to have some civilian experience to compare to life in the Navy when your 4 year commitment is coming up. I know I'm glad that I've been on both sides of the fence.

 

[grnweenie]

BDCP just seems to be too good of a deal. Im sittin here eating Ramen everyday...