Graduation timing?

[Skywalker]

I'm a senior in college, and I've experienced a few changes in major, and at this point I'm just looking to be done. My current path, unobstructed, would have me graduating in December 2017. However, today I was offered an internship that would take place next summer. To accept it would push back graduation to May of 2018.

Here's the kicker though - the internship would be for the Navy, to potentially include a stint aboard a surface vessel. This kind of experience sounds fascinating intrinsically. At surface glance, I would think the knowledge and experience gained would somehow be at least mildly helpful - if not also in my career - at OCS.

But my concern lies in this: Would pushing back that graduation date hurt me in the eyes of my recruiter, and/or would a sooner graduation date have more appeal to a board? I'm crawling through the MEPS process right now, so nothing has been sent to them yet, but I still have to inform my NOR of the major change, and potentially a new graduation date.

TL; DR: Which would be viewed more favorably - civilian work aboard a Navy ship, or graduating sooner?

Trying to get into naval aviation, by the way.

P.S. - I would ask my recruiter, but she is extremely tough to get a hold of. (i.e. she has yet to answer several emails/phone calls, I'm not going to stack this inquiry on top of that)

 

[picklesuit]

I would think an opportunity like this would open some doors to get some recommendations from senior Officers. Also the experience may be very valuable in your life outside of the Navy, especially if you don't get picked up for OCS immediately.

Everyone applying for OCS has a college degree. Not everyone has an internship working with the Navy. I'd strongly consider going to the internship.
Pickle

 

[exNavyOffRec]

I'm a senior in college, and I've experienced a few changes in major, and at this point I'm just looking to be done. My current path, unobstructed, would have me graduating in December 2017. However, today I was offered an internship that would take place next summer. To accept it would push back graduation to May of 2018.

Here's the kicker though - the internship would be for the Navy, to potentially include a stint aboard a surface vessel. This kind of experience sounds fascinating intrinsically. At surface glance, I would think the knowledge and experience gained would somehow be at least mildly helpful - if not also in my career - at OCS.

But my concern lies in this: Would pushing back that graduation date hurt me in the eyes of my recruiter, and/or would a sooner graduation date have more appeal to a board? I'm crawling through the MEPS process right now, so nothing has been sent to them yet, but I still have to inform my NOR of the major change, and potentially a new graduation date.

TL; DR: Which would be viewed more favorably - civilian work aboard a Navy ship, or graduating sooner?

Trying to get into naval aviation, by the way.

P.S. - I would ask my recruiter, but she is extremely tough to get a hold of. (i.e. she has yet to answer several emails/phone calls, I'm not going to stack this inquiry on top of that)

You have a bit of time until you can apply as it is, so if you think you would enjoy the internship do it and if not don't, the main thing they will look at is your ASTB which is excellent and that is a good thing since your GPA is not good at all.

 

[zippy]

Interesting opportunity + youth = go for it. It's only going to make your package stronger and maybe help break you out from the crowd. You may gain a better idea of things you like/dislike about the Navy in the process.

 

[picklesuit]

Interesting opportunity + youth = go for it. It's only going to make your package stronger and maybe help break you out from the crowd. You may gain a better idea of things you like/dislike about the Navy in the process.

Just don't judge all of us by the SWO Navy...

 

[Hair Warrior]

My $0.02: Depends what the internship is. Contracting? Program management? Logistics/supply? And, whatever it is - does it appeal to you?

Also, don't do it solely for the "at sea" aspect. In the civilian DoD world, TDY funding has a way of drying up fast and/or getting diverted to a higher ranking someone. Be mentally prepared to never leave the cubicle and re-gauge your interest levels. If it happens, it's icing on the cake. "Do I still like the cake without icing?"

P.S. Your recruiter is probably looking at your Dec '17 grad date (at earliest) and diverting her time to more urgent matters (other candidates and/or her own life/family at back-to-school time of year). Give her some space. There is a non-zero chance she won't even be doing recruiting when you graduate.

 

[Skywalker]

P.S. Your recruiter is probably looking at your Dec '17 grad date (at earliest) and diverting her time to more urgent matters (other candidates and/or her own life/family at back-to-school time of year). Give her some space. There is a non-zero chance she won't even be doing recruiting when you graduate.

I hadn't intended any disrespect, I was simply trying to stay ahead of the "What did your recruiter say?" crowd.