Navy PAO Nov 2024 Board

[bd97]

Hello all,

Looking to get into the Navy’s PAO program. On paper, I feel that I am a strong candidate, but I wanted to be sure I am including the right things on my portfolio to set myself apart from others.

I scored a 40 on the OAR, graduated in 2021 with a 3.3 w/ my Bachelor’s in Communication, and for the last 3 years have worked in a management position at a nonprofit in my community, wearing many hats to improve the program I am in charge of and achieve desired outcomes.

I guess my main question is, what are the chances that I get into the PAO program? I know it is a small and tight knit community, so if anyone could share with me their portfolio from when they submitted their packet, or just what was generally on it outside of what they tell you to add to it online, I’d really appreciate it. It feels like not directly doing PA will hurt my chances, so I’m trying to gauge that beforehand.

I have already been cleared for active duty through MEPS and filled out my Background Check form as well, so the next step is making sure my portfolio is put together in time for my interview with the panel.

 

[WorldWar33.3]

Hey man, you have a pretty good GPA, but I recommend you take the OAR again to get your score up and be more competitive. PAO is an extremely competitive program. So much so, that very few get picked up, most of them enlisted Mass Communication Specialists (MC rate).
I too am a Communication graduate, but I didn't keep a portfolio with the radio stations I worked with. My career ended up going a different direction, which worked well for me.
I really hope this works out for you and speak with a PAO who knows what he or she is doing in terms of helping you out with your application!
Good luck!!

 

[exNavyOffRec]

Hello all,

Looking to get into the Navy’s PAO program. On paper, I feel that I am a strong candidate, but I wanted to be sure I am including the right things on my portfolio to set myself apart from others.

I scored a 40 on the OAR, graduated in 2021 with a 3.3 w/ my Bachelor’s in Communication, and for the last 3 years have worked in a management position at a nonprofit in my community, wearing many hats to improve the program I am in charge of and achieve desired outcomes.

I guess my main question is, what are the chances that I get into the PAO program? I know it is a small and tight knit community, so if anyone could share with me their portfolio from when they submitted their packet, or just what was generally on it outside of what they tell you to add to it online, I’d really appreciate it. It feels like not directly doing PA will hurt my chances, so I’m trying to gauge that beforehand.

I have already been cleared for active duty through MEPS and filled out my Background Check form as well, so the next step is making sure my portfolio is put together in time for my interview with the panel.

Honestly very slim chance, nearly all the PAO's they select are current or prior MC's. They rarely select people who have no military experience and those that they do have had experience in TV, radio or public affairs for large companies.

They prefer current or prior MC's enough that they have at times only accepted those who are AD.

Your OAR doesn't need a waiver so go with it.

MEPS doesn't medically qualify applicants for officer positions, that is only NRC or specifically N33.

I would also look at SWO that is almost a guaranteed selection.

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

Hello all,

Looking to get into the Navy’s PAO program. On paper, I feel that I am a strong candidate, but I wanted to be sure I am including the right things on my portfolio to set myself apart from others.

I scored a 40 on the OAR, graduated in 2021 with a 3.3 w/ my Bachelor’s in Communication, and for the last 3 years have worked in a management position at a nonprofit in my community, wearing many hats to improve the program I am in charge of and achieve desired outcomes.

I guess my main question is, what are the chances that I get into the PAO program? I know it is a small and tight knit community, so if anyone could share with me their portfolio from when they submitted their packet, or just what was generally on it outside of what they tell you to add to it online, I’d really appreciate it. It feels like not directly doing PA will hurt my chances, so I’m trying to gauge that beforehand.

I have already been cleared for active duty through MEPS and filled out my Background Check form as well, so the next step is making sure my portfolio is put together in time for my interview with the panel.

@exNavyOffRec beat me to the punch, as usual. Low ish GPA along with a very low OAR you’re not doing much favors.

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

Hey man, you have a pretty good GPA, but I recommend you take the OAR again to get your score up and be more competitive. PAO is an extremely competitive program. So much so, that very few get picked up, most of them enlisted Mass Communication Specialists (MC rate).
I too am a Communication graduate, but I didn't keep a portfolio with the radio stations I worked with. My career ended up going a different direction, which worked well for me.
I really hope this works out for you and speak with a PAO who knows what he or she is doing in terms of helping you out with your application!
Good luck!!

lol wat?

 

[bd97]

Honestly very slim chance, nearly all the PAO's they select are current or prior MC's. They rarely select people who have no military experience and those that they do have had experience in TV, radio or public affairs for large companies.

They prefer current or prior MC's enough that they have at times only accepted those who are AD.

Your OAR doesn't need a waiver so go with it.

MEPS doesn't medically qualify applicants for officer positions, that is only NRC or specifically N33.

I would also look at SWO that is almost a guaranteed selection.

Appreciate the response! I am definitely looking into the SWO route as another option.