Fresh out of school

[nick1985]

Recently I graduated with a BA in History and a BA in Anthropology. Ive thought about going to grad school for a masters to possibly teach college, Ive thought about trying to get a full time job somewhere...I have ran a few scenarios through my mind and to be honest nothing really apeals to me. I know life isnt meant to be fun and games, but I just dont know if I want to do any of these things; at least right now.

What I have started to think about lately is joining the Marine Corps. I was browsing their website and checking out what they offer and there is a few questions I couldnt find on there that maybe someone on here can answer. I know the military pays for college when you get out, but will they pay for my debt that I incurred before I join? How long would I have to stay in the marines? They werent very clear on what their sign-up commitments were. The reason why I am posting these questions here instead of contacting a recruiter is...well...Im afraid of what my parents would do If they found out I was considering this. Yes, Im 22 and should not be afraid of my parents, but I am just worried they would somehow be dissapointed in me. Also I have a GF that I have been dating for 4 years and Im not sure how that would go over.


Anyway I guess Im just looking for any advice, and If anyone has some answers to the questions I posted that would be cool too.

 

[funkymatt]

uh, we're at war. voluntarily joining the military right now may not be a good idea. go to grad school if you have the time to do it. get an intership.

 

[Ameesh]

Well a BA in History qualifies you for a job at Starbucks and a BA in Anthropology gets you right in at Tullys so you already have two sloid options

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: Ameesh
Well a BA in History qualifies you for a job at Starbucks and a BA in Anthropology gets you right in at Tullys so you already have two sloid options

Sad but true. I know a guy who got a bachelors in History and then he got a graduate degree (not sure in what). He works retail for $7.50 an hour.

 

[ChaoZ]

All signs point to teaching as your only option.

 

[Gunslinger08]

I really don't understand people who don't plan out their life a little better than this. If you don't end up getting a masters or a doctorate, you've wasted your time and money.

 

[nick1985]

Originally posted by: joshsquall
I really don't understand people who don't plan out their life a little better than this. If you don't end up getting a masters or a doctorate, you've wasted your time and money.

Something I have been thinking about for a few years now is the possibility of working in the CIA. I have done some research and without police/military training getting in is extremely difficult. I figured the marines could be a way to knock out 2 birds with 1 stone; clear my debt and allow me to get my foot in the door.

 

[thehstrybean]

Keep going. I'm getting my BS in Anthropology and my minor in History, then getting my masters in Archaeology and my Ph.D. in it as well.

Look into contract archaeology if that interests you (being anthro it might). You'd be a paid digger or surveyor, but I'm doing it this summer and it pays well...

 

[halik]

Armed forces. Now you know why everone made fun of your major for the past 4 years.

 

[nick1985]

Originally posted by: halik
Armed forces. Now you know why everone made fun of your major for the past 4 years.

Maybe I should clear this up a little...I am not thinking about joining the Corps because I feel I am at a dead end. I am thinking about doing it because it would give me the experience I would need for a position in the CIA, and also serving your country isnt all to bad either.

 

[sunzt]

Teacher is your only non-deadly option for decent cash... OR... you can play stocks!

 

[Regs]

Sorry to troll but all I got to say is welcome to life..spending a lot of time trying to figure out what you want to do.

Most people will actually agree.

 

[nick1985]

Originally posted by: Regs
Sorry to troll but all I got to say is welcome to life..spending a lot of time trying to figure out what you want to do.

Most people will actually agree.

Nah your not trolling. I know figuring life out isnt easy for everyone, I am just at a crossroads in my life and am trying to figure out a good way forward.

 

[wetcat007]

Right now i'd avoid the military... I guess you should ask yourself what interests do you have that would be applicable towards jobs? A college degree is still a college degree... Should still be able to find something for you out there, although might not have a good selection.

 

[Greenman]

There is a lot to be said for doing a couple years in the Marines. Instant respect from most people, and bonus points when you're looking for a job.

 

[Willoughbyva]

If you join the Marines then you will probably go to the middle east. I would do something else. If you can afford to, and can do well in a masters program then do that. You have more options than those 2 fields of study for a masters.


Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Perry

 

[Special K]

What about law school or non-military government jobs?

 

[RollWave]

2nd for LAW SCHOOL! It opens up a ton of different options.

 

[geckojohn]

You should travel and enjoy life for a few months... maybe you might find a good opportunity while you are traveling...

 

[jackace]

As far as the military paying for college I'm pretty sure you can pay off existing student loans, and because you already have a college degree you might be able to join as an officer and have your students loan paid upon joining. Talk to a recruiter if you are serious about the military they will be able to best answer all those questions.

 

[RallyMaster]

Uh....wow. History and anthropology? Two seemingly useless majors....yeah, you're going to be working at a Kroger for the rest of your life.

 

[nonameo]

Don't listen to all of these bozo's that say you picked the wrong degree path.
College is about money if you go to make money.
College is about experience if you go for the experience.
College is about partying and banging if you go to party and bang.

I think you get the picture.

 

[AlgaeEater]

You need to ask yourself if joining military is right for you considering it's financial incentives are really what is drawing you in for it. My friend who graduated with a degree in computer engineering joined the Navy to get his masters degree paid off... and well he never went back to school ever again. He loves the Navy and serving his country, and I give him a lot of props for that. He's going to be a lifer in there now and to him college and civilian life almost seem like a lifetime ago.

You've gotten two degrees, and that's an accomplishment in itself. Even if you don't see yourself being a teacher down the road, it's certainly not an option you should throw out the window. Also it sounds like you're in a typical burn out of school. A lot of people get that in our age group (22-24) because since pre-school until now it's all been school the entire way. I think you need a break from your rut to get you out of your indecisiveness.

Student loans are things the military specifically likes using as an incentive to enlist, so even if you choose that route make no mistake that's the least of your problems if you do join.

 

[Toonces]

Originally posted by: nick1985

Originally posted by: halik
Armed forces. Now you know why everone made fun of your major for the past 4 years.

Maybe I should clear this up a little...I am not thinking about joining the Corpse because I feel I am at a dead end. I am thinking about doing it because it would give me the experience I would need for a position in the CIA, and also serving your country isnt all to bad either.

Freudian slip?

Come teach English in Japan with me! You just need a BA; check out the JET programme or apply though a 3rd party like Interac.


Edit: Plus you`ll learn Japanese that will help immensely with any future aspirations with the CIA or any internationally-focused gov`t agency

 

[destrekor]

as far as the military goes... since you have your BA(s), I know through the Army that would qualify you to enter OCS (Officer Candidate School) after Basic... not sure what kind of time is in-between the two, but its an option they speak of. That's kind of what I am doing with ROTC, except I do some training during school as well for it.
I know the National Guard advertises that they will pay 100% tuition, and up to a certain amount of debt from student loans that you've racked up. So, if you are interested in the military, its not a bad option. But don't join for the money. Those are the guys I DON'T want fighting next to me, as they don't seem to have the same heart in the matter. But do what you want.
Talk to a recruiter, and talk a hard line to get the straight facts. If you push a recruiter in a certain direction, they will stop the BS and give you the facts. It's just more or less how you get to that point (some recruiters, the ones I have talked to, are not bad at all... some are horrible), and how much you have to sift through to get to the point. They'll give you a lot of rather meaningless information, with the facts being wrapped around by what they think you want to hear to get you to join.

Another bonus of military: the military will pay for advanced schooling, such as your Masters degree. But if you don't your heart set for the military, I recommend not joining. Doing it for the money and going to war is not something you want to burden yourself with. Maybe, at best, join a reserve component with a job that's not likely to be deployed to hostile territory. If you don't fear the idea of war and would love to be in the military, then please do.
its all about what you really want in the end. Me? the money will be nice, but that's not my drive. I am looking to actually serve a career in the Army and retire out of it. However, this is if I truly like it once I am active. ROTC is so boring. lol