What to do after EWS, NFAS Instructor, MTS, BSAST, MSM

[bmoney2223]

Typical 8 year EM1(SS). I have qualified EWS, Master Training Specialist, served as an instructor at NFAS, completed Thomas Edison's BSAST "useless" degree and am 4 classes away from graduating with a Masters of Science Management degree from TESC. I have the option of obtaining a graduate certificate in Project Management, Homeland Security, Human Resources Management, or Organizational Leadership with those last 4 classes. Do any one of those sound interesting to the civilian side of the Nuclear world or should I just pick one and hit CIVLANT running like any other 8 year Navy nuke and work my way into a job like everyone else?

[co60slr]

Typical 8 year EM1(SS). I have qualified EWS, Master Training Specialist, served as an instructor at NFAS, completed Thomas Edison's BSAST "useless" degree and am 4 classes away from graduating with a Masters of Science Management degree from TESC. I have the option of obtaining a graduate certificate in Project Management, Homeland Security, Human Resources Management, or Organizational Leadership with those last 4 classes. Do any one of those sound interesting to the civilian side of the Nuclear world or should I just pick one and hit CIVLANT running like any other 8 year Navy nuke and work my way into a job like everyone else?

You lost me at "useless degree", so, perhaps you should just reenlist until you figure it out.   

If you think your "pieces of paper" are just that...then no one else will think otherwise.

[JustinHEMI05]

I took the "useless" as in "this is what people on here say about it a lot but I know that it isn't really useless."

Anyway, instant SRO if your EWS was for real and not a parting gift. You need to have been STANDING WATCH for 2 years at least.

[tselby]

Typical 8 year EM1(SS). I have qualified EWS, Master Training Specialist, served as an instructor at NFAS, completed Thomas Edison's BSAST "useless" degree and am 4 classes away from graduating with a Masters of Science Management degree from TESC. I have the option of obtaining a graduate certificate in Project Management, Homeland Security, Human Resources Management, or Organizational Leadership with those last 4 classes. Do any one of those sound interesting to the civilian side of the Nuclear world or should I just pick one and hit CIVLANT running like any other 8 year Navy nuke and work my way into a job like everyone else?

Sometimes I wonder about this exact thing, I chalk it up to the point at which we all are in society. A product of society as of now,,,,,, I am not trying in the least to stop you from joining the ranks of civilian nuclear power.......... I just wonder why you didn't do the research first before just coming in and asking a question? I ask this because if you had, you would have been armed with tons of helpful information gleamed by individuals who came before you.

Do the research, select what is best for you, and go for it!!

PS Showing the where with all to actually do the research will take you far, it shows people here and people who just may be looking that you have the desire and will to try and learn and it will lead to your acceptance among the rank n file much quicker.

[Fermi2]

In other words show some initiative and use the search function.

[co60slr]

I don't think any of us answered his question.   I'm also not sure he'll find his answer via NW Search.

Why did he not go to prototype and qualify EOOW vice going to the NFAS day job?

Let's assume he knows that he doesn't need a MSM to become an NLO/RO/SRO...what does he want?  Commercial management position?  DOE position?

Maintenance Superintendent?  He'll be competing with retired Master Chiefs with 20+ years of supervisory/management experience.  Normally internal hires for this?

RP Manager?  Maybe...if he had ELT background.

QA Manager?  No experience with major evaluations or audits.

Training Instructor?  Maybe.  I've received many emails for AP1000 instructor positions...."previously licensed/certified SROs are preferred".  Doesn't need that MSM or any cert paper stapled to it.

Anyone hiring someone with 2 years of navy supervisory experience and a project management certification to be a Project Manager?  No, he has no commercial experience or project management experience.  I don't know...maybe Westinghouse and AP1000 managers need a field supervisor? 

Step 1:  What do you want to do?   Commercial Nuclear Power Career?  DOE Career?
Step 2:  How do you plan on transitioning your knowledge from NNPP to Commercial?   (Hint: NLO/Instant SRO)
Step 3:  Job Search.  Don't limit yourself to any geographical location.   Go read 100 job announcements to see what prereqs and quals go with various positions. See what different utilities are looking for for their positions.
Step 4:  If you don't know, consider using a National Recruiter, who's expertise is matching your talent with their customers.  They get paid to do this and understand the market.
Step 5:  Have a few different resumes.   One for maintenance manager, one for SRO, one for non-nuclear opportunities.
Step 6:  Look at non-nuclear opportunities.  Many nukes are getting into management with your type of credentials.
Step 7:  Start networking.  Find out where your peers went and how they're doing now.
Step 8:  Never stop networking.
Step 9:  Find out which companies like to hire ex-Navy and which ones don't and hire within.  (Don't waste your time fighting to get in somewhere that doesn't hire your peer group).
Step 10: Don't wait for your MSM completion.  "In Progress, Expected graduation date of 6/2011".  GPA: 4.0".
Step 11: Leave your sarcasm (e.g., "useless degree") out of your professional job search discussions.  I'll take you as seriously as you present yourself.  Given that, it's not clear why I just spent 15 minutes of my life typing this.

Does anyone else have "job search strategies" for the 1000+ people that are likely going to read this thread with this headline?  Maybe it's time to put together this document to educate, inform, and recruit talented guys that our industry needs.

[JsonD13]

I would surmise that if he went ahead and is almost done with his masters degree that he may not be as typical as you think.

Jason

[co60slr]

the OP answered that with his opening statement;

Not that there is anything wrong with that, albeit I surmise it answers your question Co60,....

I knew the answer.  However, I'm always curious why they pass up the opportunitiy to qualify EOOW as an enlisted.   Do the E-6/8yr and out guys understand that "typical" not only means getting passed over for advancement to CPO, but it also answers the question to "Am I going to get a 6 figure management job?"

What the OP can go search on here is postings that talk about writing your resume before you get to the 7 year, 364 day point.   If you have taken the path of least resistence and then woke up on morning deciding to collect your DD-214, then you get what you're prepared for.  However, this OP's academics seem to be a bit more in order than the "typical".

Now they have something more to "Google" here when the next "8 and out" PO1 comes asking. 

Co58

[JsonD13]

Well played sir.  .  I would tend to agree that if you have 8 years in the TESC and excelsior degrees are more common, but against a 6 year nuke they are pretty rare (or at least were 2 years ago).  Since most of his competition should be against the 6 and out types (8 years in the military doesn't really prep you to be a good supervisor IMO), he would tend to stand out.


As an EM1, my bet that he would be pushing for Ops or Electrical Maintenance, not necessarily competing with somone with actual engineering degrees.  But then again in this job market who knows!


Jason

[bmoney2223]

Thanks to everyone who did not answer my question, but I am enthused by the fact that there is as much sarcasm in the civilian sector as there is in the Navy. For the two people that actually read and attempted to answer my question.... Thank you. When I say "useless" degree, I am merely quoting you "Nuclear Apostles". My real question was (excuse my separating it from the main body of text)


"Are any of the aforementioned areas of expertise (i.e Project management, human resources management, organizational leadership) more beneficial to some of the managerial positions in CIVLANT or should I not waste my time because you "Salty Dogs" of the real world could care less because it is a cookie cutter Masters degree.     <-------- The question that I originally asked.

I still have almost 2 years left at NFAS and am looking to better myself. I am not your typical "8 and out" guy. Sure I have the same qualifications that you see on a day to day basis but I am searching for something to set me apart from the "typical" guys that you continuously rip apart on this forum. I did my forum reading, searching, exploring and felt that my question had not been asked and if it had, no one could see past putting that person on "you didn't search" blast. So once again, to the two people who read past the first two sentences.... Thank you.

[co60slr]

I am not your typical "8 and out" guy. Sure I have the same qualifications that you see on a day to day basis but I am searching for something to set me apart from the "typical" guys that you continuously rip apart on this forum.

How are you not the typical?

If you have the same qualifications, what search is going to lead you down a road to fame, gold, and glory that your peers before you failed to find?

Again, what do you want to do?  What do you want to find that the "typical guys" failed to notice?

Your MSM doesn't set you apart from anyone in Commercial Nuclear Operations.   What job are you looking for?

Otherwise, a few more factoids to go with your attitude.  1)  There are people here that have forgotten more about the NNPP than you figured out in 8 years as an EM1.  2)  Some of those same people have already transitioned "to the other side" and are making pretty darn good money.  3)  A handful of those people are more than willing to help out a weary traveler.

So, cut the BS and explain how we can help.  Otherwise, mosey on to another Forum and try your hand there.  The sarcasm is the same because the nuclear industry is populated with people you went before you 20-30 years ago.  We have ET2's that got out in 1989 and are now senior managers.  

I don't need to see your resume.  EM1, 8 years, NFAS.  Got it.   Now, do you want a commercial career or not?

Co58

[co60slr]

No,...

Yes.  It's been done.

[co60slr]

I'm sure it has, and colorblind conventional MM's have become nuke MM ELT's,....

the averages are against a typical 8 year and out ELT walking into an RPM job straight out of the Navy at any commercial power facility,...

If we're going to switch from absolutes to probability, I'll agree 100%.  However, based on my experience, it's more probable that one would find a hot-running ELT/RCT that lands a management job, than someone who was able to get a color-blindness waiver.   I work with the former...never seen the latter.   Your serve.

We're back to "typical" though and why our illuminated OP considers himself "above average".

[co60slr]

edit (don't ask me what I was thinking)

6pt font? 

[JsonD13]

Just throwing this out there, but I really don't think its quite possible for an 8 year and out ELT to become an RPM.  RPM requires three years of professional applied HP experience (NUREG 1.8 ), which technician level experience (if your'e not an E-7 your'e a tech), doesnt get you.


Jason

EDIT:  space inserted between the 8 and ) to get rid of smiley face.

[co60slr]

Just throwing this out there, but I really don't think its quite possible for an 8 year and out ELT to become an RPM.  RPM requires three years of professional applied HP experience (NUREG 1., which technician level experience (if your'e not an E-7 your'e a tech), doesnt get you.

I didn't say "the" RPM.

[JsonD13]

True, I made the assumption based off of what MARSSIM had said.

[co60slr]

True, I made the assumption based off of what MARSSIM had said.

All good.   And for the record, I have never seen a Navy Nuke get hired straight into a senior management spot.   (Wait...caveat...other than DOE, INPO, and O-6s into Defense Contractors).  I have seen several get their foot in the door and end up there 2 years later.   That's not unheard of...some guys are hotrunners in the Navy, and then out of the Navy.   Their secret?   1)  Aggressive, 2) High Energy, 3) High Intellect.    Everything else works itself out.

None of them came to Nukeworker asking for us to put a $1 in their hat.   Put a sign around your neck, log into Nukewoker..."Soon to be exNavy Nuke...can you spare some free advice?".  This website (and others) are simply one avenue of research where you hope your new anonymous friends are steering you in the right direction.  A good nuke always double-checks data and validates. 

The point for the OP is that there are jobs out there to be had in 2010.   I still think it largely depends on networking, timing, and luck.   It has NOTHING to do with if you have a "homeland security certificate" or "human resources certificate".  Since he didn't show up here asking Master's Program advice, there's not much we can do there.

[tselby]

Typical 8 year EM1(SS). I have qualified EWS, Master Training Specialist, served as an instructor at NFAS, completed Thomas Edison's BSAST "useless" degree and am 4 classes away from graduating with a Masters of Science Management degree from TESC. I have the option of obtaining a graduate certificate in Project Management, Homeland Security, Human Resources Management, or Organizational Leadership with those last 4 classes. Do any one of those sound interesting to the civilian side of the Nuclear world or should I just pick one and hit CIVLANT running like any other 8 year Navy nuke and work my way into a job like everyone else?

I'll give it a shot, attitude or no attitude and i'll break it down for you. Typical 8 year EM1(SS). You have grouped yourself as typical, this being said everyone on this forum will accept you as typical what you should have done is sold us on your not being typical but more qualifed than the rest, and you should have been specific in doing so. A way to do that is to have shown some initiative especially on doing your own research, it will help you and show us that you have the beginings of what it takes to be in our industry.

completed Thomas Edison's BSAST "useless" degree this degree is not useless, although it is becoming more and more common the degree itself does help you Mr. Typcial in transitioning into the Civilian nuclear industry. Masters of Science Management degree from TESC this degree inturn will also assist in you in your endeavors.

I have the option of obtaining a graduate certificate in Project Management, Homeland Security, Human Resources Management, or Organizational Leadership with those last 4 classes. Do any one of those sound interesting to the civilian side of the Nuclear world or should I just pick one and hit CIVLANT running like any other 8 year Navy nuke and work my way into a job like everyone else? This is the point where as stated below you have to choose by your own research what it is you want to do after your typical 8 yr navy career. This is the point where your initiative will set you apart. You have to remember it is your life and your career and you must choose it. The people of this forum, me included are not going to choose your career path for you, you can choose anyone of the above listed Master degrees. In some form all will help you, depending on what you want to do as a career after the navy. If you desire a management role at a nuclear power company than project management may be the right one, Human Resources and Homeland Security may not be. The point being is YOU MUST DECIDE ON WHAT IT IS YOU WANT TO DO, THEN CHOOSE THE RIGHT MASTERS. We will not do that for you.

So from this 20yr retired MMC/SS with an SRO license to you Mr Typical 8yr EM1/ss EWS, I would 1.) choose a career path, 2.) Get your Masters, 3.) shelve the attitude 4.) and show some initiative in making decisions about your own career.


P.S. A lot of the civilian nuclear industry is looking for well qualified individuals with experience I say this because 8yrs sometimes is not the amount of experience they are looking for. If you read a lot of the job postings from various nuclear companies they are looking for more experience. This being said you may have to like most start you career aspirations a little lower and work your way up, like most (me included) have done before you!!

[bmoney2223]

Well, here we are almost 2 years later. I took SOME of the advice from you fine fellows and finished my MSM and did not do a single certificate. I started testing and interviewing with various companies and eventually signed on with Duke Energy as an Aux Operator. I decided that I want to start at the bottom and work my way to wherever I make it. I learned one lesson from being in the navy and that was to enjoy a semi-good deal while you have it. So my plan is to learn as much about the plant while making $30/hour and see where that takes me.

[ToadSuck]

Which plant...

[bmoney2223]

Which plant...

Oconee