That Guy Who Introduces Himself with a New Topic on a Forum

[MattNUKE75]

Hey everyone! I'm sorta new to the world of Nuclear Engineering and the employment stuff and all that. I saw this website had strong links to the Navy NUPOC Program, so I figured I could introduce myself. 

My name is Matt. I'm in my early 20's, and I'm a Junior in college, majoring in Physics at GA Tech. I'm very interested in a career in the Nuclear Navy, specifically NUPOC, and I've been finishing the application/ waiting for the phone interview as of late (the last few weeks).

I'd love to hear you all's thoughts, in general. About NUPOC, your experiences, any tips/ recommendations, what the industry is like, what it's like after you leave the Navy, etc. . I'd really just like to listen. haha

[ArthurRyan]

Congrats on the soon to be Physics degree!  That will defiantly give you a leg up on the competition.  I'm not very familiar with Nuclear Navy.  Just wanted to wish you good luck with you all your endeavors.   

[samakb]

Not a NUPOC candidate, but I'm currently being processed into the enlisted nuclear program so hopefully I can help.  If your recruiter had not already given you the gouge, I found a helpful link below on the Nukewarriors forums, which contains the solutions to most of the sections in the NUPOC study guide.  Have a look and good luck!

http://www.nukewarriors.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=236

[MattNUKE75]

Thank you, both of you! I appreciate the welcome, and look forward to correspondence in the future. Btw, I went crazy and downloaded all of those pdf's you showed me in the link. Appreciate it!

Yeah, as far as NUPOC is concerned... I have a 3.18 GPA right now... I'm hoping that should be enough to stay competitive. I'd really like to blow the interviews out of the water though, to be honest. 

Also, are either of you two A) Nukes or B) Nuclear Engineers that could give any advice about the industry? Anything would be helpful.

[HydroDave63]

Yeah, as far as NUPOC is concerned... I have a 3.18 GPA right now... I'm hoping that should be enough to stay competitive. I'd really like to blow the interviews out of the water though, to be honest. 

What is your backup plan if it is not competitive?

[samakb]

Being a Junior you still have a semester or two to bring your GPA up as high as possible.  I've listed some links on Nukeworker that talk about NUPOC competitiveness.

http://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,26793.0.html
http://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,27709.0.html

I'm not yet a Nuke or even a Nub so I can't give you any credible advice other than to continue digging in the forums.

[ArthurRyan]

Physics is a tough degree.  Most employers will have some idea of the time you invested to obtain your degree.  I would not be so concerned with your GPA.  You will find out that most people in the Nuke World do not have a degree.  Just years of experience.



   

     

[MattNUKE75]

What is your backup plan if it is not competitive?

Get my GPA up, try again. Or Grad school. There's always that. Or get a job. The good thing is, my recent classwork is well above 3.2... it's around 3.4. I just had a rough first semester at Tech.

[MattNUKE75]

Being a Junior you still have a semester or two to bring your GPA up as high as possible.  I've listed some links on Nukeworker that talk about NUPOC competitiveness.

http://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,26793.0.html
http://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,27709.0.html

I'm not yet a Nuke or even a Nub so I can't give you any credible advice other than to continue digging in the forums.

Yeah the good thing is, I'm a transfer student, so my GPA is only affect at GA Tech by my grades at Tech. Also, my phone interview is supposed to be soon (my recruiter tells me).

[gsamelon]

Your GPA may be OK, it will just depend.  Your interviews will have little bearing on you getting into NUPOC.  In my opinion, they are a formality to see if you don't absolutely choke when being asked technical type questions.  Your GPA is what gets you an interview.  Like all things, you can't get in unless you apply.  Give it a shot, I have seen guys with lower GPA's and non-technical degrees get in.

As far as NUPOC goes, it's the biggest scam out there - and what I mean by that is there is no better deal for a guy in college.  They pay you a sick amount of money and all your time counts towards your 20 years and pay grade.  If you recruiter is slimy like mine was, he will make sure that the next NUPOC guy from the recruiting district is a referral from you so you get a promotion to E7 and more pay.

Good Luck!

[MattNUKE75]

Your GPA may be OK, it will just depend.  Your interviews will have little bearing on you getting into NUPOC.  In my opinion, they are a formality to see if you don't absolutely choke when being asked technical type questions.  Your GPA is what gets you an interview.  Like all things, you can't get in unless you apply.  Give it a shot, I have seen guys with lower GPA's and non-technical degrees get in.

As far as NUPOC goes, it's the biggest scam out there - and what I mean by that is there is no better deal for a guy in college.  They pay you a sick amount of money and all your time counts towards your 20 years and pay grade.  If you recruiter is slimy like mine was, he will make sure that the next NUPOC guy from the recruiting district is a referral from you so you get a promotion to E7 and more pay.

Good Luck!

Wow. Good advice. I appreciate the good wishes! Yeah I've already applied and everything. Let's Hope - I've heard that this program opens many doors into the nuclear field.

[MattNUKE75]

Well, I just submitted my transcript to my recruiter... hopefully this should start moving soon! I'll let you all know more as it develops!