Is it hard to get into a career college?

CAREER/SEABEES HELP......how to join and also get a college degree?

• i have been tossing up the ideas of joining the seabees and getting an education through them or going to college and getting a degree......i do want to pursue a career in the construction industry.....either being an architect or electrician one idea i had was to go to college and study for a degree to be an electrician or other major and then when i finish college join the seabees....but then i heard that the seabees pay for college so i have another idea... i was thinking that after i graduate high school i could join the seabees and learn about being an electrician or whatever job i have (whatever i can actually get) and then after 4 (or maybe 6) years when my active duty is done, go to college to get a degree please, my guidance counselor doesnt understand what the seabees could provide for me so i need advice from actual seabees or construction workers....please someone give me some help.

• Answer:

  As you know, your life is your's to plan, just about any plan is good as long as you are happy with it. With that said I will tell you some details that may be helpful to your decision. I think it will be helpful if you clarify to yourself how and why you want military involvement. Seabees aren't exactly an internship program. It is a lifestyle which you will commit to a good portion of your life. You will risk your life and you probably never worked so hard (and have fun) in your life. But then again, if you want to be a patriot, etc. it may be a good fit. Even better if you want career in the military. Here's why... GOING TO SEABEES THEN COLLEGE OPTION Military to civilian life transformation is always a bump. While the Navy pays for your college, you are 4-8 years behind everyone else (if this matters). But you do have the pride of having served the country... but at the same time you may feel under-appreciated for your service. I know lots of people that complained while in the military that "this is hard life" but then after they became civilian.. they say "civilian life is hard.. i miss the military life." GOING TO COLLEGE THEN SEABEES For most people I would recommend if you can go to college, doing this first... the reason is not only did you get to enjoy college life at its prime age like everyone else (so u didn't miss out), when you join the military... you become an OFFICER. More benefits, more pay, and more respect (high rank). YOU CAN EVEN JOIN AN NROTC program where the navy will PAY for your college... you go to college.. graduate then become an officer for the Navy (seabees). This may be of some interest to you. But then again, this option here does not mean you become an architect or a construction worker as a civilian until 10-12 years later (including time at college and military). Your career ladder starts a bit late despite the advantage of seabee experience giving you a heads up. GO TO COLLEGE, NO SEABEE This option may be best if you simply want to become and architect ASAP and start building a career. Which is why I asked first, is there a reason why you want to add Seabees to your life? So as you can see it's really, Why do you want to join the Seabees? Don't get me wrong, we are awesome. But while it does make getting into the career easily... it will slow things down for a long time before getting it picked up. Not to mention risking your life.