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Career decisions are the worst..

bassist11

bassist11

Jul 14, 2009
95
4
Grand Forks, North Dakota
#1
So I'm about to graduate from college in 3 weeks with a degree in Unmanned Aerial Systems Operations. Basically the industry where I'd like a job is in it's birthing stages and there really isn't a whole lot out there right now. However, there is huge potential for some high paying jobs someday. If you've been paying any attention to "drones" and that sort of thing you might understand a little bit where I'm coming from..

So I've been job searching like crazy over the last few months with no luck. Not the "sorry we found a better candidate" type of no luck, just no word from these companies at all. I have however come across a lot of jobs that involve actually getting in the planes and flying. Some of them sound pretty exciting and fun.

Question is... Do I hold out and hope for a job in my field? Do I just take some of these "out of career field" jobs to start building experience? Does it really matter in the long run as long as I'm paying the bills and I'm happy?

I'd love some feedback from those of you who have had to make these choices before.
 
#4
bassist11 said:
So I've been job searching like crazy over the last few months with no luck. Not the "sorry we found a better candidate" type of no luck, just no word from these companies at all. I have however come across a lot of jobs that involve actually getting in the planes and flying. Some of them sound pretty exciting and fun.
Click to expand...

That's fairly standard these days. They'll often have a bit mentioning that if you haven't heard in 6 weeks that you've been rejected.

Have you tried contacting the companies to get feedback re- your applications?

Have you had a chance to discuss your CV or Resume? Or the application techniques for online or form based applications? Maybe there are glaring issues?

Even something as basic as spelling mistakes can get your paperwork binned.

Have you done anything else in the field? Just having a degree is rarely enough, everyone applying for these jobs has a degree too, so it's the extra stuff that stands out.
 
#6
Finding a good position takes alot more than two months in the new economy. I am in a specialized field and took me two years to find a position that i truly enjoy. Look far and wide for work. Most regional and state pd's are starting to use this technology, you'll do well. If you can't find work in your direct field, look at paralell industries, look to build experience while you continue your search for the dream job.
 
#9
bassist11 said:
So I'm about to graduate from college in 3 weeks with a degree in Unmanned Aerial Systems Operations. Basically the industry where I'd like a job is in it's birthing stages and there really isn't a whole lot out there right now. However, there is huge potential for some high paying jobs someday. If you've been paying any attention to "drones" and that sort of thing you might understand a little bit where I'm coming from..

So I've been job searching like crazy over the last few months with no luck. Not the "sorry we found a better candidate" type of no luck, just no word from these companies at all. I have however come across a lot of jobs that involve actually getting in the planes and flying. Some of them sound pretty exciting and fun.

Question is... Do I hold out and hope for a job in my field? Do I just take some of these "out of career field" jobs to start building experience? Does it really matter in the long run as long as I'm paying the bills and I'm happy?

I'd love some feedback from those of you who have had to make these choices before.
Click to expand...
Well, here's my suggestion. It's not 100% bulletproof so that's that.

Since you have a degree, sign up to get into US Army as an officer, not enlisted. You'll go to OTC which is boot camp for officers. Then, you'll become an second lieutenant when you are done with OTC. You can try to get into a branch that is involved with technology. So down the road as in a couple of years with a military background and an unmanned aerial systems operations degree, you'll have a top secret clearance and then you may be able to get on board with a military contractor, i.e. private company who is hired by the US gov't. Or you may be able to get on with the CIA with your subject matter expertise. Depends.
You can do what all your classmates are doing. Send your resume to companies involved in aerospace technology.
 
#11
placedesjardins said:
Well, here's my suggestion. It's not 100% bulletproof so that's that.

Since you have a degree, sign up to get into US Army as an officer, not enlisted. You'll go to OTC which is boot camp for officers. Then, you'll become an second lieutenant when you are done with OTC. You can try to get into a branch that is involved with technology. So down the road as in a couple of years with a military background and an unmanned aerial systems operations degree, you'll have a top secret clearance and then you may be able to get on board with a military contractor, i.e. private company who is hired by the US gov't. Or you may be able to get on with the CIA with your subject matter expertise. Depends.
You can do what all your classmates are doing. Send your resume to companies involved in aerospace technology.
Click to expand...

A pretty smart move here. Lots of benefits available with this route (student loan reimbursement, healthcare, etc.). My wife wanted to go this route but she's a little too old.
 

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