Currently applying. Still undecided on career choice.

[DefconZero]

Hey guys,

So new user here . Been reading up a lot while I've been filling out my application.

Finishing off grade 12 and hoping to get on the ROTP boat for Civvy U -> Mechanical Engineering.

I only have a couple things left to fill out (some info from my references, the essay on the last page on why Civvy vs RMC) and the main thing being the career choice.
I've looked through the vids on the forces site for the engineering choices, I've talked to my brother who's also in the CF, I've talked to a recruiter, and I'm still stumped on what I want to choose.

I've basically narrowed it down to EME, NCS, AERE, MARS and CELE (in that order), but am still having trouble making my final decision. I love my mechanics, love my electronics, love my computers, and all that good stuff, so the positions I've listed all fit that.

I've searched on here for *personal opinions* regarding these careers and haven't got much, so was hoping I could get some of that.

Thanks,

Wes

 

[gcclarke]

Well, I'm the holder of a Mech. Eng degree from the University of Calgary, currently employed as a NCSEO (That's Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officer for those out there listening). Mind you, I went DEO vice ROTP, but that's only because I hadn't decided that I wanted to join the Navy until after I was in 3rd year.

I like life as a Naval Technical Officer. I like sailing, but I'm not going to be forced to sail enough that I'll ever get sick of it. There are worse ways to enjoy a sunset than from the mast of a warship at sea, fixing a radar. Port visits are always fun. During one year the last time I was posted to ship, we got some free trips to San Diego (2x), Hawaii (3 Different islands), Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Campbell River, and Seattle.

The typical NTO will spend 3.5 - 4 years posted to a sea-going unit, with a possible couple extra years if you go back for a 2nd Head of Department Tour on one of the Destroyers, and also the possibility of being posted to one of the two Sea Training establishments, who typically spend more time sailing than the majority of ships.

To date, I've found the job both intellectually challenging and stimulating. Yes, you'll get some boring days, and yes you'll get your share of paperwork, but let's face it, the same will be said of virtually any officer trade. The training is challenging, but not in a "possibility of breaking your body" type of challenging.

I had originally enrolled as a Marine Systems Engineer, as that was what the folks at the recruiting centre has told me would be the "best fit" with my degree. Technically they were probably right about that, but during basic training I made the switch to CSE just because I figured the material would be more interesting, and I'd learn more. Guns and missiles and radar and sonar. More fun than gas turbines and chillers and lube pumps!

So anyways. I found my trade to be a good fit.

As for MARS. Well, unless your dream for years has been to one day be the commanding officer of a warship, I'd advise against it. MARS is a trade where you either love it, or you hate it, and frankly, I've seen too many friends either wash out or release because they hated it. Simply because you didn't put MARS first on your priority list, I'd suggest you remove it entirely.

I can't really say too much about EME or AERE or CELE, other than to point out that naval uniforms, including the mess kit, look sexier.