Several questions

[Ryn]

Hi, I'm a new member here.
I've read through the boards here and the DND recruiting site extensively but I still have a few questions.  I do have plans to go to my local recruiting centre to get more info, but I thought if I could find out some answers here it would be great.

My situation:
I'm a 4th year student at the University of Toronto, working on a specialist in East Asian Studies and a minor in History.  I'll graduate spring 2006.  I am interested in going the DEO route in the Air Force.

Questions:
1 - How much does GPA count in the application?  My GPA is pretty average.  Also, does the CF take into account what school you went to?  (ie, grad schools will consider that a lower GPA from UofT, Queen's, etc, on par with a higher GPA from some lower-ranked schools).

2 - Because I'm an arts major, it seems that I'm not actually qualified for many officer jobs...  Everything seems to prefer already specialized degrees in the field (ie, engineering, health care, law, etc).  Can anyone give me an idea of what kind of jobs a bachelor of arts will get you as a DEO?  For example, it says for Public Affairs Officer, a degree in journalism, etc is preferred.  Does that mean I would have no chance at that job?

3 - I actually find many of the NCM jobs a lot more interesting looking... For example, Imagery Tech.  (however, I have found out from reading the boards here that that particular job is difficult to get into).  If I were to go the NCM route, would my BA put me at an advantage or a disadvantage? (I am of course aware of the pay differences and whatnot).  How much "real world" experience are recruiters looking for for NCM jobs?

Thanks very much to everyone who answers.  I really hope I haven't repeated any questions as, like I said, I have read the boards quite a bit here...  But sorry if I have.

 

[kincanucks]

1.  GPA is assessed as part of cognitive ability and along with the Aptitude test score it is assigned a numerical value.  Therefore, the higher your GPA and Aptitude test score the higher the value.  Cognitive ability counts for 30 points out of a total of 90 overall.

2.  Artillery, Armour, Infantry, Pilot, Aerospace Control, and Air Navigator.  You can apply for Logistics, Public Affairs or Health Care Administrator but if you don't have the preferred degree you will most likely not get selected.

3.  Your degree will give you higher cognitive ability points, see 1.  Real world experience unless backed by diplomas, certificates, etc.  counts for very little.  For example my niece worked in a Photo shop for two years and I wouldn't hire her as a Image Tech.

 

[Ryn]

Thanks very much for your answers.

1.  GPA is assessed as part of cognitive ability and along with the Aptitude test score it is assigned a numerical value.  Therefore, the higher your GPA and Aptitude test score the higher the value.  Cognitive ability counts for 30 points out of a total of 90 overall.

Do you know about the second part of my question, whether recruiters will consider the school your BA is from, like grad schools do?

2.  Artillery, Armour, Infantry, Pilot, Aerospace Control, and Air Navigator.  You can apply for Logistics, Public Affairs or Health Care Administrator but if you don't have the preferred degree you will most likely not get selected.

Actually, I'm not qualified for either Aerospace Control of Air Navigator because I don't have "high school leaving (or better) mathematics and science", regrettably...
So I probably won't be able to get any of those other jobs because I don't have the preferred degree, I understand.  I guess I'll research Pilot information (ironically I used to want to go pilot, back in high school, but my interests have sinced changed).

3.  Your degree will give you higher cognitive ability points, see 1.  Real world experience unless backed by diplomas, certificates, etc.  counts for very little.  For example my niece worked in a Photo shop for two years and I wouldn't hire her as a Image Tech.

So if I'm applying for an NCM job, can you suggest some that I might have good chances of getting hired in?  Considering that I only have my BA...  It seems really depressing that I might not have very good chances of getting hired in the CF.

Thanks again for your answers.

 

[George Wallace]

You have been given a list of some of the openings for Officer, that your Degree qualifies you to apply for.  There are others that you may apply for also, but you may have to be selected with special considerations.  You should be able to apply for almost any Trade as an NCM.  There are a few NCM Trades that require special qualifications in order to apply, but there are far more that do not.

Remember that you do not need Academic scores only to apply, you must also meet the Physical requirements and the Security requirements, to be accepted to the CF.

 

[kincanucks]

Do you know about the second part of my question, whether recruiters will consider the school your BA is from, like grad schools do?

Not considered.

So if I'm applying for an NCM job, can you suggest some that I might have good chances of getting hired in?  Considering that I only have my BA...  It seems really depressing that I might not have very good chances of getting hired in the CF.

I am only saying that you may score higher in cognitive ability than most NCM applicants.  Most trades only require Gr 10 so what do you want an engraved invitation?

 

[Pieman]

Actually, I'm not qualified for either Aerospace Control of Air Navigator because I don't have "high school leaving (or better) mathematics and science", regrettably...

If it is something you really want to do, then upgrade your High School or arrange to get the equivalent from your university.

There are plenty of people who have BA History degrees in the CF doing various jobs.

 

[Ryn]

Do you know about the second part of my question, whether recruiters will consider the school your BA is from, like grad schools do?

Not considered.

So if I'm applying for an NCM job, can you suggest some that I might have good chances of getting hired in?  Considering that I only have my BA...  It seems really depressing that I might not have very good chances of getting hired in the CF.

I am only saying that you may score higher in cognitive ability than most NCM applicants.  Most trades only require Gr 10 so what do you want an engraved invitation?

I am asking because it seems like there are some "unofficial" requirements for some of the NCM occupations.  For example, like I said, I'm interested in the Image Tech job.  The listing on the recruiting website says there are no real qualifications beyond things like "must be able to work in emergency conditions" and whatnot.  But from reading around on these forums, it seems like it is a very difficult job to get hired as and if you do not have a certificate or applicable experience as a photographer, it is extremely unlikely to get hired.  I was just wondering if it is like this for most of the NCM trades.

 

[Ryn]

You have been given a list of some of the openings for Officer, that your Degree qualifies you to apply for.  There are others that you may apply for also, but you may have to be selected with special considerations.  You should be able to apply for almost any Trade as an NCM.  There are a few NCM Trades that require special qualifications in order to apply, but there are far more that do not.

Remember that you do not need Academic scores only to apply, you must also meet the Physical requirements and the Security requirements, to be accepted to the CF.

I am aware of the other requirements other than just Academic.

Thanks a lot for your response.

 

[Ryn]

If it is something you really want to do, then upgrade your High School or arrange to get the equivalent from your university.

There are plenty of people who have BA History degrees in the CF doing various jobs.

Honestly I am not a very scientific/mathetmatically minded person, hence why I didn't take those courses beyond the requirements for high school graduation.  I was hoping to find jobs that will hire people of the arts persuasion.

Thanks a lot for your reply!

 

[acclenticularis]

I would just go down to your local recruiting centre and talk with someone there.  There are loads of NCM jobs that you could apply for.  However, where do your interests lie?  You should be able to match your interests to an occupation in the CF.  As you have no doubt noticed, NCMs sometimes eventually go the officer route later on in their careers.  Also, there are ample opportunities in the CF for educational assistance etc.  If you need to upgrade math or whatever.  You should have a look at some of the videos online or at the recruiting centre which describe the various trades.

 

[kincanucks]

I am asking because it seems like there are some "unofficial" requirements for some of the NCM occupations.   For example, like I said, I'm interested in the Image Tech job.   The listing on the recruiting website says there are no real qualifications beyond things like "must be able to work in emergency conditions" and whatnot.   But from reading around on these forums, it seems like it is a very difficult job to get hired as and if you do not have a certificate or applicable experience as a photographer, it is extremely unlikely to get hired.   I was just wondering if it is like this for most of the NCM trades.

Well for some "easy" occupations it is always very competitive because there are normally less positions available but for "hard" occupations like Combat Arms and hard sea trades it is less competitive because there are lots of positions available.

 

[acclenticularis]

Sorry ... you posted as I was writing my response ... ignore the upgrading math bit. 

 

[GO!!!]

Well for some "easy" occupations it is always very competitive because there are normally less positions available but for "hard" occupations like Combat Arms and hard sea trades it is less competitive because there are lots of positions available.

I'm not being facetious, but can I have an example of an "easy" trade? Maybe a remuster is in order...  ;D PM if necessary.