I considered the nuclear navy program in 1986/1987 as a college junior, looked like an interesting opportunity. There were 3 tracks (not the official terms):
+ nuclear operator on a ship or submarine
+ nuclear school instructor
+ naval nuclear reactor program manager
I qualified for the "naval nuclear reactor program manager" and went to San Diego to tour a nuclear submarine, then a few months later flew to DC. The local university recruiter accompanied me both times. Nobody told me much what the "naval nuclear reactor program manager" work involved because they really didn't know and couldn't say. I finally had a chance in DC to talk to someone who actually did the work, and the fit didn't seem quite right at the time -- I'd be traveling a lot to GE, Westinghouse, etc., and reviewing designs, change management, etc., -- not a lot of original work. The few days before the meeting I'd been wavering every hour or so. Had they caught me a few minutes before or after, who knows, I might have decided differently. I felt sorry for the recruiter.
Of course, I was naïve at the time -- nobody, especially in nuclear, starts off with original work.
I count that as one of the four or five big forks in my own "destiny".
edit: the naïve part.
Of course, I was naïve at the time -- nobody, especially in nuclear, starts off with original work.
I count that as one of the four or five big forks in my own "destiny".
edit: the naïve part.