After College

[HyperDrive 0]

So, I'm sure a lot of you don't know me at all, but that's ok. I stopped participating in STSF about 4 years ago when I started my undergrad studies.

 

Well, now it's nearly four years later, and I'm about to graduate... but with no idea what I want to do. The fact is, I went to a liberal arts school, which has left me with a wide array of interests, but no set direction. I'm a chemistry major, but I'm not necessarily sure that I want to do chemistry with my life, so I don't know if chem grad school is where I want to be next year.

 

So, I've reached a dilemma. I think I'd like to teach at some point in my life, but not right now. Obviously, I have a huge interest in space, science, and trek-like things, but I'm also interested in international relations, communications, transportation, among others.

 

Basically, I'm seeking recommendations. I'm probably going to apply to Teach for America, and maybe something else that would help me prolong deciding about life. But, I'd love to just jump into something I know I'd love. (Anyone know of a spaceship that needs a chemist? ;) ) I've even thought about going and getting an MBA, and just starting my own research company or something like that. (Dream big, right?)

 

Anyway, I just thought I'd throw something out here and see if anyone knew of something I was overlooking. Suggestions are welcome!

[Atragon9 0]

Hey, what about Astrobiology? It sounds like just a small step away from a Sci Fi job we read about in lots of our favorite fictions, Xenobiology, but this is real!

 

There is NASA's official page at astrobiology.nasa.gov

 

From there you can find links to different degree programs including a graduate program from Penn State University!

(makes me want to go back to school!)

[HyperDrive 0]

Interestingly enough, I've actually been looking at that some. There are still only a few such programs in existence, though, and they're highly competitive, but I've considered applying to some. The ones I know of off hand are at Penn State, U. Washington in Seattle, and Arizona State. There are a few other schools (such as Harvard) that kind of/sort of have programs.

 

I've also thought about getting a masters degree in physics, and then trying to get into space telescopy or something similar.

[JJLexi 0]

So, I'm sure a lot of you don't know me at all, but that's ok. I stopped participating in STSF about 4 years ago when I started my undergrad studies.

 

Well, now it's nearly four years later, and I'm about to graduate... but with no idea what I want to do. The fact is, I went to a liberal arts school, which has left me with a wide array of interests, but no set direction. I'm a chemistry major, but I'm not necessarily sure that I want to do chemistry with my life, so I don't know if chem grad school is where I want to be next year.

 

So, I've reached a dilemma. I think I'd like to teach at some point in my life, but not right now. Obviously, I have a huge interest in space, science, and trek-like things, but I'm also interested in international relations, communications, transportation, among others.

 

Basically, I'm seeking recommendations. I'm probably going to apply to Teach for America, and maybe something else that would help me prolong deciding about life. But, I'd love to just jump into something I know I'd love. (Anyone know of a spaceship that needs a chemist? :blink: ) I've even thought about going and getting an MBA, and just starting my own research company or something like that. (Dream big, right?)

 

Anyway, I just thought I'd throw something out here and see if anyone knew of something I was overlooking. Suggestions are welcome!

 

Speaking from places I know and work/have worked with. There's the AFRL (Air Force Research Laboratory) up at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio. Check either USAjobs (the civil service jobs site) or the General Dynamics website (the main contractor over there).

 

There's the Missile Defense Agency. They were the same job fair I was at last week, they're looking for bodies.

 

When you check USAjobs, there might be some jobs out at Edwards AFB in California. There's always freaky stuff going on out there. You can also see if Lockheed is hiring at Skunk Works, or Boeing is hiring at Phantom Works.

 

There's Los Angeles AFB which a space and missle systems center

 

Kirtland AFB in New Mexico has a space test wing.

 

Peterson AFB in Colorado is Space Command.

 

Pax River, MD is a big Navy test site, lots of freaky stuff there, too.

 

JPL in Pasadena is also a spot.

 

As you can see, my experience lies with the military. ;)

 

This list is not completely exhaustive, of course. Its just what I could think of while I sit here on my break. With all of those places, you can probably find stuff on the USAjobs site. Or you can do a little digging to find some of the research companies (uber-massive, or small businesses) that support those bases. Most larger companies should have some sort of junior engineer/scientist program that could help pay for a masters (Cal Tech and Johns Hopkins are programs that have partnerships like that off the top of my head).

 

Hope this helps.

[HyperDrive 0]

Thanks Lexi! I'll look at usajobs later and see what I can find. I definitely haven't ruled out doing something with the military, especially since they get all the cool gadgets and such. Thanks for the help!

[will_marx 0]

Thanks Lexi! I'll look at usajobs later and see what I can find. I definitely haven't ruled out doing something with the military, especially since they get all the cool gadgets and such. Thanks for the help!

 

If you're looking for a civilian military employee or contractor position, most of them require a security clearance, at minimum a Secret clearance, and anything brand new, hush-hush secret squirrel s**t requires a Top Secret. A Secret Clearance requires a NAC/NACI (National Agency Check/ National Agency Check w Inquiries) that goes back 5 years and a credit check, and is good for 10 years. A Top Secret investigation goes back 10 years, and is good for 5 years. Anything higher than Top Secret you're going to be investigated up the wazoo. The questionnaire is designed so that you can provide explanations for any "Yes" answers; just be honest about any narratives you need to add.

[Leila Kalomi 0]

Thanks Lexi! I'll look at usajobs later and see what I can find. I definitely haven't ruled out doing something with the military, especially since they get all the cool gadgets and such. Thanks for the help!

 

Yes, the Airforce has a stargate, you know.

 

It's a shame our Trekkiness isn't a paying job rather than being a lawful waste of time. ;) Sooo, good luck with the graduation, HyperDrive.