My schedule alternated between 2 days a week and 5 days a week, so some weeks I had 5 days off but I still got paid for the whole month, as it's salary based.
What I wish was different
I wish I weren't working 12hr night shifts the entire time, but it really could've been worse (see above).
Advice
I think a lot of people don't know about the Navy Reserves going in to college and miss out on, not only a good paying job for a college student with health and tuition benefits, but also an amazing networking experience. I'd share that the reserves of any branch of the military could do wonders for a student currently in debt or who would like to stay out of debt. It is worth the initial 2-6 months needed for training. The work you are willing to put in after that is what you will get back out of your experience.
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Mechanical Engineering Intern
July - August 2018 • Yorktown, VA
What I liked
The people. The work was exciting, self motivated
What I wish was different
Maybe a little more in the department of engineering, and less drafting
Advice
Well worth the wait
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Aerospace Engineering Intern
May - August 2019 • Point Mugu Nawc, CA
What I liked
I can't talk about my job outside of work
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
You need to be patient and persistent
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Scouting
January 2018 • Columbia, SC
What I liked
Benefits
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
If you're currently serving, make it a career and dont miss out on the retirement benefits.
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Student Trainee
May - August 2018 • Patuxent River Naval Air Sta, MD
What I liked
Lots of learning experiences, as well incredibly knowledgeable experts in their field.
What I wish was different
With people that are incredibly experienced in their fields, most of them aren't the most personable of people, as well as they don't adjust to people that aren't incredibly knowledgeable and experienced especially well if you don't remind them constantly.
Advice
This is honestly a job where your experience is what you make it; no one in the government is going to say no to an intern trying to get experience unless it's a matter of security, where the intern truly isn't allowed to know about the topic.
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Mass Communication Specialist
June - July 2018 • JB Pearl Harbor Hickam, HI
What I liked
Producing photo, video, graphic design, and journalism needs for the public affairs needs for exercise Rim of the Pacific.
What I wish was different
More work and longer duration. Only spent a month during the shore phase of the exercise, but was able to meet and connect with a multitude of different service members from different countries.
Advice
The United States military offers an array of different jobs and career paths for those graduating or looking for something different. I love my job as a Mass Communication Specialist, and as I currently serve in the reserves, I am able to finish my degree while keeping my media production skills sharp and current.
1
One person found this helpful
Surface Warfare Officer
May 2018 • San Diego, CA
What I liked
What I wish was different
Advice
It’s tough and very different from things like school, but it’s incredibly rewarding at the same time.
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Operator
December 2011 • Virginia Beach, VA
What I liked
Serving my country, having a job that I can come home every day and say I’m proud of.
What I wish was different
Finished college prior to joining. If I had done well enough there, I could’ve gone through the officer program.
Advice
Don’t take college for granted. That experience won’t be the same later in life.
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Aviation machinist mate
December 2016 • Lemoore, CA
What I liked
Team work
Diversity
Challenge
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
Do it, it is absolutely the best thing you'll ever do for yourself and your country
