A passing thought on postponed graduate study

  • Thread starter Thread starter anonymity
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Graduate Study
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the considerations and implications of taking a significant break (5-10 years) between undergraduate and graduate studies in technical fields such as mathematics, engineering, and physics. Participants explore the potential challenges and experiences related to joining the navy as an engineer and the impact of such a decision on future academic pursuits.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that taking time off for military service can be successful, citing examples of individuals who have transitioned back to academia after a significant break.
  • Concerns are raised about the challenges of returning to a student lifestyle after being accustomed to a steady income, as well as the potential changes in personal circumstances (e.g., family responsibilities) that may complicate the decision to return to school.
  • Participants express worries about skill degradation during a long absence from academic study, which could hinder performance in graduate school.
  • One participant shares a personal anecdote about a friend who transitioned from a navy career to becoming a physicist, indicating that non-traditional paths are possible.
  • There is a recommendation for the Navy NUPOC program as a viable option for those interested in technical fields related to mechanical engineering.
  • A participant mentions their interest in the NR position within the NUPOC program and seeks insights from others who have experience with it.
  • Another participant notes a graduate student who successfully transitioned from a 20-year Air Force career to pursuing a PhD in physics, acknowledging the potential challenges of the gap in education.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that it is possible to return to graduate studies after a significant break, but there are multiple concerns and uncertainties regarding the implications of such a decision. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best strategies to mitigate potential challenges associated with this gap.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight various personal circumstances and experiences that may influence the decision to return to graduate studies, but there is no consensus on how to best address the potential challenges of skill degradation or lifestyle changes.

anonymity
Messages
162
Reaction score
0
Hello,

I am a second year undergraduate studying maths and mechanical engineering, and am considering my post-graduation prospects.

One such prospect is joining the (US) navy as an engineer. This is not set in stone, but it is a possibility. The program I am looking at entails a 5 year obligation.

If I do join the navy for this program, it is very unlikely that I would be "career navy" -- ie, I would leave after 5 years. Graduate school seems a likely path at some point, but I am not sure if it is realistic to take this sort of time away from academics and then to return (presumably for a PhD).

So, is it unreasonable to take 5-10 years off between undergraduate and graduate studies in a technical field, such as maths, engineering, or physics?

PS: this navy job would not be any advanced engineering design. It seems that it would, however, be similar to an entry level job in the private sector. Assume that I would be working on something entirely unrelated to what I would be going into grad school for...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
People do this successfully.

The obvious concerns are:
(a) once you get used to bringing in a steady paycheque, going back to a student lifestyle can be tough,
(b) you're generally at a different stage of your life 5-10 years after undergrad - potentially with a spouse and children and so big decisions like that may not be yours entirely to make, and
(c) if you don't keep up with your skills in some way, you're likely to see them degrade over time and will struggle in graduate school to bring them back up to the level they need to be at.
 
A friend of mine who went to UNSW said his physics professor was in the navy as a diver until he was 28 then decided to become a physicist.

So, it happens. You may be labelled as a *gasp* non-traditional student.
 
I'd recommend the Navy NUPOC program if you want to still do something technical and IT's related to Mechanical Engineering!
 
Choppy said:
People do this successfully.

The obvious concerns are:
(a) once you get used to bringing in a steady paycheque, going back to a student lifestyle can be tough,
(b) you're generally at a different stage of your life 5-10 years after undergrad - potentially with a spouse and children and so big decisions like that may not be yours entirely to make, and
(c) if you don't keep up with your skills in some way, you're likely to see them degrade over time and will struggle in graduate school to bring them back up to the level they need to be at.

I am really only concerned about (c). If I go back to grad school it would be under the condition that it makes sense at that point in my life. I doubt it would be enough to stop anyone who would otherwise have been able to finish their PhD or masters, but i do worry that it would be at the least mildly detrimental (the time off). What could someone (in the general sense) do to avoid major trouble?
crazyisraelie said:
I'd recommend the Navy NUPOC program if you want to still do something technical and IT's related to Mechanical Engineering!

NUPOC is actually the program that I am looking at! Are you applying/have you been accepted to it? I would really like to talk with someone who's been involved with it and could provide some insight.

I'm looking at the NR position because of its technical nature.
 
anonymity said:
NUPOC is actually the program that I am looking at! Are you applying/have you been accepted to it? I would really like to talk with someone who's been involved with it and could provide some insight.

I'm looking at the NR position because of its technical nature.

I have considered applying to it if my college funding goes sour (Federal Grants and loans), but currently no. I have a lot of friends who went through it (Who are currently getting their Bachelors in Nuclear) and loved the program.
 
I work with a graduate student who was in the Air Force for twenty years. She is now pursuing her PhD in physics. It is definitely possible, but I would imagine the gap in between might hurt you.
 
crazyisraelie said:
I have considered applying to it if my college funding goes sour (Federal Grants and loans), but currently no. I have a lot of friends who went through it (Who are currently getting their Bachelors in Nuclear) and loved the program.

Do you know what path they went, by chance? (NR engineer, instructor, line officer)
 

Similar threads

Other Extra Year of Study for Graduate Physics Research: A Possibility?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Admissions Sincerely seeking graduate school admission advice
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
Studying Should I pursue a masters degree after 4.5 years working in IT?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Admissions Graduating a year early anxieties + grad school
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Programs Maximizing Grad School Opportunities for Astrophysics After Military Service
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Admissions How to improve graduate school applications after college?
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
4K
Admissions Advice to enhance my profile for grad school
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Programs Trying to decide what program to study (physics or engineering)
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Admissions What are my chances of being admitted into good graduate schools?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Admissions Minimum GPA & GPA-Importance for Top PhD Programs
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
6K