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Colleen, Meteorology and Oceanography Officer at United States Navy: Advize Career Interview
An impressive journey through the Navy unfolds, starting with a pivot from chemical engineering to meteorology, fueled by mentorship and resilience.
A typical day involves balancing immediate operational needs with long-term planning, all while communicating effectively and integrating diverse information sources.
The role requires a multifaceted skill set, prioritizing communication, integrity, perseverance, and open-mindedness.
A career as a Meteorology and Oceanography Officer provides unique opportunities to witness the beauty of the ocean, forge strong connections within a supportive community, and experience a sense of purpose.
Challenges exist in balancing personal well-being with dedication to the role and navigating complex communication landscapes.
Success comes to those prioritizing innovation, integration, and creating opportunities for others, constantly advocating for personal and professional growth.
Valuable lessons include the importance of self-advocacy, networking, and strategically navigating a male-dominated environment.
Entry-level positions range from support roles to fleet weather centers, with diverse career paths and continuous learning opportunities.
This career path offers a dynamic and rewarding experience for individuals who are passionate about meteorology, service, and personal growth.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Colleen Wilmington
Meteorology and Oceanography Officer
United States Navy
University of Kansas
Naval Postgraduate School
English, Writing & Education
Government
Operations and Project Management
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Veteran, Student Athlete
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Career Path Of A Meteorology And Oceanography Officer At United States Navy
Colleen's career path began with a Navy ROTC scholarship at the University of Kansas, initially aiming for chemical engineering, but family hardships led to changing majors and feeling like "I had not only failed my myself, but I had failed my unit, who I was assigned to"; however, with the support of mentors, Colleen commissioned as a surface warfare officer with a meteorology option. After serving on the USS Nimitz and the USS Fitzgerald's collision altering career trajectory, Colleen transitioned to meteorology, gaining experience at the Naval Oceanography Anti-Submarine Warfare Center in Japan and the Naval Ice Center, before pursuing a master's degree at the Naval Postgraduate School.
Main Responsibilities of a Meteorology and Oceanography Officer at United States Navy
Colleen's main responsibilities as a Meteorology and Oceanography Officer in the Navy are to "find out what the problem is" for those needing meteorological support and provide a solution based on expertise or by seeking external resources, highlighting the service-based nature of the role. Further, responsibilities include mentoring new officers, ensuring they earn qualifications, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of new applications to better support the fleet.
A Day In The Life Of A Meteorology And Oceanography Officer At United States Navy
While Colleen has not yet served as a carrier strike group meteorologist, preparation for the role includes waking up early for self-care before "Morning Revel" and planning meetings, and requires flexibility to adapt to evolving missions by "checking email across multiple domains" and standing watch for 3-6 hours, dedicating time to studying areas for improvement and preparing for the next day. A carrier strike group meteorologist aims to provide the most relevant support possible, balancing immediate operational needs with long-term planning and continuous learning.
Key Skills For A Meteorology And Oceanography Officer At United States Navy
For a Meteorology and Oceanography Officer in the Navy, Colleen emphasizes communication as crucial to ask the right questions and adapt as missions evolve, further stressing the importance of integrity to be seen as subject matter experts while also acknowledging limitations; ultimately, perseverance and open-mindedness are required to handle uncertain information and integrate novel approaches into existing practices, showing how multifaceted the position is.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Navy Meteorology And Oceanography Officer
Colleen, a Meteorology and Oceanography Officer in the Navy, most enjoys the opportunity to experience the beauty of the ocean firsthand, noting that "sunsets at sea" rival even those in her Kansas homeland. Additionally, Colleen values the "integration" fostered by working with diverse individuals united by a common mission, an experience that builds a unique sense of camaraderie and mutual support.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Meteorology and Oceanography Officer at United States Navy
Colleen, a Meteorology and Oceanography Officer in the Navy, identifies communication and information application as the biggest challenges in the role because those factors "can decide whether we offer the right support", requiring intentional communication to fulfill the role's requirements; furthermore, as a meteorologist within the information warfare community, understanding how to communicate needs without overstepping boundaries to attain necessary information from other specialists, each with "a little piece of the pie", presents a significant hurdle.
Favorite Parts of Working in the United States Navy as a Meteorology and Oceanography Officer
Colleen most enjoys the connections forged through shared experiences within the Navy and meteorology fields, noting that while the industry seems large, it's surprisingly small, and these connections offer opportunities for growth and support, reminding them "that you are part of a much bigger organization". Colleen values learning about the journeys and hardships of others, recognizing that this shared understanding fosters camaraderie and resilience, especially during challenging times like deployments.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Military Industry, According To A Meteorology And Oceanography Officer At US Navy
Colleen, a Meteorology and Oceanography Officer in the Navy, believes individuals who thrive in this field understand that "the industry is bigger than themselves" and actively work to improve it. Career success comes to those who prioritize innovation, integration, and creating opportunities for others, rather than focusing on "their own personal gain."
What a Meteorology and Oceanography Officer at United States Navy Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Military Industry
Colleen wishes someone had told her that over-dedication to the Meteorology and Oceanography Officer role, while driven by a "you get out what you put in" mindset, can be detrimental to one's well-being and relationships. A commanding officer's advice to find balance, realizing "you can be replaced", shifted Colleen's perspective toward prioritizing self-care and personal connections to ensure long-term sustainability in the demanding industry.
Entry-level Jobs for Aspiring Navy Meteorology and Oceanography Officers
Colleen highlights that entry-level meteorology positions in the Navy for those with a bachelor's degree range from "support" roles like down-road meteorologists on ships to providing support at fleet weather centers or working at the fleet numerical center. The Navy's meteorology officer pipeline is not linear, leading to diverse career paths where individuals go to different commands and gain experience in various environments.
Significant Career Lesson From A Meteorology And Oceanography Officer At United States Navy
As a Meteorology and Oceanography Officer in the Navy, Colleen has learned the importance of being own advocate, emphasizing that "if there is something that is important to you... you have to speak up" to someone who can speak on behalf, even if it's simply asking questions that others may be hesitant to ask, ensuring needs are met and growth is achieved. This approach helps individuals support themselves by pursuing passions and ensuring the message gets spread effectively.
College Experiences Helping a Meteorology and Oceanography Officer In The United States Navy Succeed
To prepare for a career as a Meteorology and Oceanography Officer, Colleen took the only oceanography course available and fostered relationships, including mentorships with prior military personnel at various jobs, such as at Joe's Crab Shack and Home Depot, emphasizing that mentorship isn't about constant communication, but rather "letting people know that when you need them, you will be there," highlighting the importance of networking and diverse perspectives.
How Identity Has Influenced a Meteorology and Oceanography Officer at United States Navy's Career
As a female officer in the Navy, understanding the historical context of women's limited presence since World War II is key, but Colleen learned early in their career that it is critical to avoid pigeonholing oneself into descriptive tendencies such as gender or race and instead strategically choosing which aspect of their identity to emphasize in order to best achieve objectives and serve their family, the Navy, and future female officers. This multifaceted approach, considering "where and when and how hard to fight," allows Colleen to navigate a male-dominated field effectively, deciding if a particular issue is something that "making a fuss will fix," and to provide enlightenment and make a difference.
Advizer Personal Links
linkedin.com/in/colleen-wilmington
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