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Mark, Military College Faculty at U.S. Marine Corps: Advize Career Interview
A childhood dream fueled a path to the United States Naval Academy, leading to a distinguished career as a Marine aviator.
Mastering flight, commanding a large unit, and participating in humanitarian missions like Operation Flight Comfort showcased multifaceted skills beyond piloting.
The career demanded focus, commitment, and intellectual curiosity, culminating in a rewarding transition to teaching and mentoring fellow Marines.
Success in this field requires industriousness, thoughtful action, and a focus on helping others. Unique entry-level opportunities exist within the military, offering valuable experience and future benefits often overlooked.
A key lesson learned: taking care of others fosters mutual support and career success.
This remarkable journey, starting with a fascination for flight and culminating in a fulfilling career shaping future generations of Marines, offers a compelling model for those seeking a challenging and rewarding path.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Mark J. Desens
Military College Faculty
U.S. Marine Corps
U.S. Naval Academy
National Defense University
General Studies / Not Applicable
Aerospace & Defense
Education
Honors Student, Veteran, Student Athlete, First Generation College Student
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Career Path of a Military College Faculty Member at U.S. Marine Corps
Mark's career path began with a childhood dream of becoming a pilot, a fascination that almost hindered academic progress before leading to an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. The Naval Academy path then shifted to a Marine Corps commission, a decision Mark states they "never regretted."
Main Responsibilities Of A Marine Pilot at U.S. Marine Corps
Mark's career as a Marine aviator encompassed mastering flight, leading squadrons, and commanding a 2,200-person unit, with "the most gratifying work" being humanitarian missions like Operation Flight Comfort. The role also involved diverse responsibilities, from maintenance and logistics to Pentagon service, illustrating a multifaceted career path beyond just flying.
A Day In The Life Of A Pilot At U.S. Marine Corps
A Marine aviation pilot's day is highly variable, ranging from "ground job" and simulator training to actual flight missions, all shaped by deployment status and mission demands. Post-mission debriefs are crucial for continuous improvement, making the career a "challenging and different" experience compared to typical office jobs, as the interviewee highlights.
Most Important Skills For A Pilot At U.S. Marine Corps
Mark, a Military College Faculty member at the U.S. Marine Corps, emphasizes that a successful career in aviation demands "focus and commitment," requiring mastery of flight and inclusive leadership, even in solo missions, to effectively collaborate with teams. The career also necessitates continuous learning, making "intellectual curiosity" a key asset for continuous professional development and enjoyment.
Favorite Parts of Being a Military College Faculty at U.S. Marine Corps
Mark's favorite aspect of his career is the ability to "pay back" the mentorship received by helping others grow, a sentiment stemming from a deep love of flying that evolved into a passion for leadership and organizational learning. The retired Marine now finds fulfillment in teaching and mentoring fellow Marines, sharing experiences and fostering their professional development.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Military College Faculty At U.S. Marine Corps
Mark's greatest career challenge, as a U.S. Marine Corps Military College faculty member, hasn't been a specific event, but rather the consistent need for resilience in a demanding profession; however, "I rarely had to face it alone," highlighting the crucial role of mentorship, family, and colleagues in navigating hardship and achieving success.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Military Industry as a Military College Faculty
Mark, a U.S. Marine Corps Military College Faculty member, found the most rewarding aspect of his career wasn't combat, but "missions where you're helping people," such as humanitarian aid. This satisfaction continues in his current role, deriving immense fulfillment from "watching students succeed in class and then watching them succeed in their careers."
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Military, According To A U.S. Marine Corps Faculty
Mark, a U.S. Marine Corps Military College faculty member, identifies four key traits for success in their industry: "a focus and determination," "industriousness," "thoughtfulness"—a capacity for "deep thinking"—and a "bias for action," prioritizing timely execution over perfection. This perspective reveals a strong emphasis on proactive engagement and critical thinking, even under pressure, as essential for advancement within a demanding military environment.
What a Military College Faculty in the U.S. Marine Corps Wishes They Had Known Before Entering Military Service
Mark, a Military College Faculty member at the U.S. Marine Corps, benefited from strong mentorship early in the career, stating that "I was never too surprised," but wishes someone had emphasized the extensive post-service benefits beyond retirement, including educational opportunities, available to veterans. This is a crucial aspect of military service often overlooked by new recruits focused solely on immediate service commitments.
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Faculty in the U.S. Marine Corps
Unlike most professions requiring prior experience, the military prioritizes service needs, often assigning roles based on interest and then providing necessary training; this approach offers unique entry-level opportunities for undergraduates to "gain experience at the same time you're building a future," potentially leading to valuable skills and educational benefits for future civilian careers.
Significant Career Lesson From A Military College Faculty At U.S. Marine Corps
Mark, a U.S. Marine Corps Military College Faculty member, cites "take care of other people and they will take care of you" as a significant career lesson. This simple yet powerful principle highlights the importance of building strong relationships and mutual support within a professional environment.
College Experiences That Helped A Military College Faculty Succeed In The U.S. Marine Corps
Mark's appointment to the US Naval Academy was a "godsend," setting the stage for a successful career path. While initially unaware of the Marine Corps' aviation opportunities, the experience led to a commission and a career choice that Mark describes as "one of the best decisions" made.
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