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."
Leadership, Humanitarian Aid, Military Service, Higher Education, Mentorship
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, Aviation & Defense
Education
Honors Student, Veteran, Student Athlete, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Working in the military provides opportunities to help people through humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
2. The most satisfying missions often involve doing good for others, not just combat.
3. There is satisfaction in supporting students and watching them succeed in their careers after graduation from the program.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your industry?
What I enjoyed most as a young officer was certainly the flying. That's what I came in for, and it was everything I hoped it would be.
I flew helicopters. I chose that over flying jets because I love infantrymen, though I was never tough enough to be one. So I did the next best thing and carried them around whenever I had the opportunity, supporting them throughout my whole career.
However, the greatest satisfaction didn't come from combat missions. It came from other missions where you're helping people: humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, technician support, things like that where you could actually do good for people.
The American military, in particular, is interesting. The people who join don't do so because they want to shoot at people. They join because they want to make things better for the country.
Therefore, the most gratifying missions for anyone are usually the ones where you can do good for others. I think we all like that. That might be an odd thing to hear from a Marine, but there are two sides to all of us.
You also get satisfaction from helping others professionally and supporting people as they move forward in their careers. I still get that satisfaction with my students, watching them succeed in class and then watching them succeed in their careers after graduation.