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.
Military Service, Veteran Benefits, Mentorship, Adaptability, Professional Development
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. Mentorship is crucial for success in a military career. Mark emphasizes the importance of having mentors who can provide guidance and support.
2. Flexibility and adaptability are essential qualities for military professionals. The military environment is dynamic, and the ability to adjust to changing circumstances is vital.
3. Military service offers substantial benefits beyond just a paycheck. Veterans often receive significant educational benefits and other forms of support that contribute to their post-military success. Don't overlook these benefits when considering a military career.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
That is a question I'm probably not well qualified for. At the time I came into the service, the generation around me, dads, uncles, teachers, they'd all served in the military. So I had lots of mentorship about it, and it was a profession that was encouraged.
I think I was well encouraged coming in. Maybe I wasn't the brightest guy about what to expect as a plebe at the Naval Academy, since I brought a tennis racket with me. But I had good mentorship along the way, so I was never too surprised.
I'm kind of a roll with the punches guy, so I didn't mind it when things changed a bit. You certainly have to be flexible in most professions, but certainly in the military profession, you have to be flexible. I didn't have a lot of surprises.
Once I got my bearings, I paid attention, looked into things, and studied. I made sure I was a lot smarter as I went along. The thing I didn't know coming in, I don't think most people come into the service thinking about their retirement benefits.
Most people come into the service thinking they're going to serve for a few years, and then they'll get out and do something else. But over time, I realized that it wasn't just retirement, but the benefits you get from the country for having served, even if only for a few years. There are tremendous educational benefits and things like that.
You shouldn't come in just thinking about what you can get out of it. But you do get repaid very well as a veteran in this country. So that's a nice thing, and it serves you well after you leave. And it's nice to be able to say that you're a veteran.