Coast Guard In-demand Careers

[madison86]

My grandson is attending UCSD, with a focus in Urban Planning & Development.  Although he entered 2 years ago with a scholarship in Engineering, he found Urban Planning more to his liking.

He is ardent about joining the Coast Guard after graduation, but quite frankly, I don't see a correlation between Urban Planning and the Coast Guard.  What specialties are most in demand that would give him a leg up upon entering the Coast Guard?  At this time, he is even contemplating making the Coast Guard his career, but he needs to find a fit that will dovetail his interest with the Coast Guard.

[Baiardo]

Delru,

Thanks for the question.  Your grandson is ardent about joining the Coast Guard...well what is it that drives him to the Coast Guard?  As far as specialties I think you mean college majors...in that case is Science, Math, Engineering and Technology.  With the exception of the Direct Commissioned Program(Lawyers, Physicians Assistants, Aviators, Engineers) all other CG Officer specialities are staffed from the officer corps at large(Surface Operations, Shore Operations, Marine Safety, etc.)  What will give him a leg up in his application process is a STEM degree, leadership experience, good physical fitness, insightful letter of recommendation that are personal and not industrial and a well written personal statement.

Respectfully,

LCDR John M. Fiorentine USCG