Written by Ethan Keyser ’18

Major: Mechanical Engineering

What is the title for your new position? 

Nuclear Engineer: GS-840-7

How did you learn about this opportunity?

I first learned about working for the Norfolk Naval Shipyard through Cadet Tyler Corcoran, he was a member of VMI class of 2016.  He gave me many details about the position when he was completing his own application this time last year.

Where can cadets go to learn more about this opportunity? (Copy and paste the web link to the careers page for recent graduates/interns)

 Here is a Link for applying for jobs at the shipyard.

http://www.navsea.navy.mil/Careers/Join-Our-Team/How-To-Apply/

Here is a link for applying for internships.

http://www.navsea.navy.mil/Careers/Join-Our-Team/Internships/

Additionally, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard usually has a table at the VMI Career Fairs.

What can cadets expect in the hiring process?

For myself personally, the hiring process was very easy.  I went to the VMI career fair in September and brought several resumes.  I gave the representatives at the NNSY table a copy of my resume and talked with them briefly.  They had me set up an interview the following day in one of the study rooms at the VMI Preston Library.  The interview lasted about twenty minutes and we mainly talked about the information listed on my resume.  About three weeks after the interview, I received an offer for employment from the shipyard.

What advice would you give to cadets about researching this company?

There is certainly a lot of good information on the NNSY website.  One thing that I would keep in mind is that although the initial pay is not as competitive as some of the jobs on the civilian market, working at the NNSY is a government job so there are many benefits.  Additionally, the pay increases dramatically within two years of starting the job.