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PAO or HCA (or...?)

mibny

New Member
Hey folks,

I will be completing a Masters in Public Administration with a focus in Health Care in Spring 2019 and am interested in joining the Navy Reserve, particularly in the role of either Public Affairs Officer or Health Care Administration Officer. My question is twofold: first, is one or the other of these roles either significantly more competitive, currently experiencing a high level of need (or the opposite), or obviously a better fit for someone with my degree? I am having difficulty determining which would be a better fit for me so any information giving an edge to either would be very much appreciated.

And, more importantly, part 2: because I won't be completing my degree until Spring 2019, should I wait until that time is closer to speak with a recruiter? Or are there steps I can take now to start on that path?

I know DCO is super competitive (like, seriously let me know if I’m off my rocker wanting to apply right after graduation) and I am also fully open to suggestions of other roles (unrelated to my degrees but, say, high-need), or even other service branches. These are simply the two jobs that seem most closely related to my degrees.

Bottom line is, I want to serve where I will be most useful. Any advice is appreciated, really. Thanks all!
 

exNavyOffRec

Well-Known Member
PAO requires some type of public affairs experience, news, spokesman for company, etc......

HCA also requires experience, and I believe a Masters is required to even apply.

The DCO program looks for people with experience in the field they are applying, are you eligible for AD? How old are you?
 

FormerRecruitingGuru

Making Recruiting Great Again
Check out HSCP for MSC HCA. It's an opportunity to get some $$$ while you finish your degree. Yes it involves serving active duty after graduation, but it does secure a job for you and you can always transition to the Navy Reserve when you complete your service obligation.

Remove PAO from your dream sheet. For HCA DCO, it's extremely competitive and at times there might not even be a quota for the fiscal year. Most HCA Reservists come from the active duty - to - reserve side.
 
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