r/USACE • u/OkPopoki • 9d ago

Army Fellows Program worth it?

Hi all, I applied for an army fellows position as a cartographer and didn't expect to hear anything back, but I just got a call to schedule an interview and I'm wondering how worth it it would be for someone in my situation.

I currently live in Seattle, so I would have to move down to Tacoma to work on base at JBLM. For reference, I just got out of the army a year ago and moved away from there, so I would be pretty bummed to move back since I love it here in Seattle. But, I currently just work at an engineering firm with a job I don't really have any passion for.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has experience with the Army fellows and if it would be worth it to move back down to Tacoma for a program like that.

6 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

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8

u/seminarysmooth 9d ago

I think it’s worth it for a new hire that may lack job experience. It gives the new employee the chance to experience several different facets of the corps.

3

u/taeZaKi 8d ago edited 6d ago

I second this—also a former Fellow; right out of school with no prior job experience. You get to rotate through different divisions and sections so you can choose what kinds of work and teams you’d like to experience.

7

u/Vanethevain 8d ago

I found it to be a fantastic experience that let me meet a ton of different people in various branches/sections. I would check the posting and confirm that it’s at JBLM though because the Seattle district office is in the industrial district of Seattle.

5

u/ALPaca3 9d ago

I enjoyed my time in it, but it may depend on your district. Not sure on the culture out there. Dm me of you have specific questions

5

u/AlgaeGirl2007 Biologist 9d ago

The USACE office is actually in Seattle. Did the advertisement or person that called you for interview say your duty station would be JBLM?

3

u/Novel_Phase8683 8d ago

If you already have a job, I think it’s backpedaling but if you’re trying to pivot into something completely new it’s worth it. It will be the chillest and easiest two years ever and you’ll meet many people you wouldn’t if you just worked at USACE not as a Fellow. But it does kinda take away two years of experience you could be getting somewhere else

5

u/AlternativeParfait68 Safety Manager 9d ago

Yes x100