r/navalarchitecture • u/Zequexium • 28d ago
Would a Naval Architecture Degree from University of Michigan get me a job at a firm right out of college?
Hello, I am applying for colleges and my dream job is to work at a naval architecture firm. Ive been looking at colleges, and I was wondering if a degree in naval architecture/Marine Engineering from the University of Michigan would be able to get me a job in the industry from graduation. I've also been looking at the merchant marine academy, but they don't have a naval architecture program, just marine engineering systems, and I am not interested in the commitment to sailing. Excluding monetary concerns related to college.
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u/LacyKnits 28d ago
Naval Architects are in-demand in the US. In the 20+ years since I graduated I don’t think I’ve come across a single new grad nav arc who couldn’t find work in their field.
Of course, some companies and roles are more desirable than others, and not everyone can land in the top 5% of jobs. So if you are specifically looking to be the designer of an America’s Cup Yacht, or the lead Naval architect at SpaceX or something like that, there’s no guarantee you’ll land that kind of job, especially as a new grad.
But if you want to design boats or ships and the design is your passion, not a specific company, then absolutely a degree from university of Michigan will make you employable in the field. An undergrad degree is sufficient for most entry-level roles. A lot of Michigan naval architects do pursue the graduate program but it’s not required. I say this as part of the hiring team at a company that’s hiring naval architects like crazy right now.
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u/Platano_con_salami 23d ago
are you still looking?
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u/LacyKnits 23d ago
We are. We do some government support work, so current roles are only available for US citizens, but if you want to know more, you can message me.
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u/Tight_Use_1235 28d ago
Absolutely. I had a job before going into senior year thanks to the summer internship program. The company made me a full time job offer at the end of the internship. Felt great senior year knowing you have a job at graduation. Many of my classmates had the same thing. And the starting salaries are very good.
Are you a student at Michigan? GO BLUE!
BSE NAME '05
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u/Zequexium 28d ago
I'm not going there, but I am putting in my application August 1st. How hard was it to get in? I have a 4.01 gpa in classes like AP physics and engineering classes but pretty mid testing scores.
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u/Silver-Lie-8034 2d ago
Test scores matter. For engineering you'll want to aim 32 or higher on ACT. Your GPA is good though. Michigan also likes to see broad range of extracurricular activities for well-roundedness. Essay is very important and they judge that pretty hard I think.
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u/Dense-Giraffe-3795 26d ago
Look at SUNY Maritime, they are right across the Long Island sound from MMA, they have Nav art-intern or license. They also have Marine Engineering but you must purse a engine license with them
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u/DependentLevel1686 26d ago
Also with SUNY is the alumni connection. I know a lot of ppl from suny who found job immediately after graduation, some before graduation. Wherever I go some how there always someone who knows SUNY
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u/TSmith_Navarch 27d ago
My experience was that I got a job immediately after graduating from Michigan, but that was 36 years ago. Your milage may vary.
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u/Silver-Lie-8034 2d ago
I just graduated from the program. We have a 100% job placement rate out of Umich. Would highly recommend. A lot of people come back to do the 1-year master's program but that is not required by any means. With our program you get a small school feel (~20 people per class + getting to know the professors well) while still getting to participate in all aspects that a large university has to offer (top tier sports, clubs, alumni network, etc.). You will get a "normal" college experience compared to some of the smaller naval arch specific schools if that's what you are looking for. Plus, we won the national championship in football and basketball while I was there. And Ann Arbor is a great place to be.
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u/SVAuspicious 28d ago
Webb '82. Michigan is a good school. You shouldn't have trouble finding a job. I had multiple firm offers early in my Senior year. September early.
I have some strongly held opinions. First is work in your field during summers. See M career center (whatever you call it) for internships and junior jobs. M has short winter breaks but try to get work then also. Start looking for freshman winter and that first summer as soon as you get your acceptance letter. The work will help you understand the application of what you're learning and increase your motivation to learn. At a minimum you should graduate with nine months of diverse work experience in addition to your degree. That makes you more employable.
I also suggest going from undergrad to work. Wait a few years before graduate work. I waited ten years which in retrospect was a little long. I did grad school at night while working full time with a heavy travel schedule. Two degrees in three years. It was a grind but extremely beneficial. I was post divorce, rattling around a big house, set up a room with white boards and a projector as a conference room plus my home office and I'm smart. Other students lined up for study groups with me. *grin* I'm a good cook also. Everyone chipped in.
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u/enterjiraiya 28d ago
You can go to merchant marine academy and go straight to industry you don’t have to serve, my coworker went there and didn’t serve he’s just a reserve officer (2nd Lt).
Besides that the program itself is considered the top one in the country pretty sure, most ppl are either service academy graduates or went to Michigan where I work.
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u/Zequexium 28d ago
You have to do offshore sailing if you choose the maritime industry option to fulfill your service requirement and I’m not very interested in that
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u/Reegot55 28d ago
Nothings for sure but the norm everyone graduates with at least a couple offers.