Tuesday, June 28, 2016

DC Interviews - Overview and Recommendations

NUPOC Applications are processed on a rolling basis by recruiters throughout the country in coordination with our office at Navy Recruiting Command and the Office of Naval Reactors in Washington DC.  Assuming that your application is accepted at all levels and you meet the medical and security clearance requirements, you will travel to DC for a series of technical interviews with Engineers at Naval Reactors and a final interview with the Director of Naval Reactors (Currently Admiral James Caldwell).

Each month I assess the pool of applicants and assign phone technical interviews to those we plan to send on the next interview trip to DC.  These phone interviews are an internal screen by our office intended to make sure you are in a position to be successful at NR.  Several factors come into play when making these selections:

  • Completed Application - You cannot attend an interview unless the following are complete:
    • Medical Approval (obtained via physical at MEPS)
    • Security Investigation Scheduled (at a minimum)
      • Requires submission of Fingerprints and "SF86" paperwork
    • All application paperwork submitted, and approval to interview given by Naval Reactors (called a "Professional Recommendation" or "ProRec")
  • Number of available interview spots (typically 25-35/month)
  • Graduation Year (all other things equal, preference will be given to graduates or those near graduation)
  • Positions Available
    • We will only bring you to DC if we know there is a job for you if you pass
  • "Needs of the Navy"
    • If there is an acute need for a specific position we will give preference accordingly
  • Academic Merit
    • When we have more applicants ready to interview than available positions, we will give preference based on academic merit, as determined by:
      • Caliber of University
      • GPA and Major/Course of Study
      • SAT/ACT Scores

** A side note regarding interview assignments: We usually interview more people than we have spots initially to end up with the right number after attrition due to late scheduling conflicts or phone interview failures.  On rare occasions the final number is too high and we must push a couple of applicants to the subsequent interview, but we attempt to minimize this and will always ensure that such cases have a spot reserved the following month

---

The trip to DC involves three days of travel during which we cover lodging and meals.  On the first day, all applicants meet with escorts from our office to discuss an overview of the schedule, answer questions, and perform introductions. Afterward, we go to dinner, and then you're free for the rest of the evening.

The second day is a study day which is held in a conference room at the hotel (you will be staying at a hotel within walking distance of Naval Reactors).  On this day you will receive a short interview from one of the escorts, and a personal interview with the Director of Nuclear Accessions (currently CDR Joseph Campbell).

On the third day, we walk to Naval Reactors and you complete your technical interviews in the morning (two for SUB/SWO/INST applicants; three for NRE applicants), we take you to lunch and then you prepare for and complete the Admiral's interview.  If you do marginally on one of your technical interviews, you might be given an additional interview prior to seeing the Admiral.


A few general recommendations:

1. Study.  In addition to the list of study topics linked to the right (Khan Academy, etc), there is a lot of study material for NUPOC available online.  If there are students at your school who've already been through the process, it may be worthwhile to work with them on preparation.  Also, using video guides to walk through problems can be helpful (you can find many technical interview practice problems on YouTube, for example).  The way such questions are walked through in the videos roughly approximates how you will be expected to answer questions when you are interviewed in DC.

2. Acknowledge that no matter how much you study you might get stumped when you get there. Then accept it and move on. The Engineers who are interviewing you are attempting to assess your ability to be successful in power school and prototype, and to handle potentially stressful situations in a reactor control room later on after your training is completed. Perfection isn't the goal --- but they want to see your problem solving and problem recognition skills.

3. Relax. Meet your fellow applicants and socialize some. You want to be productive, especially during the study day, but aside from some brushing up on weak areas you're not going to have many epiphanies in DC. Get a good night's sleep while you're there, and do the best you can. Leave everything on the field. Don't give up on any problems. If you're stuck -- explain why, what you've done to that point, what you'll do once unstuck, etc. Don't say "Damn, that's a great question you really got me with that one" and then shrug your shoulders --- wrong answer. Perseverance is needed.

4. If you get a 3rd/4th interview don't worry. Most people who are given one end up passing. It's possible you won't be accepted of course, but keep things in perspective. About 75-80% of 3rd interviews get a "yes" from Admiral Caldwell.

5. Be respectful to everyone at the Office of Naval Reactors.  (For the record, I strongly recommend extending this to everyone else you meet in the course of your life)

6. Admiral Caldwell reports to the President of the United States, the Secretary of Energy, and the Chief of Naval Operations -- who used to be the Director of Naval Reactors less than a year ago. No one in the Navy out-ranks him. He's a good guy, but he's not your "bro". When you interview with him, be confident and speak clearly. The interview is short by necessity, but he wants to see that you want to be part of his program, that you will dedicate yourself to doing well and that you bring value. Do your best to convey that without coming off as pretentious or cocky.  He can and has said "yes" to applicants who were not recommended based on their technical interviews, and said "no" to others who were recommended based on this short interaction with you.

7. If there is a blemish on your record (an atypically bad grade, for example) or something out of the ordinary that you get asked about while in DC, be forthright but be sure to take responsibility.  For example, saying that the reason you got a C in Thermodynamics was that your Professor was out to get you or was foreign and you couldn't understand him is a profoundly wrong answer because at the end of the day you are responsible for your performance.  Accountability and responsibility are highly valued in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (and, to my knowledge, most other places as well).  A better response would be one that notes the challenges (time management? heavy courseload? focused on a job to pay for school? family issues? etc) but also highlights what you learned from the experience and how you have used this to be better since (along with - hopefully - the ability to point to improved performance since then).

8. If you've ever practiced business "case interviews" for a position or know friends who have, you can basically think of the NUPOC interviews as an equivalent  --- except the business strategy has been replaced by calculus/physics/engineering.  They're trying to assess the same things: Are you smart?  Are you confident? Can I realistically see you being successful in this job in the future and positively representing our organization?  Can you think on your feet and operate in a high-stress situation?

Feel free to look at some past interview descriptions on Glassdoor, and GOOD LUCK!

39 comments:

  1. Is there any reason I could be denied from the NUPOC program for being partially colorblind?

    ReplyDelete
  2. It's possible. You'll go through a medical screening which will determine the extent of the issue and what if any limitations are associated with it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. When would you suggest talking to a recruiter to obtain more information and eventually begin applying? I am currently a freshman in college. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It doesn't hurt to engage your recruiter early just to establish a connection and see if he/she has any recommendations with respect to what classes need to be taken, etc. Having said that, the best time to actively engage with your recruiter is about this time next year. Assuming you're in a standard 4-yr program, the earliest you could go to the interviews in DC would be January of your sophomore year, but if you engage earlier you can make sure everything is completed in time for you to go to interview ASAP once you're eligible.

      Delete
    2. In the meantime, knock out your Calc 1/2 and Physics 1/2 which are pre-requisites, and keep your GPA as high as possible. I've seen people get in with GPAs around a 3.0-3.1, but that's not the norm. To be really competitive you should shoot for the 3.4-3.5 range (and for your own resume's sake, as close to 4.0 as possible!).

      Delete
  4. I'm currently a junior in high school and I was wondering if you could give me any advice on how to start preparing for NUPOC? It's something I'm really interested in and I would very much enjoy doing it

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Get good grades and go to the best university that you get into for the program that you want to pursue. Once you're in college, take Calc 1/2 and Physics 1/2 ASAP (AP scores are accepted so long as you have more advanced courses at the collegiate level).

      Take the SAT (or ACT) seriously as well. It is a strong predictor of how well someone will perform once they are a nuclear officer, so it plays a major role in the selection process.

      Delete
  5. When is next DC interview??? I would like to know when in Dec and when in Jan. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Wonseok,

      I'm no longer privy to the exact interview dates, but they're held monthly and typically towards the end of each month on either a Tuesday or Thursday. Your recruiter should have the dates (or in absense of that, he should be able to reach out and find the answer).

      Sorry that's not more helpful and good luck!

      Delete
  6. Thank you for the prompt response!
    Could it be on Christmas week and New Year week?

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am currently scheduled for my phone interview and awaiting DC interview. Any specific advice? I am a chemical engineering major, what kind of questions may I expect in the interviews?
    Thanks in advance!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Tahmid,

      Look on the list of links on the right side of the site. There is a list of frequently asked topics there.

      Good luck! 90% of the material covered in interviews is calculus or physics, so focus there first.

      Delete
    2. Tahmid,

      Have your OR get you in touch with a Collegiate to set up a "mock" interview (we call them murder boards on the Navy side). That will be a good "feeler" as to what to expect for the phone interview and ultimately DC.

      Delete
  8. Hi Mr. Linville,

    I have done a lot of research on NUPOC, and your website has helped immensely with that! I was wondering if there is a general timeline that that application process follows. I know you have to complete at least a year at a university and start with getting medically cleared, but what follows? Thank you!

    Respectfully,
    Delaney

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Delaney, I think a lot of this is in another post but I can give a 10,000ft view.

      1. You have to meet minimum academic qualifications. This means two semesters each of calculus and calculus-based physics at an accredited 4-year US university with a competitive GPA. If not, the story basically stops there.

      2. Submit a pre-screen to NR via your officer recruiter to determine if you are in fact competitive for the program. If yes, proceed, if not then save everyone time.

      3. In parallel, complete program documents (basically your actual application containing biographical info, grades, etc.), your medical screening, and your security clearance paperwork. All three must be completed prior to interviewing.

      4. Once those are in process, attend a "VIP" trip -- basically they send you to visit a Navy base and see the job you'll eventually be doing, ask questions, etc.

      5. Prepare for Final Interview in DC and complete a phone technical interview with a Nuclear Officer to assess readiness.

      6. Go to DC and (hopefully) pass your interviews and get sworn in.

      7. Just get good grades and complete a semi-annual physical fitness test while collecting a monthly salary until graduation

      8. After graduation, go to OCS / ODS and then to whichever role you interviewed for.

      Delete
    2. This is off memory and stream of consciousness so I may have missed something small, but that's the jist.

      Delete
  9. Next week I should be going through academic prescreening through my recruiter for NUPOC. Very nervous but I have a good standing GPA in Chemical Engineering. I was wondering, would it help to get letters of recommendations from, from example, professors at my university and even the superintendent of my high school district? The current superintendent of the school district was my principle all through high school and I graduated 45th of 385 people. Just a thought? Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Its not necessary, but it won't hurt either. Good question though.

      Delete
  10. Mr. Linville,

    I am currently working on a BS with majors in Applied Mathematics and Physics. I am wondering if it is possible to apply for only certain positions or if applying for the program is opening yourself up to being placed in any position based on the current needs? Thanks in advance for any information you can provide!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can apply for more than one role with rank-ordered preferences, or you can just apply for a single role. Under no circumstances could you be placed in a role that you did not request.

      Delete
  11. Mr. Linville,
    I’m looking for info on appropriate attire for the Washington interview. I’m thinking it’s an interview, so a business suit...but don’t want to give a friend bad advice! Your advice is appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. All applicants should receive guidance, but yes business attire. A black, navy, or dark Grey suit, with conservative tie and matching shoes / belt (for males). Similarly formal for females -- either suit or dress, but not a revealing skirt or otherwise casual attire.

      Delete
  12. Hello Mr. Linville,
    Has the official study guide been updated since 2015? I want to make sure I am not spending too much time on physics concepts like waves, optics, etc. that are not included in the guide.

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry for the delayed response. To my knowledge the study guide has not changed. It definitely was current as of 2 years ago, but I can't say for sure whether anything has changed since. For what it's worth, the topics covered in the interviews have been relatively consistent since the program's inception, so even if it has been updated the focus areas are likely to be the same.

      Delete
  13. Hi Mr. Linville,

    When in the process do I go from being an applicant to a fully signed up student in the NUPOC program? Where in the process can I no longer evaluate my options and say yay/nay to the program?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In DC for the interviews (Assuming you are accepted by the admiral there). Any time up to that point you can walk away.

      Delete
  14. Hello Mr. Linville,

    I am a community college student. I have already taken phys/calc/chem with A's. I will be transferring to a 4-year University in August. When should I start applying for this program? Does being a former community college student affect my chances?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You'll need to wait for at least a semester of grades at the 4-year university. You could reach out then and apply, though they probably will want to wait for full year. Doesn't hurt to ask though, and it wouldn't be an automatic "no" after the semester. Good luck.

      Delete
  15. I already graduated with a Biology degree and currently doing an MBA. But I did not take physics during my undergraduate tenure, can they still accept that? Or is it mandatory?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Technically mandatory, but if rest of your application is very strong there's a chance it would still have a shot. Alternative is to take a physics class as a one-off and submit the grade for that once you have it.

      If you got a 4/5 on AP Physics test in high school that might work as well.

      Delete
  16. Mr. Linville,

    My son is graduating in May 2021 with a BS in Chemistry from a small college. He GPA is about 3.5. He is pursuing NUPOC - SWO. He has been with a recruiter since February. His recruiter is a CPO who primarily recruits medical but has been very helpful. My son completed all his preliminary work and was delayed for having to obtain a waiver for an eye procedure he had done when he was 16. He went the MEPS last week and all went well. At MEPS he met a new recruiter that the CPO told him would take over his file. The new recruiter told him he was there to get him across the finish line. He was told that it would probably be a month before his package was ready. Our questions primarily revolve around the current protocols based upon the Covid pandemic.

    1) Are VIP trips to San Diego still cancelled - or any idea when they will resume?

    2) If he is through MEPS is he guaranteed to get interviewed?

    3) Are the interviews currently being conducted in DC or is everything still via Zoom?

    4) How does the Zoom interview process differ and how does that effect the process?

    5) Any ideas about the timing of the process in the current environment?


    Thanks for any information you can provide.



    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi --

      Unfortunately I can't be super helpful here as I'm no longer actively involved in the process. My understanding is that for now everything is still remote but they're trying to return to normal in the coming months. If he asks his recruiter to confirm with the team at Navy Recruiting Command he might be able to get a better answer. Good luck to you and to him.

      Delete
  17. While in community college I took calculus physics thermodynamics and chemistry, now that I transferred to a 4year university I'm only taking classes relevant to my major like machine design and CAD modeling. Do I qualify to apply for NUPOC?
    What GPA will be used to judge me? The ones from community college or my current 4year University.
    Lastly, when do I have to go to navy? I will pursue a masters in ME, in a 3 year program(2 BS, 1 MS), so do I have to join the navy once I get my BS? Or will they with until I am fully finished with school?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They'll look at both GPA, but primarily the 4yr program.

      Your best bet would be to work with the school I possible to grant you your BS and MS simultaneously. If you get the BS first and then the MS, technically you'd be expected to start after the bachelor's. You may be able to figure out an exception or work with the recruiter, but that's unlikely. If the degrees are conferred at the same time you could stay there until completing both. (This assumes no changes since I left the Navy in 2017; could be updated guidance but I doubt it)

      Delete
  18. Dear Mr. Linville,

    I am currently in the pre-screening phase of the NRE Program and had to send in my SAT scores. I got to a D1 university and major in mechanical engineering, my overall GPA is a 3.92. I have completed calculus 1, calculus 2, calculus 3, and differential equations to this point. As well as physics 1 and 2, I received As in all the courses above. I made a 1280 on the SAT, but my math score was a 700. What type of math score is the pre screening application looking for? I should hear back sometime by early next week.

    Sincerely,
    Davis

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Davis,

      Thats on the lower end, but you could get an offer to interview based on the strong grades. Let me put it this way... I wouldn't have just said no, which is what I would do if I thought the response from NR was a foregone conclusion. I'd have sent it to NR for review.

      Good luck!

      Best,
      Brian

      Delete
  19. Mr. Linville,

    I am scheduled for the upcoming DC interview in January for SWO. I am already out of school with my master and wondering how long after getting in do you go to OCS? Is it usually the very next class or are you given more time to get things together?

    How long after OCS will you be required to report to your first deployment post? Will the first deployment as a
    Non-Nuclear Surface Junior Officer be at one of the four Surface base or at any Navy base?

    Thanks,

    Andrew

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SWO(N)s will report to a ship first after OCS, then after an abbreviated tour on a conventional ship (destroyer, cruiser, etc), they complete the Nuclear Training Pipeline. So relatively quickly. Within a month or two would be typical.

      Delete