I retired this May after 22 years in the Army. I'm not sure at my age if I should attempt college or focus on finding a job.
Answers
Deborah,
Thank you for your service and great question. All of the responses are excellent and I really enjoyed reading them and thinking about your question.
I think you have a unique opportunity right now to go to college and highly recommend that route to start. Here's why:
- You can go for free under the new GI Bill.
- If you focus and stay organized, you can get your degree in 3 years. This will show future employers that you can get the job done.
- There are great opportunities to network in school and get involved in activities and internships to learn about the business world. This will help you figure out what you want to do after college.
- Trying to work full-time, start a new career, and go to school is possible - but very difficult. I applaud anyone that has done this - including many on this thread. I would bet - however - that most people who have done this - cut corners on the education work stream. You need to be all in on the education - especially in the areas that you may be behind. If you haven't been keeping up with your education while you were in the Army - then here is a unique opportunity - a short window - to get caught up with your peers.
My recommendation is pick a great school in Florida and go all in on your education. Invest 100% in you, get updated with the new tools of the business world, network like crazy and have some fun learning - full-time. You have earned it and if you are serious - this is 100% work.
Look at a Business Degree to start if you don't know what you want to do as a career. Every career has a business aspect and this degree coupled with your Army Operations experience will make you a solid prospect in the future for any employer.
Good luck!
Jamie
Deborah - you sound like a woman who knows her stuff! Great question!
I just did this myself, because I have been accepted to an online college. They are mostly a private school that has been around for a long time, but offering courses and degrees online is HUGE now and a very good way for colleges to earn money! Great for us - who want to study something in particular, but don't want to relocate to do it.
Anyway, you need a game plan, and I bet you are well versed at that - also by the way you asked your question, you are headed in the right direction! What would you enjoy doing for a career? That is first. Then - where would you need to live to have this job? Can you live and stay where you are doing this job? Is there a "good demand" for new employees in this field? If not... you might want to keep looking - unless you must do it!
Okay, now. Every job/career is different - how to attack it! They are. So blanket advice won't really help you. Nursing is a different beast than being a chef! So - let me use myself as an example.
Hairstylist. I was one for over 20 years before my disability set in. My first steps were - It is a trade, so I need a good trade school. Lucky for me - I had an international great school in my area. So, priority was get through school. Then when you are in school - you find out inside scoop about what places are hot to work for or get a good apprenticeship. I also competed - then got a national award! That was monumental, but I did not know about that when I started. Then the real world stuff kicks in - will they hire you? This can be crushing. All that work? And maybe you won't get in. Maybe you will. Then you can go from there.
Now, about my new line of work - counseling. Most schools I talked to - were a bit confused because I knew exactly the degree and certification I want/need to be a good counselor. What I did not know at first - some colleges only offer certain programs! WOW! I was signed up, looking into an apartment and a meal plan - because colleges want students and money, and then all of a sudden it came out that that school ONLY offers a PHd program. What?! Yes, many colleges only offer doctoral programs in psychology - not state certified / masters degrees. I wanted NOTHING to do with a doctorate degree! I only wanted a masters and the state certification. SO! What I found out was - I needed to look into the State I planned on living in to see what they require for their certification... because - eye opener, not all states have the same requirements! So THAT will steer you into another direction.
To make my career path get back on course - I looked into my state requirements because I love where I live. And - you get better government/state financial aid - - - if you LIVE/Reside in the state where you will go to school. But, I really wanted to only go to an online school because of my disability and I don't want to move. So THAT steered me. Many young college students get out of high school - yes, you will go to school with students not even 21 yet... I did that and it was weird, but many of those students might just say, "I love art. So I will be an art student." Colleges are used to that. So I ruffled them up by saying, "I want to be a certified counselor in the state of IL." Because that is more EXACT and that will tell you what school specializes in your area of study - their school RANKING in that subject, and then zero in on things like, do you want to be a social worker? Do you want to work with children or elderly? Social services, all that matters and it is good to know before you start looking for colleges.
Here are some websites that are helpful.
General - look up your state and see what kind of financial aid you can get/they offer.
Internet search - look up what schools offer a great program in your area of study and their national ranking.
I am doing this fast, sorry. Tip - search words college and university - you will get different results! Just remembered too... be careful - you really want the best school - that specializes in YOUR Career/ Line of Study and work. It won't help you to be at Rutgers when the BEST schools for psychology are the U of Illinois - Champaign Urbana or in the state of Maine! Okay, so write all this down and get your plan in line before looking at all these rankings and great advertising to get your money! Colleges are not just education, they are also in business to make money educating people. Someone has to pay the bills!
Found my FAVE! US News Reports - GREAT and Respected Site!
http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges
http://www.gradreports.com/ (This one is for graduate colleges)
Just found some GREAT Sites!
http://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-kiplinger-s-best-values-in-public-colleges/
Forbes is great too!
http://www.forbes.com/top-colleges/list/
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/college_guide/rankings-2014/national-universities-rank.php
There you go! Best of luck to you and feel free to ask me more questions if you like! Thank you for protecting me and our country! Best of luck to you finding a career you will enjoy and love! Nanette
Deborah,
Lot's of good advice given so far. It definitely starts with setting career goals and deciding if school is necessary. As for attending school, I offer the following: IF it is something that you decide is necessary to achieve your career objectives, GO FOR IT! I was 51 when I entered Pharmacy school. Fortunately, I found a program that allowed me to complete it in 3 years. So, doing the math, I was 54 when I graduated. I kept myself motivated with the thought that hopefully I'd still be around, so why not wake-up that day and be a Pharmacist. Realize that their are lot's of other factors that will influence your decision, and in any case it will be a tremendous sacrifice, but age??? It doesn't matter.
V/R,
Joe Murphy
Deborah,
I agree with the advice you have been given thus far excluding the aspect of selecting one over the other and would ask if there is a reason you could not pursue both formal education (part-time) and a career at the same time.
In my experiences through 20 years in the Marines we know that as military professionals we are used to multitasking. Life after service is not much different. Here are some points to consider.
1) What initial college courses could you take now to multiply opportunities for resume’ success? General business courses may be a good start since concepts can be applied anywhere.
2) What aspects of your military career were supporting skills to your MOS i.e. Systems / database administration or counseling.
3) In interviews even part-time college work can be a strong point (currently attending college). Interviewers may view you as someone who is up-to-date with market needs.
4) Create several resume’s each with a different aspect from your career when seeking employment.
There is an array of practical advice but I would say trust your instincts and think of your next career as the same as a military engagement where force multiplication (supporting efforts for a single outcome) could your greatest advantage.
Hi Deborah,
I'd say do both. You have plenty of education benefits that actually will help offset some costs. You have enough experience to get into a good company, the degree will help you down the line as you start to compete for higher positions. More importantly, however, is you'll expand your knowledge base within your chosen path and that makes you more competitive and more powerful! Good Luck!
Damin
Dear Deborah,
Many thanks for your years of service. Although the answer depends on what your specific goals are (if you've identified them yet), the answer might be that college could be a waste of time. If for example, you've never been to college at all, then they will first ask you to take "pre-requisite" courses, before you begin to concentrate on your chosen major field of study. That could take two years -- and that's a long time when you already know what you want.
In the real world, a college degree only makes a difference if you're competing for jobs in corporations. If you want to start your own business, a college degree doesn't matter at all. People have come from Vietnam, for example, with no college and speaking no English, for that matter, and have set up successful businesses in the USA, getting rich and sending their children to Universities to be doctors and lawyers. This isn't so rare.
The reason for their success is that they had SPECIALIZED knowledge in their family. Whether it was in the restaurant business, or Import/Export, or whatever field, they had this tradition in their family -- and that's far more important than a college degree.
In the real world USA, a Certificate is more important than long college experience. A person with only a two-year college degree, but having the right Technical Certification is often preferred over somebody with a four or six-year degree, but lacking that Certificate.
Experience, of course, is always valuable. If your family has a business, you are so far ahead of the game that you might not realize it. It's a major head-start. Make THAT grow.
If you need experience in business, consider the following. There are seven basic departments to any business, small or global, namely: (1) Stockholder, owner; (2) Human Resources, benefits; (3) Advertising; (4) Sales; (5) Accounting, finance; (6) Production; (7) Marketing.
(Note: Advertising is for the raw public. Sales is for those currently showing an interest. Marketing is for experienced buyers.)
If you want to run your own company, no matter the size, you will need experience in all seven of these fields. A family business gives you the easiest opportunity to get this experience at your own pace, at your own preference.
With your Military experience as a Sergeant, you are probably well qualified to be a middle manager, probably in a Human Resources department. Like I say, if you want a Corporate job in that field, they will probably prefer at least two years of college.
If you choose to go to college, and they ask for your major, and you're not sure, then I recommend taking BUSINESS as your major. That education will last a lifetime and will serve you and your family well.
Best wishes,
--Paul Trejo
First of all congratulations on your upcoming retirement and thank you for all of your service. Now to your question. I believe that you should go to college. I imagine that you might want to continue working or starting a career as an entrepreneur, running your own business. You can really learn some fundamental business things that will help you in your next career, what ever it is. You can combine all the stuff you've learned the past 20 years with the things you learn in school and you will have the powerful background of the person that has both great experience and a solid education. You can use that combination anywhere. The educational experience will also help give you time to gain exposure to civilian work concepts. Finally studies show that people with college degrees make significantly more money than those without degrees.
I would focus on starting your own business. Being your own Boss. Freedom. Stop working paycheck to paycheck. Life is to short.
My answer/advice is short. Don't waste your time on collage. There are thousands of MBA people out there flipping burgers. Find something you love to do and then go find a business that's doing it and apply. You may have to start on the bottom but if it's something you love doing you will reach the top in no time and will love what you do. Good luck.
Seasons Greetings!
I believe the answer to your question rests with your career goals. Whatever your interest are, you must continue to graduate and graduate in some form. To be an expert in your field you must master some basic techniques which are best acquired on campus. Internship is another way to master your craft and learn the required language for your field. Also, access a mentor in your chosen career path. He or she can share some sage advice about their journey to success.
Hi Deborah,
I agree with those who said that you have to plan to pursue a college degree. If you can do that full time, that is great, but if not, then plan to get it while you are working. You are never too old to get your degree. My wife started her college work at 37 and finished 12 years later with a Masters! And she did that while working full time and being the mother of two children. Actually she was a great role model for the kids since school work came before any TV or other activity.
Most companies and other organizations consider a BA/BS to be the basic requirement for entry. In some specialized fields a Masters is important. So, put a plan together as to how you will achieve your goal, then do not let anything get in your way.
Best wishes!!
Hello and thanks for your service! I concur with many other folks who recommended that you go to college at this juncture and really "go for it"! It is very difficult to pursue a degree part-time and work, especially if you have a family. If you can find a way to make it work for you I recommend you make a big push and complete your degree. Business is a good option and so is Engineering or Computer Science.
Best of luck,
Robin
Prior to making a decision as to college or a job I would recommend that you make a plan for at least 20 years out for your life. So often we dive into something that we really do not enjoy doing so we do not do our best. If you take the time to write down the things that you enjoy doing from the best to the least and then prioritize them you will be able to make the best decision for your future life. After doing that, go to a university and take an aptitude test in order to see exactly what you enjoy then correlate this result with what you wrote and you will be able to make a very good decision for the remainder of your life. Most people take the traditional way when they should be taking courses that will make them good at what they truly enjoy. I, for one, took this approach and became pretty successful. I retired, just like you, and obtain 290 semester hours, learning how to do my best in what I selected or the job I was working in; no paper on the wall, but success. I also started and operated three very successful businesses along with assisting others to start and operate their businesses. I taught on the university level and provided guidance to many. Message me at FloodJrlBmnt@aol.come to discuss your question.
Deborah, If I was looking for someone with your skills I would consider your experience more than some newly earned college degree. Employers can hire all the new graduates they want but getting someone with experience is more difficult. This addresses the short term issue. Long term if your goal is to move into senior management I suggest going to school and getting the degree even an MBA eventually. I recommend capitalizing on your military experience and find a good job then start college either at night or online and start your move up the corporate ladder. Just the idea that you are motivated to work, do a good job plus go to school too is impressive to an employer. Earning a degree while working is getting it the hard way and respected by many of us. Having said this your mid and long term career goals will be controlling. Thanks for your service.
Why not do both? At our recent graduation many of the graduates were 50+. Start with evening classes at your local junior college. Investigate companies such as AT&T that actively recruiting vets and off great educational benefits. You're never to old to learn.
Go to college ! No one can take your education away from you. And of course your get paid and you also earn your retirement ! Everyone here would love to be in your position. And while you are attending school you can look for a challenging position with confidence
Never too late to go college. I went on the GI bill and graduated at the ripe age of 32. Key question is - do you want an education to support a career or to find a new direction? My most valued lesson learned is that if you have to work do it where you can be happy. Where you are energized to get up in the morning. What's that for you?
Nowadays, most large employers don't consider candidates without college degrees. I've submitted numerous experienced hire candidates without college degrees, and they are immediately rejected, Not sure how veterans preference would come into play.
To maximize your career and earning potential, pick a career you are passionate about, they find a school that will prepare you as an experienced resource n your field. Many companies will look at candidates that aren't quite done with their schooling (year 3+), but once you get past a certain point, they feel confident you will follow through to the end,
Chase your dreams, and select a career that you will enjoy waking up to each day.
If you can, you should absolutely go to college. We are all constantly learning and reinventing ourselves. If you don't get training, you will get left behind. Find a field which interests you, like IT or Healthcare, then get as much education as you can to ensure your career success.
Another point, Age is nothing... I pursued my graduate degree at 39yrs old as a single parent of a mentally challenged child. You can do anything !! After 22 years in the Military... You are AWESOME.. POWERFUL..
This is a tricky question. If financing your lifestyle is important than focus on your employment first. Seek out companies who actually pride themselves on hiring veterans. At that point, you can seek out education programs for adults returning to school.
Hi Deborah -- first, thanks for your service and congrats on your retirement! I'll keep this simple but why not do both? I did both my undergraduate degree and my masters while working full time...and I did it when I was in my early forties...was it difficult?...sure it was...but like anything else in life, the struggle is equal to the rewards...there are plenty of options available to you including part-time degree programs, night classes (or day classes if you choose to work at night), on-line degrees, etc...just make sure that if you do the on-line degree that it is from an accredited school or else you're just wasting your time...you may also find an employer who is willing to pay some of the costs for your degree...look into that too. So, you have some decisions to make and I'm sure you'll make the right ones...but I will encourage you that once you start, don't stop!...don't give up!...keep going! It'll be worth it in the end. Best wishes and reach out if I can be of any further assistance.
Hello Deborah,
Do you mind if I ask you what you did during your military career? I am a strong believer that most vets have a whole host of skills that could jump-start a career if properly positioned. I once hired a Navy Seal. He was a no non-sense, task oriented, excellence driven individual. I needed someone to work out in a manufacturing plant environment to oversee pilot work. He was perfect in his ability to keep projects on course, get the projects up and running, and
efficiently acquire all the necessary information to continue or terminate the study. Another hire was a Navy man with hydraulic engineering background since he was the go-no-go guy on the flight deck of a carrier! He was excellent in a job that required high level monitoring of gear and hydraulic systems within an automotive powertrain facility. I would think that you could find the same use for your skills and then augment with college as needed. Start with what you've done and the skills acquired by your military training. After all, you've already had one of the most important jobs in our country.
Hi
Just focus on finding a job . How long & how much money you need when you go back to college & it doesn't guarantee you'll find one right away I know a friend in Florida their company is expanding they conduct free training, they will show you the overview of the company first & if you like it you'll go from there, let me know if you're interested you have nothing to lose but to learn. Joel Padua
Deborah
I am in agreement with the last two answers.
It all depends on what you want to do. If you have the skills for a position you are pursing a college degree might not necessarily be the right answer but it is dependent on your military skills and the career you pursue outside of the Army.
Deborah,
If you are thinking of getting a STEM degree then by all means go to college immediately and don't look back until you have it.
For any other career - all the other advice posted is good.
Dear Deborah,
Thank you for your service, and I would say you can do both! I got my degree at the age of 42 while I was working full time for the one of the largest airlines in the world. I saw the writing on the wall and although I had 20 years with the company, I knew in order to progress I had to get that degree. Hopefully you can find a company that fulfills a passion which also gives you the opportunity to work on your degree. Best of Luck!
Paul Trejo- You stated "With your Military experience as a Sergeant, you are probably well qualified to be a middle manager, probably in a Human Resources department."
You may not understand the needs of Corporations or HR Departments. Without going into a great deal of detail, simply assuming that Sergeant experience qualifies you for a specific position is just too simplistic. HR departments are no different than any other specialty. You need to have specific skill sets to compete the assignments.
Corporations want to hire people that can add value particularly in middle management. What Deborah needs to do is:'
a. Determine what her career passion is.
b. Find out the name in the organization chart for the position that contains this passion
c. Review specific deliverables that these positions need in her chosen path.
d. Compare this to the deliverables that she provided as Sergeant.
c. Understand the gaps and determine how she can close those gaps.
It will likely take a combination of experience and education to get that foothold in a middle level corporate position. The competition for these jobs is very high and she will need to match up.
Of course if Deborah wishes to start her own business this is an entirely different proposition as noted above. It will likely take start up capital that is a separate discussion.
Hi Deborah,
Thanks for serving our country! There are merits to both. If the skills that you acquired during service will allow you to pursue your dreams and aspirations then college may not be needed. However, if going to college will allow you to reach your dreams and aspirations and excel at them, then I'm all in for you going to college. Please don't be hesitant about attending college at an older age. I myself was a non-traditional student (I went back for my doctorate when I was 33). It was an adjustment to say the least but a very rewarding venue as I am now doing what I love to do (I teach at Univ of Pittsburgh). In addition, many schools in the nation now have support in place to help veterans succeed in college. Pitt is considered a Military Friendly School (http://militaryfriendly.com/methodology/schools). I wish you the best!
Deborah, What are your life goals and career goals?
Your Answer
Please log in to answer this question.