I have around two years' worth of GI Bill money left that I'd like to spend in the next five years. I'm in the process of changing over from Chap 30 (Montgomery) to Chap 33 (Post-9/11) benefits, preferring the latter because of the better benefits overall.
Trouble is, I'm really having a hard time trying to decide what kinds of programs to be involved in. I work full-time, so evening, weekend, or online programs work best I already have a BA and and MS, so it's not like I'd be using my GI Bill money to surmount the first bachelor's hurdle. In some ways, this is an enviable position, but not in other ways.
I have the following areas in mind, which I'm basing on a 2-3 year ramping up time to attain proficiency. More details with each below. I'm also considering both short-term certificate programs to another masters program that could last up to two years.
1. Project management. I've been in IT for well over 15 years now and have more or less done one form or another of project management and something strategy-related, so I have the hands-on experience and have no real need for investing time and resources in a formal PM program. I plant to sit for the PMP exam in one to two months, and I know from both research and talking with others that the PMP is THE way to go in this area. Better to have the cert than a degree that might not teach anything substantial. I'm also going to use some of the GI Bill money to pay for the cert exam.
2. Security. I've not done any security work in the past five years, despite having an MS in information assurance and having done some IA work when I was in active duty. Five years is a long time and a lot has changed. However, I'm not really interested in doing really technical security work like pen testing, malware analysis, etc. I'm also not interested in doing that much IA work, thinking it's rather boring to do compliance. Instead, I prefer doing risk management and associated matters related to an overall security posture. In other words, security strategy. Yes, there are program that focus on security strategy, but there's little in the way of hands-on.
3. Entrepreneurship, possibly related to an MBA. Generally, I see the benefits of having an MBA, but I'm too far along in my career to take the time off to go full-time and invest a lot of money I prefer to do something part-time or online with a heavy entrepreneurial component. Why? For the benefit of picking up some business skills and entrepreneurial practice methods. I'm not interested in being a pure quant, to where I'd look more attractive to consulting firms. I have my years of experience to carry me through that way -- with some firms. (Not with the major firms, which I know tend to put a lot more emphasis on MBA pedigree.)
4. Data analytics/science or business intelligence. This might be the way to go. These are "hot" skills and important skills that anyone can acquire. But, I'm leaning more towards data analytics and the applied approach to working with data, instead of learning too much about Hadoop, Pig, Python, etc. so that I can be a technician instead of the guy who knows what questions to ask of data for business purposes. I've been looking at many programs over the past year or so, and gaining more info about the field.
Bottom line: if I were to go for a degree program, it would have to be one that places a heavy emphasis on experiential learning and not theory. The EL portion is to have lots of hands-on and work to create projects for a portfolio -- something to showcase to employers.
Any thoughts are welcome.
Answers
Timothy,
Lori posted earlier about 48 months -- she's close, but wrong.
So long as you are eligible for 2 programs (9/11 GI Bill, Mont GI Bill, Voc Rehab, etc) you get the 48 months. I personally know as I did GI Bill, Voc Rehab, and now GI Bill again for a certificate in Entrepreneurship (already have BA and MA).
My advice for your particular needs are similar to what someone said earlier with an executive MBA. Or I'd look into law school/MBA program. There's so much relatable skills that you can apply in really any field you can learn from having an MBA and a JD. I personally wish I had gone this route.
Can you identify role models who have careers and lives you respect and admire?
I encourage you to identify role models, and then talk one on one with role models.
Don't earn a degree merely because you have the benefits. Ensure the degree you earn is worth the time and energy involved.
Tim -
You should look into Executive MBA (EMBA) and Global Executive MBA (GEMBA) Programs. In DC you have several high quality options: University of Virginia, Gerorgetown and the University of Maryland.
I am starting my EMBA a the University of Virginia in 2 weeks. The Post-911 GI Bill is paying for almost all of it.
Good luck -
Rino
Tim,
Depending where you work, you can get your employer signed up to have a on the job training program that the GI Bill will pay out to the veteran, and for his/her training.
Let's use my line of work as an example. I work in industrial plant maintenance, and environmental response. I have a OJT program that veterans can receive certifications in OSHA, HAZWOPER, CDL class A & B, and spill trainings to name a few. Also to have hands on training under their GI Bill. Each month I verify their training, and hours worked. They receive payments for the days that they are in training, along with help to pay for the certifications.
So far the program has been a huge success. My veterans I have working for me have received multiple certifications, and experience. My company saves a little bit of money, but the program is geared to benefit the veteran.
I would say this, check in with your states veterans affairs officer and see what your state offers. In Iowa where I got mine set up was easy.
Also if you can get a program like that set- up for your company, it can benefit other veterans.
Agree with most of the feedback identified here.. But, I would also add, for consideration, that some Service members elect to transfer benefits to their dependent children. If this is a viable alternative for you, it could defer some of their educational expenses.
Regards,
Cedric
Hello - well wishes and much success to you and your endeavors. Degrees can help get attention so that option is not out of the question. I am assuming you already have marketable skills. so, for starters, now is a good time to consider / define the top 2-3 kinds of work that have always interested you but have not pursued and go for it. For development in general, one can never go wrong working to improve your communication / listening / interpersonal skills. Leadership, teamwork, and collaboration are also very high on my list. Regarding ability to work well with others, MBTI and EQi are additional options well worth considering.
thanks for your service and contributions
all the best
michael marshall
Regarding the GI Bill for starting a business:
Not yet a reality, but getting closer.
Have you thought about Law School? Florida Coastal School of Law has an A+ in Experiential Learning! You could wrap up a JD in 2-4 years depending on the program you enroll in. Just a little food for thought, JD's are not just for practicing Law. Good Luck to you and thank you for your service.
I agree that a degree is worth it IF you choose a reputable university that is public or private non-profit such as a Jesuit university (i.e. Seton Hall, Catholic University of America etc.)
However, many on here has touched on something important. If you have a degree, look into certificates and certifications like PMP, ITIL, or any cyber security type of certificate.
Hi Timothy, I think you have all the degrees needed to have a great career.
What you are missing are the technical knowledge and skills needed to apply what you've learned with the degrees. I recommend looking into SAP Business Intelligence, Data Warehousing, Reporting Analytics, etc. to add those to your skill set.
You can gain access to applications via the cloud with Amazon or SAP to practice. This knowledge on your resume would make you very marketable and sought after resource for a Management or Technical Management position if this is what you are looking for. You can always hold both Management and Technical Application roles in most companies. Also don't limit yourself to one industry. Your background would work well in Chemical, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Retail, and Government Industries.
Good luck.
Did you know that if you stick with MGIB (Chapter 30) and exhaust all 36 months, you can then be eligible for up to 12 more months of entitlement under Post 9/11 (Chapter 33)? With a BA and Ms already completed, you might not have use for that much more education benefit. If you haven't already made that irrevocable switch, it is something to ponder though.
Timothy,
Looks like you've given a lot of thought to your dilemma but it is a nice dilemma to have. Having completed a graduate degree while in the military and started another one after I got out (MS Network Security), after starting a career in IT consulting, I quickly realized that a degree is tough to complete. With family and full time work, it is difficult to find the motivation to study some more, especially if you are well established in your position.
To answer your questions more directly I will only select the one's that I am comfortable with answering:
2. Security: As you know, the fundamentals don't change. My current role within IT consulting (Security & Privacy) is conducting risk and information security assessments of either the overall Information Security Program or a particular area such as Incident Response for example. I enjoy it because I am not very technical but like the big picture stuff. I was pursuing a MS in Network Security through DePaul http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/academics/Pages/Current/Requirements-MS-CINS-Network-Security.aspx , but decided to take a break and obtain a certification. This was earlier this year and I am having doubts of returning to finish it. I also have some money left from the 9/11 GI Bill but will spend it pursuing a certification instead.
4. Data analytics/science or business intelligence: You are completely right about this area of focus. I would certainly encourage you to go down this path because you can combine your security experience and thus make yourself a more viable candidate. Many companies, including my firm, are just now trying to get into this space let alone be mature in it.
Lastly, I can certainly QA your resume and provide feedback. Good luck in your decision making process.
V/R
AA
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