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How important is education when seeking a management position?

Veteran

Michael Taylor Apo, AE

I have 26 years military experience, 14 years in the field of Transportation; how important is an education if I were seeking employment as a Transportation Manager or Coordinator?

15 November 2017 16 replies Career Exploration

Answers

Advisor

John Green Cary, NC

The field of Logistics has been replaced with Artificial Intelligence. I don't know that you would find a position available as you have described. Trucks are being driven, scheduled, loaded, unloaded and operated by computers.

Check salary guides for other areas you might like to pursue.

https://www.roberthalf.com/salary-guide

15 November 2017 Helpful answer

Advisor

Joe Pierce Jonesboro, AR

Hi
When I left the service I worked for 4 years before going back to school.
I decided that if I had the degree, I had all of the tools. Not just to get in the door but to get the promotions along the way. Without it, there would always be a reason to choose someone that had the degree and not me

Advisor

Richard Filippi Rye, NY

Just saw this post. I would suggest that you focus on United Parcel Service as they have traditionally hired veterans, as the firm was founded by a Marine. As John Green pointed out AI is taking over the industry rapidly. I am not an expert in the industry, however (I am assuming at this point) if you begin a degree at a Community or 4 year college and state expected graduation in year 20XX you maybe considered for a management position. Additionally with everyone I encounter on this site set up a profile on LinkedIn.com and connect with former supervisors, colleagues etc. that are working at various companies. This will allow you to gain some good intel on firms and industry trends, such as cyber security on the AI that runs the logistic business.

Advisor

Ronald Bossert Bethlehem, PA

Your military experience is a great plus for a job and possibly as a coordinator/manager. But you will be competing with others with a degree so having one is another plus. Now having said that, there are still companies which may hire you without a degree and you could work your way into a supervisory position. Bottom line try to work on a degree part-time; it will always make you more attractive to potential employers.

Advisor

John Nance Murfreesboro, TN

Your answer will rely on two things: 1) who the employer is and 2) who the hiring manager is. In most companies, military experience (especially with all the years you have) would more than qualify you for a supervisor or Level 1 manager. With that said, it would be to your benefit to pursue a degree because as you advance up the ladder that is going to be more of a deciding factor. Also, letting your potential employer know you are working toward a degree shows you have interest in bettering yourself and preparing yourself for future opportunities. Bottom line: your experience should be enough to get you in the door, but to move up you will need a degree.

Good luck and Godspeed!

Veteran

John Parker, MBA, MSIS Vacaville, CA

Experience goes a long way in regards to management. Military experience can be golden depending on the employer. So the question is are there any other factors that can separate you from the pack? In my human resources experience which I will admit is now dated, the deciding factor in selecting between candidates that were similar was the education if any. Not just any education however because it was important to see that the candidate received college education that directly related to the position (degree in Logistics for example) or a degree in the management area (MBA for civilian or MPA for government). In my current line of work the people who advance into management usually have an additional advanced degree. Just something to consider.

Advisor

Phil Marcoux Mountain View, CA

In a word - VERY!

If only for the connections you develop.

Veteran

Kent Watson Monticello, FL

Good evening Michael, Thank you so much for your over a quarter of a century for having served our Nation! This does demonstrate dedication and reliability. My humble recommendation would be to join the National Defense Transportation Association. These are the "Shakers" and "Movers" in the entire defense transportation industry across America. The National Defense Transportation Association also has arteries that reach internationally. I'm a Life Member of the National Defense Transportation Association. Experience can be a substitute for education and vice versa. A lot depends upon where you are hoping to make initial entry into a organization. Chief Kent T. Watson, 39 years of Public Service

Advisor

Bashar Nejdawi Longboat Key, FL

Transportation managers or Logistics coordinators are still in Demand. They all utilize transportation systems which manage routing, network optimization, etc.. An education in business or supply chain will help you formalize your many years of experience, especially if you want to work for a large company.

Education is something that you do for yourself and not just for a job. If you follow the path of learning and an education then employers will recognize that and you will find the education helpful in your career.

Advisor

Emanuel Carpenter Alpharetta, GA

I've been there Michael. My five years of military service was also spent in Transportation. For the purpose of this thread, you have to be more specific. Did you drive vehicles? Did you fix vehicles? Did you handle shipping and receiving? Did you plan the shipment of household goods? Drive forklifts? Did you fill orders? Or maybe you managed a warehouse? Lots of jobs fall under the transportation umbrella.

As for me, I worked in TMO as a transportation counselor. I was the guy who counseled military families on what they could ship and which moving companies would move their household goods. I spoke with carriers to coordinate moves. I also did shipping and receiving work in a warehouse in the Middle East during the Gulf War. When I got out, I got a job as a shipping clerk at a community college. After getting college degrees, I ended up in sales.

For specific trends on the types of jobs you are looking for, check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes131081.htm. There are definitely logistics, supply chain, and transportation management jobs out there at place like the United States Post Office, UPS, FedEx, your local public transportation company, Coke-a-Cola, Sysco, and more. Use sources like Hirepurpose, Hire Heroes USA, LinkedIn, and Ziprecruiter to search for them.

A degree is sometimes required for the position you want. It's sometimes used to weed out candidates who don't have the capacity to learn new things. Some companies gladly take experience over the degree. It just depends on the company. Connect with people on LinkedIn who work for the companies you want to work for, especially hiring managers. Get the inside scoop from them on education requirements and when a job may open up. You will be surprised at how many people are willing to help you, especially since you are a veteran.

Best of luck.

Advisor

rey v Tampa, FL

HI Sergeant,

Thank you for your service. There are degrees that are masters degrees in Supply Chain management I highly recommend if you choose to go into management. If you go to USAJobs.gov, they are very highly favorable of hiring veterans. The VA is one of them and you can get experience by starting in supply technician. But, if you look at the positions for management they always look for veterans first, then education next. Some colleges that are great online for veterans that have supply management is champlain college in vermont and grand canyon university. Both accept VA education benefits. Hope this helps and God bless you on your journey.

Advisor

dave Johnson Crossville, TN

Military experience is like gold in the real world. You have more to offer than someone with a degree and no experience. Employers especially older ones would rather hire you and not have to train someone new. Thanks for your service. Randy

Advisor

Gerald Mannikarote Houston, TX

Education is generally valued in any management position. In regards to transportation, it may be a good idea to explore other aspects of transportation. Currently, there is a growing need for sleep health in the transportation industry. Some education in this area may be of benefit.
I hope this helps.
Warm regards,
Jerry

Advisor

Cynthia DeHerder Oxford, MI

A degree in management is important if you do not have experience managing people. My assumption is that you do have this experience. Suggestion, make sure your resume outlines your management tasks. It always helps to be quantitative. Identify the number of people you managed and the success of projects you managed.

You have served 26 years in the military what an accomplishment. Thank You!

Advisor

Neil Serafin Easthampton, MA

In my old biz....Telecommunications....BA/BS.....Manager or Director or Officer....no degree, no higher then Supervisor.....now retired. 25 years ago, no four year college degree you could have been an officer. My experience of late....VA has many managers with no four year college degree...some with a GED. Telecommunications need fleet people. VA needs fleet people....remote pick-up of Vet patients...very big in the West.

Veteran

Michael Taylor Apo, AE

Thank you John Green
Your answer was very helpful. You are right. With the age of autonomous vehicles looming just over the horizon, transport systems may be more computer centric in the near future

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