Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco, CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

This past Sunday's (Aug 18, 2013) New York Times had a front-page article on Georgia Tech's plan to offer a $7,000 online Master in Computer Science degree.

I think this is an interesting and potentially exciting "experiment".

"Some educators think the leap from individual noncredit courses to full degree programs could signal the next phase in the evolution of MOOCs — and bring real change to higher education."

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/18/education/masters-degree-is-new-frontier-of-study-online.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

see also:
https://www.google.com/search?q=georgia+tech+online+masters+degree+in+computer+science

Chuck Mahon ⋅ Cincinnati, OH General Electric ⋅ 16 years experience

Matt - So called "Certificate Programs" are indeed valuable - for the financial gain of the providers. Rarely do these expensive programs provide the value they advertise. They are money makers for the school.

A better, more impressive entry on your CV might be the completion of open curriculum from MIT's Sloan School. Cheap (free), incredibly rich and practical content, and the ability to show successful completion . And you can use the curriculum to help steer your passion and interests.

http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/sloan-school-of-management/index.htm

Like a lot of separating junior officers, you are undervaluing your skills. Your degree and leadership experience (as well as your technical experience gained in your branch) are more than enough to make you competitive.

Be passionate - find a vertical or industry or function you are deeply interested in and go forward. You are going to have to serve a bit of an apprenticeship period anyway. You will still earn a terrific living. Your critical thinking skills and leadership experience are of significant value in the workplace. You just need some confidence.

GE is a great place (shameless recruiting plug). Have you considered?

Chuck

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco, CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

Matthew,

On the topic of exploring what you WANT to do, self-assessment and career-exploration, this is a pretty good discussion that I recommend you read.:

https://acp-advisornet.org/question/855/need-some-help-narrowing-down-my-occupational-focus-for-the-next-career.

This discussion on self-assessment tools is also good:
https://acp-advisornet.org/question/725/what-are-best-tools-for-veterans-to-self-assess-their-aptitude-capabilities-and-interestss

Kelly Thrasher ⋅ Denver, PA Accolade ⋅ 20 years experience

Matthew, what do you WANT to do? When I left the Active Army after 11 years, I had no idea, and hence no plan, other than I had x qualifications and wanted to live in the Northeast. As I went to job fairs and interviews, I realized what I didn't want to do and what I might enjoy doing. I was Infantry and sort of liked working with people. I went the management route and used the "first job" as a means to test out what I wanted. In my opinion, MBAs will get you in the door BUT any demonstrated skills and desire to improve yourself can also do the same. Think of an MBA as CGSC (ILE/AOWC). It is a school, it takes commitment and time to get through and will provide everyone who sees it as a "known" accomplishment. Use those MDMP skills to rough out where you want to be in 5 years and go from there. BTW I didn't get an MBA and went the Six Sigma and project Management route and actually like it.

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco, CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

Is a full time MBA upon separation a possible option you should be considering? if yes, you'll need to think about taking the GMAT exam and then applying and requesting letters of recommendations, etc.

Matthew Parker ⋅ Woodridge, IL U.S. Army, Captain ⋅ 6 years served

All,

I really appreciate all the responses. I guess what I need to focus on most right now is where do I want to end up? I am continuing to read and use various other resources to narrow this down. I think the unknown industry, position, etc. has been what has made me so hesitant to commit to any certification (i.e. certificate programs, PMI certs, etc.).

To answer a few comments about me undervaluing my skills, I never intended for that to be how I came across. I find myself extremely fortunate to have developed skills in leadership, management, etc. both in and out of combat. Something I truly believe sets me well apart from others. I think the doubt I had was that I feel there is so much "unknown" to me in the corporate world. Since I studied History in college, a part of me feels I am behind when it comes to even basic business knowledge. In the end, I think that is what drew me towards to executive certificate program. It was as much for my own confidence as it was for the resume.

Again, I greatly appreciate all the help and am always open to new advice. Thanks!

Jerry Millar ⋅ Seattle, WA ⋅ 14 years experience

Matt,

I want to add to Chuck's comment:

"Like a lot of separating junior officers, you are undervaluing your skills. Your degree and leadership experience (as well as your technical experience gained in your branch) are more than enough to make you competitive."

Not unlike serving in the Military, succeeding in business takes focus, direction, and confidence. If earning a cert in business administration gives you the confidence to walk into any interview and own it, I say go for it! My key suggestions would be: make sure it is a legit school, Notre Dame sounds fine; take classes in person if you can, networking is the true benefit to a course like this; find a mentor in the industry you want to work in so that you can know how the skills you are learning are applied in the real world.

Also, many of the people I work with in Finance and Banking (myself included) went to LACs so don't discount your degree/education; in fact my boss was a History major!

Best of luck!

Aaron Spool ⋅ West Orange, NJ CIT ⋅ 11 years experience

Matt - You've gotten some great advice and I have nothing better to add.

My personal opinion is to always be wary of any degree program, certification, etc...that doesn't get you to where you want to be. If you don't know where/what you want...then do what you are doing now and talk to different folk. It's a heck of a lot cheaper than spending money on an education you realize later isn't what you want/need.

Alan J. Zell ⋅ Portland, OR Attitudes for Selling ⋅ 29 years experience

Matthew, While the certificate will help because it shows that you took the time to earn it, what any business buys are skills. A certificate without the associated skills means it will look nice on your home office wall . . but with the right skills and no certificate, not having the certificate will not be a deterrent.

You wrote, "I feel that without a strong background in business." Since you did not state what it is, the question comes up with what type of business and is it related to the type of business you want to work in? Yes, all business is the same but what is not the same are the indiocyncrasies of the type of business or industry . . and that is what one has to know about where they want to work otherwise the firm will have to teach those to you and this may mean you will no be offered the salary you'd like or need to have.

Alan

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco, CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

Matthew -

* It's a great sing that planning and asking these questions far in advance of your separation or retirement form the military.

* What are your goals (immediate, short, medium and long term, legacy, etc.)?

For help with self-assessment and goal setting, see these prior threads:
https://acp-advisornet.org/questions/topic/self-assessment

*Once you define your goals, ask "Might a certification program make sense?" (e.g. PMP, CAPM, CCBA, CISSP, 6 Sigma, etc.).

Veterans can earn certifications free of charge and under the guidance of a counselor at the Veterans Career Transition Program at Syracuse University. The next application deadline is Aug. 26, 2013.
http://vets.syr.edu/education/employment-programs/

One way to research certifications is to review job listings at indeed.com
e.g.
http://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=Six+Sigma+Green+Belt&l=
http://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=PMP&l=
http://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=CCBA&l=

Also review prior posts such as:
https://acp-advisornet.org/search?Search=certification
https://acp-advisornet.org/search?Search=certifications
https://acp-advisornet.org/profile/comments/3880/answers

* Are you eligible for the GI Bill? Might a formal full-time in-person degree program (MBA? Other Masters degree?) after separation or retirement from the military make sense?

* My personal bias leans towards a widely recognized and in-demand certification (as opposed to a certificate) or a formal degree from an institution with a good career planning center, formal alumni network and active alumni club system (pretty much excludes most for-profit corporations that offer "degrees".)

Matthew Parker ⋅ Woodridge, IL U.S. Army, Captain ⋅ 6 years served

Angela,

Thanks for the quick response! I understand that MBAs or any diploma related degree is stronger than a certificate. My question is more, is a certificate worth my time now? Right now, I do not have the time to complete an MBA but still want to improve the business side of my resume considering my undergraduate degree is in Liberal Arts. So I guess my question was more, is a 6 month certificate (accredited university or not) really going to give any strength to my resume?