Posted on Aug 29, 2016
Has anyone used an online degree (BBA from AMU in my case) to snag an entry level federal job?
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I am doing my Bachelor's and subsequent Master's through AMU in Space Studies. NASA is excited that I am interested in joining their team. So, if NASA is cool with a degree from AMU, I am sure that an entry-level government job would accept it as well. However, shoot for a mid-level position. Do not sell yourself short Marine!
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Capt Brandon Charters
CW2 (Join to see) As a 'space guy' I really wish you the best on this next big career step. Which NASA center have you applied to? Please keep me posted on how your application process goes!
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CW2 (Join to see)
Kennedy SC as well as their subsidiary in Ohio. I'm hoping to join the team around 2019.
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Not an entry level, but it did help me obtain a promotion. I did my Masters at AMU. If you are looking at government jobs, they count AMU. As long as the school is accredited, the government could care less where you went.
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Suspended Profile
I work for a state regulatory agency and we constantly have to evaluate and verify educational transcripts. So long as your degree is from an accredited college, it is legitimate. AMU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which is a regionally accredited university (good thing!!)
So this might be a bit if an unpopular response. A degree is necessary to meet the minimum qualifications for many jobs in the USG, but it can't be just any degree from any school. I tend to question the quality of some of the for-profit schools until I see a writing sample (actually that is true for all schools, but the for profits seem to produce graduates that have more difficulty writing). Online courses/degrees are fine as long as it is from a rigorous program. I received an online certificate of advanced study in cyber-security from Stanford and nobody expressed any concern about the quality of the program. Arizona State seems to have some decent online programs. Unless it is a technical field, the major may not matter much. However you aren't going to get a job as an economst at Treasury without some finance/economics courses on your transcript. With a MA in international relations I had no problem getting a job as an international trade specialist. And yes, what I studied was directly relevant to my daily work.
I work on policy issues and am constantly writing. When I see an application that meets or exceeds the basic requirements, and HR has placed the application on the "cert list," my next question is can this person communicate orally and in writing. If not, there is no chance I will recommend hiring no matter how short-handed we are.
I work on policy issues and am constantly writing. When I see an application that meets or exceeds the basic requirements, and HR has placed the application on the "cert list," my next question is can this person communicate orally and in writing. If not, there is no chance I will recommend hiring no matter how short-handed we are.
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A degree is worthless many jobs only care for certifications. However many jobs do require a degree which is crazy bachelors will at least get you a entry level job. good luck though
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In most well compensated fields these days you need a tripod: Experience, Degree and Certification. If you have the right experience and the right certifications, the fact that a degree was obtained online (as long as it's from an accredited university) isn't going to hurt you.
I have seen someone with a Masters degree who was hired as a GS-13 and then asked to obtain a CISSP certification, let go when they failed to obtain one within six months. Getting your foot in the door with a degree can be a double edged sword if you don't have the technical knowledge to work at the level needed.
I have seen someone with a Masters degree who was hired as a GS-13 and then asked to obtain a CISSP certification, let go when they failed to obtain one within six months. Getting your foot in the door with a degree can be a double edged sword if you don't have the technical knowledge to work at the level needed.
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SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint
Yes, your manager can let you go if you do not meet the requirements during the probation period. The 6 months is easy to release someone. FYI, for DCIPS Intell jobs the probation period is now 2 years.
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I've heard Many folks using many of the Online Programs to Boost their Associates to Bachelors Degrees to Help get thru the Doors...
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SSG (Join to see)
As a former employee of the government, I can attest to this, one must read the job description and make your resume match up, the first round in most selections is done by a computer matching word description, once you make the master list then a human will cut the list down to 10 or 20 and pass that list on to the hiring agency who can pick from the list or request a new list. I have seen this done because someone they wanted did not make the cut so they request a new list and have the person spruce up their resume, hoping they will make the cut.
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SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint
But, if a potential employee is too lazy to focus their resume.... do we really want them in the office?
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MAJ David Brand
SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint - Great point Jim! As I look through 345 resumes for one job - most refuse to tailor their resume and therefore never get an interview.
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Maj Marty Hogan
MAJ David Brand - We don't have that luxury- if they qualify we have to interview. We don't have nearly 1% of that number most times. If you are applying for a computer position and you have the skills and certs but your degree is in basket weaving- and you rely on that degree to get you the job...not so much. I did some interviews a year or two ago and the applicant stated- I am not really sure what the job entails, but think... Honestly I was in awe he showed up as it was for a supervision position.
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