I am trying to tailor experience with education. As a Readiness NCO what degree would you recommend?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 11:29:24 -0500

Would a Human Resources Managment BA or MBA be to focused?
Would a broader Business degree be preferred?

As a RNCO, I will basically filling the role as a Human Resources personnel. Any insight on the job potential and market for Human Resources?

Response by SPC Matthew Tinder made Feb 5 at 2018 11:37 AM

SPC Matthew Tinder — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 11:37:10 -0500

I would think a HR BA would be better suited if your intention is to focus on that in the civilian sector as well. It seems like that field is in demand but I am sure that geographically dependent.

Response by SSG Ken Schiffner made Feb 5 at 2018 12:18 PM

SSG Ken Schiffner — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 12:18:01 -0500

It depends on what you want to be "when you grow up:)." My 2 cents only, but I've seen a lot of people with college degrees work way outside of what they studied. I have a communication degree but have been a cop for almost 25 years. I recently received a degree in criminal justice management. If you are in a technical field you need a degree in that field. If HR is a field you want to explore as a career get an HR degree, go work for a few years and start working on your masters in HR so you can be a manger. Reach out to civilians in positions you might be interested in and ask if you can job shadow them. Also, you don't have to declare a major right away. Take your GE and some electives that interest you. The electives might nudge you in a favorable direction. I can tell you what to do If you want to be a cop. You do not need a degree for most departments, but a bachelor's (any field) usually gets you more pay, and helps for promotions. HR is #7 in this article. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/01/8-jobs-every-company-will-be-hiring-for-by-2020/

Good luck Zach.

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Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2018 12:49 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 12:49:41 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I would recommend a Business degree unless you plan on going into Human Resources as a career.

http://www.humanresourcesmba.net/faq/is-a-degree-in-human-resources-a-good-degree-to-have/

Is a Degree in Human Resources a Good Degree to Have? – Human Resources MBA

We’ve all heard the phrase “people person.” Lots of people use this phrase to describe themselves; however, it’s one thing to be friendly and another thing entirely to choose a line of work that puts you in contact with people and their problems every day. Some people out there were just built for administering that kind of personal touch. A degree in human resources is one way to go if you find yourself interested in that kind of work. This...

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2018 12:52 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 12:52:49 -0500

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Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2018 1:25 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 13:25:40 -0500

SGT Madren,
One answer may be in job postings. I'd look at Indeed and LinkedIn and pull up about 15-20 jobs/positions that you are interested in and see if there is a common thread in terms of education requirements. Also, look at some leaders in the field that you are interested in and see what they have in terms of education. And last, a degree is a fleeting asset. What you learn in 2018 may not be what is required in your post military career. So, I'd go for quality. Get a quality degree (regardless of the field of study) that shows potential recruiters that you are a critical thinker, a problem solver, and team player. Best of luck as well.

Response by Norah Julmis made Feb 5 at 2018 3:47 PM

Norah Julmis — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 15:47:23 -0500

I'll start by saying I'm not an HR manager. However, my sister has been training to be an HR manager in IL for 2-3 years now (civilian). She has two bachelor's degrees in non-related fields (biology and education). What she told me, was to be a "certified" HR manager, you have to take classes and periodic exams for a period of several years and then pass a final exam to be certified or something. I know this is pretty vague but it might give you an idea. It also might vary by state.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Feb 5 at 2018 4:35 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 16:35:17 -0500

A Business Degree is more marketable than HR if you ask me. Also, a well rounded Business degree exposes you to other fields like Accounting, Finance, Business Law, etc. I've done well with my BBA in Finance even though the instructor told me it was a dime a dozen. I have always used part of my Business Degree in my chosen career field which is IT - Computer Programming. However, if you want to become HR then you might need a HR degree. I'll tell you from my Business Experience since 1990, HR is always the first department they cut in a business downturn. So if you choose it as a career.........you need to be good at it.