Is there value in pursuing a second graduate degree?

2014-10-12T08:28:49-04:00

My employer offers $8,000 annually in tuition assistance. I have a graduate degree already and I'm considering enrolling in a second degree program. This degree is specific to my current career field of data center operations. I'm on the fence about going back to school, but I don't want to leave money on the table either.

Response by SGT Alyssa Marlar made Oct 12 at 2014 12:28 PM

2014-10-12T12:28:01-04:00

Pursuing a second degree will only help you and make you more attractive to future employers.

Response by SFC Boots Attaway made Oct 12 at 2014 10:57 PM

2014-10-12T22:57:16-04:00

One can NEVER have too much education. If you have an opportunity to get another degree then do it. My high school math teacher was one year from having his PHD yet he taught high school math for 30+ years in the same small town. When he finally retired he went back to school and got his doctorate. Then he started teaching at a junior college and became the Dean of Mathematics. so do NOT wait but DO IT.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2014 2:34 PM

2014-10-13T14:34:04-04:00

CPO Tim Dickey, any education is worth it as long as your head is in the game. If you aren't ready, then I wouldnt recommend it. You know how much energy it takes. I got two back-to-back Masters degrees and they were both worth it in the long run. I was mentally exhausted by the time I was done, but it was a good thing. If you are prepared, I'd agree that leaving money on the table is a BAD thing.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 13 at 2014 8:58 PM

2014-10-13T20:58:12-04:00

Learning never hurt anyone especially if its paid for. Go for it!

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 13 at 2014 9:00 PM

2014-10-13T21:00:52-04:00

As I'm not sure of your family dynamics, if its just you then I say go for it. However if you have family I would get their thoughts on it as it will be time away from family. For you I would look into getting you MBA first if you don't already have it. Also not sure on what you undergrad or masters is in have you thought about PhD?

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Oct 13 at 2014 10:09 PM

2014-10-13T22:09:50-04:00

It depends. Does it add to your skill set, prepare you for a goal, or enhance your narrative to a potential future employer or board? If yes, go for it. If no, only do it if you LIKE school.

In my case, I have a BA, two AAs and two Masters - earned in that order. And I'm currently working on my third masters.
The BA was so I could get a commission. The two AAs were because I wanted to take about 85% of the classes to become proficient at my then job. My second Masters is an MBA that I though would enhance my civilian career (I got the job I wanted, so I'm going to call that a "GO"). My first Masters I was able to get enroute to (and quicker than) my MBA - just in time to get the diploma before the board for my first look for LTC.

The Masters I'm currently working for is the MSS that the War College awards on graduation. In this case, I don't actually value the degree in itself, but I want to graduate from War College, and it's part of the package....

Of my potential 3 Masters degrees, the MBA is the only one that will be of value to my civilian career.

At some point in the future, I may go for a PHD, but it would be just for fun.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2014 11:56 PM

2014-10-13T23:56:24-04:00

It depends on the degree and your goal for getting it. Is it a lateral level degree (i.e. another masters) or are you continuing to advance yourself academically?

In general, education is a highly valued credential. In my case, I have a Ph.D. an M.Sc. and an MBA. The only reason I got the Ph.D. is so I could teach at the university level (my current job). Be sure if you are going to pursue the Ph.D. that you are fully prepared for the rigor involved...it is a long, hard grind. If you are looking at another masters, pick something that will enhance your current skill set. Just my thoughts. Best of luck in your continued pusuit of education.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Mar 7 at 2016 12:54 AM

2016-03-07T00:54:59-05:00

Sounds like a good deal. You get to learn and someone else pays the bill. Bonus as the degree you mention is in your field.

Doors like this do not open everyday.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2016 3:22 PM

2016-03-18T15:22:50-04:00

Always a tough question.
Not a bad way to go. Especially fact of an additional 8k annually.
Question: Can you enroll in a Dr. or PhD in the same career field and when completed earn the 8K?
You are an investment to the company. Perhaps they too have "underlooked" the higher education value and need to review.
Perhaps they can offer the same incentive of 8K by permitting employees to work towoard the Dr. or PhD?
Then a benchmark can be set, say at the all but dissertation completion, the 8K steps in.
Anohter Bench Mark set at, time expired and did not complete degree, the 8K goes away?
In any case the 8k is a very good incentive and fact they aid in the cost of education.

Response by SSgt Nolan Hernandez made Apr 3 at 2016 12:01 PM

2016-04-03T12:01:36-04:00

If you already have a MA/MS and looking to earning a professional degree (e.g. MBA, JD) or vice-versa, then pursuing the second graduate degree could be career-enhancing. However, it also depends on your motivation, school reputation, career goals, and time management.

You can also look into graduate certificate programs or specific IT certifications relating to data center operations. These short-term programs may open other career opportunities that a traditional graduate degree may not (e.g. Cisco, VMware, EMC2).