What are the top 3 post-graduate degrees for officers transitioning to the civilian sector?

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Oct 2013 23:03:31 -0400

I'm considering and MBA but am wondering if there's some other valuable degrees that I might be overlooking that would be valuable paired with military officer experience.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Oct 26 at 2013 11:37 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Sat, 26 Oct 2013 23:37:05 -0400

Every veteran I've met who got an MBA from a top program has absolutely loved his/her experience. If one is going into the private sector, it's tough to think of a better degree to get, as long as you get it from the right school. Some people also get a joint MPP or MPA degree at the same time. The Kennedy school has dual degree options with several business schools, and is definitely worth looking at. If you're planning to stay in the public sector, I've also seen a lot of veterans go for a Masters in International Relations.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2013 1:55 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Oct 2013 01:55:51 -0400

It largely depends on what private sector market you are trying to break into. An MBA would serve you well so long as it was from a reputable and well known institution with full accreditations. Political Science majors with concentrations in International Relations is also a good route that can be very flexible. Another common route I'm seeing is a Masters in Education coupled with a Masters in another field such as History. I think the best thing you can do, is find the job/industry you can see yourself working in after the military. Find individuals in those positions that are leading the industry and find out their educational background.

Response by CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2013 11:53 AM

CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Oct 2013 11:53:15 -0400

Since most civilians are hesitant to pay for their MBA out
of pocket, any degree you pursue would be an added benefit. I would also look
into getting your PMP.

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2013 12:33 PM

MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Oct 2013 12:33:03 -0400

I would recommend taking a look at "U.S. News" to do some research based on cost, program size, location, and any other characteristics you may find important. You can also take a look at the best sub-catagories. For instance, while Harvard is #1 for MBA overall, UPenn is #1 for the Executive MBA and Finance MBA sub-categories. This was very helpful for me when researching engineering graduate degrees. So hopefully, it is also helpful for you.The website is: http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schoolsGood Luck!

Best Graduate Schools | Top Graduate Programs | US News Education

Find the best graduate program for you using the US News Best Graduate Schools rankings.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2013 12:23 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 00:23:23 -0400

I would first consider what it is you want to do? What is your under-grad degree in and do you wish to stay with that major?

Some Masters are very specific and are required to get hired for some jobs. When I was looking into applying for MBA programs I looked for the ones that offered multiple minors. Since I am a Health Services Officers I found great value in an MBA in Healthcare. I liked the idea that if I changed my mind about a career in Healthcare I still had the MBA. As a multi-facited degree with far reaching and board career fields it seemed the best investment.

Another degree that I have heard is considered a highly sought degree in the civilian sector is an MPA (Masters of Public Administration). This is another management degree that is well received when looking at large companies who are seeking future VPs and potential Presidents of multiple organizations and even government.

Lastly, if you like technology, a Master's in Information Technology is highly sought after. At the Maser's level you would qualify for a top tier management position. But again, you have to want to do that type of work.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2013 3:31 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 15:31:05 -0400

Have you considered an M.S. in Industrial Engineering or Engineering Management? The experience of a JMO translates to a lot of different civilian career fields. Leveraging technical aptitude makes you more valuable to a variety of industries.

The conventional wisdom on getting the MBA ceases to be conventional...there is a lot of discussion about the ROI for the MBA and whether the curriculum should be overhauled completely. I've seen the MBA most important in specific sectors, like finance, but not a prerequisite for a successful transition and launch to your business career.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Oct 31 at 2013 7:34 PM

CMC Robert Young — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 19:34:40 -0400

Sir, I know that the MBA is the conventional wisdom of the day, but have you considered pursuing something in the organizational behavior world? My CO recently finished his MA in organizational dynamics and I just completed my MA in organizational leadership with a focus on organizational change and innovation. Leadership is the universally transferable skill. As our world becomes more fluid, the ability lead organizations in transition will be a valuable asset. That coupled with your successful military career might provide you some opportunities. Maybe a little unconventional, but might be worth consideration.

Response by SGT Jason Doyle made Apr 7 at 2014 10:29 PM

SGT Jason Doyle — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 22:29:27 -0400

I agree with many of the previous posts, but if you want to manage people in a business setting, an MBA is the best graduate degree to obtain.