What are your thoughts on including initials (MBA, PHD) after a member's name?

SPC Paul Jennings, J.D. — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 12:05:48 -0400

There seems to be a trend towards Rallypoint members including initials after their names. Some of these are fairly straight forward such as the initials MBA, JD, PHD, or so forth that indicate an academic degree is held. Others, however, are fairly vague and sometimes indicate a job title, community position, or certification. So is this an acceptable trend or is merely grandstanding?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 12:10 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 12:10:50 -0400

It shows expertise and is a norm in the civilian sector. It can however get obnoxious at times.

Response by SFC Andrew Miller made Jun 7 at 2016 12:15 PM

SFC Andrew Miller — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 12:15:00 -0400

Before getting into veteran services I worked in IT and I always included my CISSP in my signature block. In the IT field some people put more weight into certifications, others into education, and all put some amount into experience. While entry level certs don't necessarily show a focus area, higher level certifications can help demonstrate what areas of IT you know or have experience in. Many of those require a certain number of years or hours of project experience before you can even apply.

Having spent 3 years in higher education, everyone there puts every degree initials and professional certifications behind their signature block. Sometimes it gets to be a little too much and should be limited to the highest or most relevant to the current position.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 12:21 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 12:21:15 -0400

On Rallypoint, it's just grandstanding. For email signatures, it's fine; however people tend to go overboard on the alphabet soup.

Response by SGT David T. made Jun 7 at 2016 12:27 PM

SGT David T. — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 12:27:44 -0400

I choose not to but that is a personal decision. If someone else chooses to so be it, they earned it.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 12:43 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 12:43:47 -0400

I think it helps. I also think it is a personal choice. Some people here put every degree they have after their name. I think it is good for branding for recruiters to get a quick picture.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jun 7 at 2016 12:47 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 12:47:56 -0400

To tell the truth, I'm not overly awed by a persons degree, it just means that they decided to better themselves. I have some college time, my son has a Masters in Science Engineering , and he treats me as an equal.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 12:58 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 12:58:02 -0400

Don't be jealous/butthurt. WOrk hard and apply yourself. Then you too, can have letters after your name!

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jun 7 at 2016 1:15 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 13:15:54 -0400

I feel one's experience can be seen in their profile. One can flaunt if they desire, but I don't believe it's necessary.

Response by SMSgt David Zobel made Jun 7 at 2016 1:23 PM

SMSgt David Zobel — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 13:23:40 -0400

I think it's pointless grand standing.
David B. Zobel, SMSgt, USAF (Ret), MA, CADC-II.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Jun 7 at 2016 1:25 PM

1SG Cameron M. Wesson — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 13:25:34 -0400

SPC Paul Jennings, J.D. my selection was not there.... i would offer that the initialism of education provide a reader to note that the person has obtained a "degree of professional education"... that does not necessarily correlate to expertise.

That said... if you got it and are proud... display it... but do so where it is appropriate... in say offical message traffic or reports.

My 2 cents.

Response by SPC Troy Reynolds made Jun 7 at 2016 1:29 PM

SPC Troy Reynolds — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 13:29:49 -0400

I have an MEd and don't even add it to my business cards or professional communications. If the degree isn't terminal, it's just masturbatory attention-seeking. Even if the degree is terminal, it often is. Some of the poorest professionals I've known have a Phd, but are clueless in the real world.

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Jun 7 at 2016 1:50 PM

SFC Everett Oliver — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 13:50:17 -0400

I could care less about what it says after someones name, I care more for what they actually say....

Response by CAPT Gary Foster made Jun 7 at 2016 1:50 PM

CAPT Gary Foster — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 13:50:53 -0400

MBA/PHD tells me you spent some time in school. Good on you and congrats. What initials show experience? I can name a few: MGSYGT, MCPO, CSM, Colonel/Captain, etc, etc.

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Jun 7 at 2016 1:53 PM

PO1 Brian Austin — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 13:53:25 -0400

It's not a big deal to me. If someone put the time and money into getting an academic degree like an MBA or PHD or a certification and they want to show it, it's all good.

Response by Albert Bewersdorff made Jun 7 at 2016 2:01 PM

Albert Bewersdorff — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 14:01:03 -0400

I think it's important information which should be accessible in one's profile

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 3:31 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 15:31:28 -0400

It's great for a place like LinkedIn but I don't see the purpose for it here. I don't think it should be banned here, but I don't understand why some people use them here.

Response by SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S. made Jun 7 at 2016 3:38 PM

SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S. — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 15:38:18 -0400

I have a Master of Science in Management (M.S.M.), but I only use M.S. at work and on here. I have an Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) also from the Army, so I like to avoid the confusion.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 3:41 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 15:41:51 -0400

Outside of academia the PhD means very little. The PhD is relevant for individuals trying to produce new knowledge and contribute to their specific field or a closely related field.

There are times when I do think it is attention seeking though. For example, I spent five years trying to earn a MA and after the degree was finally conferred, I posted it on my FB profile for about 24 hours or so. The next day I reviewed my profile and thought to myself, "what an asshole!" So, I removed it.

All of the branches of the military contain a different skill set than any you find in the civilian world because the military incorporates the chain of command into every decision that is made. My opinion is that the situation dictates.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 3:42 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 15:42:07 -0400

Never gave it thought. How does Name , SOB sound?

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 7 at 2016 3:55 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 15:55:58 -0400

By rights, they've earned them, so it's up to their discretion to display them. And RP, being a professional based community, it's not wholly inappropriate. However, IMHO, unless you are in a position that requires you to have those degrees/certifications (or you're on RP to try to get hired into one of those positions), it's a bit superfluous.

Response by SSgt Ryan Sylvester made Jun 7 at 2016 4:16 PM

SSgt Ryan Sylvester — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 16:16:35 -0400

I will say that if RP's allowing folks to drop the alphabet soup after their name, then include certifications. Some of us pursue professional development outside of advanced degrees for our jobs.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jun 7 at 2016 4:19 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 16:19:32 -0400

Personally, I'm not fond of it because I don't know what each set of initials might represent. I think name/title/rank are more than sufficient.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 4:41 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 16:41:50 -0400

I usually put a secret squirrel after my name just to let everyone know how cool I am.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 4:45 PM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 16:45:20 -0400

Helps me understand who I am talking to.
- Dr. LCPL MBA MD PHD EDD MA JD NUCE DD DDS DED BAM BBA BCE

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jun 7 at 2016 5:22 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 17:22:04 -0400

I've never had a problem with it, even before I earned my terminal degree.

I do pick and choose when I use my PhD though. I include my terminal degree on my official signature block at work (for obvious reasons), as well as on professional websites. Since RP is for professional networking (among veterans), I feel that it is appropriate to use it on this website (as well as on LinkedIn). However, I don't use it on non-professional websites like Facebook, my church's website (where I'm on the vestry), my kids' school website (where I'm on the school board), etc. RP is somewhat in a gray zone between a professional networking site and a social networking site, so I can understand why some RP members wouldn't like it.

I do chuckle when people use multiple credentials after their names though. In some cases that might be warranted (like if you have two terminal degrees, such as MD/PhD, or JD/PhD), but normally the highest degree trumps all other lower degrees. I would feel that I was being grandiose by using both PhD and MBA. Sometimes people use their highest degree with one professional certification, and I suppose that's okay too. I did laugh out loud once when I saw someone use 13, yes 13, credentials after their name. He was a PhD and MD, but he added credentials all the way down to an Associates Degree. I mean, really?

The main point is to consider the context and to use discretion. Display only what is appropriate, and when it is appropriate. If you do that, and people still don't like it, then it's their problem.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jun 7 at 2016 5:29 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 17:29:40 -0400

I have three Master's degrees whose meanings are not clear. There are many on RP with initials I have no way to decipher. In the end though, if people want to list their certifications, who is it hurting?

Response by SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM made Jun 7 at 2016 5:30 PM

SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 17:30:36 -0400

SPC Paul Jennings, J.D. ,
Great thought provoking question. There are a variety of reasons of why people put the initials behind their name. Some are doing it in the form of being obnoxious and pretentious. However, others are truly proud of their accomplishments, in which the initials could serve as a reflection of the journey. In my personal case, I attest my reasoning why I put my initials behind my name because of the fact that I had to work extremely hard to earn my MBA. With challenges of unit OPTEMPO, combat deployments, and the continuance of supporting for and raising a family of seven. In addition to, being a poor kid from a broken home out of Washington D.C., I serve as the first male in family to complete both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree. So, you better believe that I am going to stick my chest out and be proud of the accomplishment and legacy that I have created moving forward. But above all, this accomplishment gives me leverage towards being an even stronger example to my children in which I can show and prove the importance of hard work and education in order to live the life that you desire. Granted I have read countless articles and have done plenty of research of when it is appropriate to put those initials behind your name (Specialization, Doctorate degree, JD, and so on), however it does not minimize the accomplishment of the individual. In the future before making an assumption into why individuals place those initials behind their name, attempt to seek the reasoning to understand as I guarantee that every circumstance has a valid story behind it. Nonetheless, thanks for sharing.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 7:54 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 19:54:33 -0400

Like military technobabble - techno speak , each field has its acronyms, some commonplace like PA-C or MD others arcane and only convey meaning to those in the know. SSG, SPC, CO, SOF, Batt, Group, Legg, all useless jargon to civilians but very meaningful to us. If someone posts a ton of useless letters to try and inflate their importance; who cares. I may be only showing my own ignorance by challenging the importance of those acronyms. If they are being a braggarts or buffoon about it; again who cares. That doesn't reflect upon you, only upon them. Honestly at times I find those abbreviations useful because I just might be looking for that short tabbed E 6, SERE-C qualified, whiskey 1 to help out SOT-D with their next SOTIC. I guess I am a geek because I can mine allot of data from those acnomyms and focus my search for resources with those who already have the answers.

Response by CPL Patrick Brewbaker made Jun 7 at 2016 8:35 PM

CPL Patrick Brewbaker — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 20:35:41 -0400

The letters behind my name is USMC!!

Response by CWO4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 8:48 PM

CWO4 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 20:48:35 -0400

I think people that put "MBA" after their name are insecure idiots.

Response by MSgt Aaron Brite made Jun 7 at 2016 8:56 PM

MSgt Aaron Brite — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 20:56:16 -0400

My opinion it's pointless to add civilian degrees in a military community as the one does not necessarily confer expertise in the other. It is equally pointless to ban the practice. Only mentioning the degrees or certifications in specific responses as support for a statement is to me valuable. And the donuts.

Response by CMSgt Mark Lewis made Jun 7 at 2016 10:37 PM

CMSgt Mark Lewis — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 22:37:59 -0400

Most of the time they represent the additional effort someone put in to earn a professional certification and/or licensure that may be beneficial or required in their profession. I work in Construction Management now and am currently working on my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. When I do complete the exam and earn the certification then I too will include "PMP" after my name in my business signatures. I may or may not use it here on Rally Point but I would definitely use it on my LinkedIn profile.

Response by SSG Stephen Arnold made Jun 8 at 2016 12:17 AM

SSG Stephen Arnold — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 00:17:09 -0400

I see no reason unless I am signing professional communication. Most people don't know what my credentials mean, anyway.

Stephen Arnold, SSP, NCSP

See what I mean?

Response by PO1 Felix Rivera made Jun 8 at 2016 12:40 AM

PO1 Felix Rivera — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 00:40:09 -0400

In my opinion having a few letters after your name only goes to show that you have worked hard to earned them. Using them constantly to identify your self ala Harriet Jones https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/23/Harriet_Jones.jpg
then you are just being a buffoon. Personally though, I have met individuals mainly officers often bothered when then find out that some E5 with six years of active duty is only 6 credits shy of getting their masters. I know because I have seen it. So, is the fact that people are annoyed doing so because that little green monster is rearing its envious itty bitty head?

Harriet_Jones.jpg

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Response by SFC Marcus Belt made Jun 8 at 2016 10:43 AM

SFC Marcus Belt — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 10:43:20 -0400

This is an informal setting, so adding whatever the member wishes, as long as it is not generally offensive, is fine.

Response by SCPO Carl Wayne Boss made Jun 8 at 2016 7:27 PM

SCPO Carl Wayne Boss — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 19:27:41 -0400

I truly don't care one way or the other, nor do I understand why it bothers some folks, while others get an ego boost from the practice.

I don't understand why some folks have to be so touchy and/or argumentative about what others like to do? Why do some people think every little behavior, idiosyncrasy, habit or practice needs to be "regulated" by RP Staff or anyone else?

In more cases than not these days, all those acronyms are simply the sign posts of educated idiots, that have spent years being indoctrinated by the institutions from which they graduated, they got no real education and even less real usable knowledge. Many I've met and interacted with that put PHD's after their names were just that... little better than "educated Idiots"!

I spent a dozen years taking college level classes, carefully selecting classes that would expand my knowledge base and improve my ability to do my job as a Fire Inspector, Investigator and Building and Fire Code Compliance Administrator. I studied many Fire and Bldg. Codes, Regulations and Standards so I might better serve the Citizens in the jurisdiction where I worked.

I have been certified in many of those areas of expertise, but don't see the need of adding a string of alphabet soup that would further elongate the Title(s) under which I've served on numerous occasions.

If Mr. Jennings feels the practice is "grandstanding"... maybe Mr. Jennings needs to re-evaluate his thought process. Some people work very hard to achieve their MBA, PHD's etc., etc. & actually learn something in the process... others... not so much.

It's just like in some cases people get promoted to fill a "diversity quota", because they're a member of a protected class, not necessarily because they're the best qualified for the position! I've had people get promoted over me because they were female, Hispanic, Indian-American, Gay or whatever else in order to fill an EEOC/Diversity Quota... not because they were the best person qualified for the job... and to add insult to injury... I was frequently assigned to the newly promoted to assist them because they couldn't function completely in their position after the promotion.

So in essence... they got the increase in pay, benefits and privilege's that came along with the promotion and I got to do their work for them in addition to my own!

Such is life in the 21st Century...

Response by SGT(P) Oliver Freeman III made Jun 8 at 2016 10:30 PM

SGT(P) Oliver Freeman III — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 22:30:35 -0400

Its a personal thing. I have certs and refuse to put them after my name. Even after my schooling, if you don't want to get to know a person, those are irrelevant to me anyway.

Response by CPT John Sheridan made Jun 16 at 2016 7:47 AM

CPT John Sheridan — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 07:47:59 -0400

I have no problem with it, I don't do it myself, but why not if you like it? Most of us have a box where we keep mementos of our achievements or plaques that we hang on our office walls. Same thing.

Response by PO3 Steven Stinnett made Jul 16 at 2016 4:58 PM

PO3 Steven Stinnett — Sat, 16 Jul 2016 16:58:35 -0400

WHY NOT, be proud of your accomplishments.

Response by CW4 Aaron Rasmussen made Aug 30 at 2016 7:10 PM

CW4 Aaron Rasmussen — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 19:10:05 -0400

I couldn't care less what initials people use after their names on social media. It really means nothing to me.

Response by MAJ David Brand made Sep 1 at 2016 12:47 PM

MAJ David Brand — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 12:47:16 -0400

I include them on official or job related business only. If you earned them - you earned the right to share them. Thanks - Dave

Response by SFC George Smith made Sep 1 at 2016 3:36 PM

SFC George Smith — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 15:36:07 -0400

a self Serving, self Centered, Arrogant, Holier Than Thou, Over educated idiot...

Response by LTC Timothy O'Neill made Sep 8 at 2016 1:17 PM

LTC Timothy O'Neill — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 13:17:46 -0400

I never used them while on AD, even during many years as a professor at USMA. Now, because of post-retirement jobs, it's helpful. There is no particular reason to use them on social media (which usually has the info in your profile if anybody cares.

T. O'Neill, CPA; MA, MACT, PHD

Response by SrA Joseph Pulaski made Oct 27 at 2016 8:40 PM

SrA Joseph Pulaski — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 20:40:18 -0400

The truth is that people deserve to be proud of their accomplishments, and they should be allowed to post accordingly. The modest can stay that way and the proud can feel validated.

Response by SSgt Chuck “Gunz” Gundlach USMC Ret., MBA made Oct 31 at 2016 3:11 PM

SSgt Chuck “Gunz” Gundlach USMC Ret., MBA — Mon, 31 Oct 2016 15:11:34 -0400

I believe its just like using rank in the military, or for those who use it afterwards, and as rank does, a degree, and certain training shows levels of pedigree, experience, competence, knowledge...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2016 7:51 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 19:51:50 -0400

I think if you have earned it, you should go ahead and share your credentials for a quick look. If I really want to verify, I will go to your page. I would think that one should limit it to one certification only though. Any more than that, it is overboard.

Response by MCPO Mark Durland made Nov 8 at 2016 3:36 PM

MCPO Mark Durland — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 15:36:20 -0500

Good question. Most who do it are probably grooming their egos, but in light of the networking aspects of social media it's probably not a bad thing. I found my new job via LinkedIn due to credentials listed after my name (and it's a SUWEEEET job!).

Response by MSG David Rogers III made Dec 29 at 2016 9:39 AM

MSG David Rogers III — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 09:39:54 -0500

Whatever.

MSG Dave Rogers, ARG, DMJ

(Average Regular Guy, Did My Job)

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2017 4:10 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 16:10:00 -0500

I think if someone wants to be insulting to those of us who do on a blanket basis, that says a lot more about the character of the insulter than it does about the alphabet-soup sporting target.

Having said that, and you can take this from a guy who's earned nine college degrees, the person makes the degree, not the other way around. If you're going to do it, use your highest degree only, not an entire alphabet soup. Know your audience.

Also, regarding RallyPoint, some of us are not active duty (I'm USAR myself) and having a credential after your name just might bring you to someone's attention who understands that credential and wants to talk to you about a job.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 2 at 2017 4:12 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 16:12:21 -0500

Why don't you tell us your thoughts, SPC Paul Jennings, J.D.? You have a juris doctor degree from Texas Tech, a well known and respected university. You use your credentials. Why?

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Jan 4 at 2017 11:37 AM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Wed, 04 Jan 2017 11:37:15 -0500

I'm changing mine to MSG Dan Castaneda, C.D.

(Combat Diver)

Response by GySgt Melissa Gravila made Jan 15 at 2017 7:32 PM

GySgt Melissa Gravila — Sun, 15 Jan 2017 19:32:26 -0500

I think it shows credence to the comments made or even to the topic at hand.

Response by CPT Daniel Walk, M.B.A. made Jan 15 at 2017 7:48 PM

CPT Daniel Walk, M.B.A. — Sun, 15 Jan 2017 19:48:03 -0500

Professional designation are earned and certified. This is a social media site for, among other purposes, networking. So, professional designations give an immediate understanding of a persons knowledge, experience, and expertise. It facilitates networking and rapid identification.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2017 1:19 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 01:19:48 -0500

It's useful for other members to find others members who have such experience. I've been looked up by members and asked several questions in regards to certifications. Have an MBA and 38 other but only post what I believe is helpful. I've already contacted other members with other degrees in their titles.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2017 4:03 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 16:03:07 -0500

My perception of those who don't want members to be allowed to display credentials after their names....they're sending a message that says the hard work we undertook in earning those credentials doesn't matter, and isn't worth anything, and certainly not worthy of respect for our accomplishments. Is that really the message you want to send?

Response by CPO Robert (Mac) McGovern made Apr 17 at 2017 5:44 PM

CPO Robert (Mac) McGovern — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 17:44:21 -0400

I am going to go out on a limb on this one. Is it grandstanding to use your military rank? If you are no longer active duty, what is the point?

Receiving an advanced degree is a significant accomplishment that few attain. They work extremely hard and sacrifice much for the pleasure of displaying that accomplishment. It is the same with rank…it is also a significant accomplishment we are proud to display and let people know who we are, what we are, and of our accomplishments.

I attained the rank of CPO, I earned a Bachelor’s degree, I have many other accomplishments of which I am proud and are on display on RallyPoint. I celebrate the accomplishments of others because I know how hard it is to go above and beyond for years, to display who I am.

I have no problem with members displaying any accomplishment they have earned. In the Armed Forces, accomplishment is what drives us. What is so different here?

Response by SSG Johnnie Vaughn made Apr 26 at 2017 8:59 PM

SSG Johnnie Vaughn — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 20:59:10 -0400

Nope, never should be done...

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 12 at 2017 3:41 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 12 May 2017 15:41:05 -0400

I figure if someone is that curious, they'll check my profile....
I have a Bachelors in Business Administrations, an Associates in Computer Science, my Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Project Manager certification and my Demonstrated Senior Logistician... I have to imagine my profile would look ridiculous with all those letters....

Response by TSgt Robert Allen made May 14 at 2017 12:45 PM

TSgt Robert Allen — Sun, 14 May 2017 12:45:41 -0400

If it floats their boat, whatever. I know some officers that are doctors and want to put it there; OK. your'e a doctor...I get it. If they are trying to get a job maybe they are hoping someone will see the letters and go "wow, their just what we are looking for".

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2018 4:48 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 16:48:03 -0500

Working for a Department of Education, many do the same thing, to them it's like a ranking thing. But it all comes down to, the Degree is only as good as it's user.

It is also said, "One looks Brighter until they open their Mouth."

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2018 5:01 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 17:01:33 -0500

What is the purpose? If it is to show accomplishment or proof of hard work then where does it end? I just finished a master framing class, should I put MF after my name/title?

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Feb 15 at 2018 5:09 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 17:09:19 -0500

A bit of a dated topic, but I'll jump in as a couple folks have breathed new life back into the thread.

I have had this discussion on LinkedIn myself. I am working on an MBA, but I don't know if I want to put "MBA" behind my name. It seems like the kind of attention grabber I don't think I need. Maybe I'm wrong, and its exactly the kind of attention grabber I need, who knows. Still, its kind of "unseemly" I guess I'd say. On LinkedIn my opinion is distinctly in the minority. Should I earn my MBA, maybe I'll tag myself with it on LinkedIn where maybe it means something, but not here, not Facebook, not in casual conversation... You get the point.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Feb 15 at 2018 5:21 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 17:21:44 -0500

Other than education, big deal- we all served and we all put our pants on the same way every morning.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Feb 15 at 2018 9:48 PM

MSG John Duchesneau — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 21:48:21 -0500

I think its grandstanding. My comments should be able to stand on their own merit and not have to rely on my "credentials" as a Master Sergeant with a Bronze Star, 4 deployments, 35 years of service and a Masters Degree.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2018 11:06 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Feb 2018 23:06:56 -0500

I am a nurse in a hospital and I see it all the time. Mostly I would say it is a combination of both. If it is relevant yes do it RN, LPN, MD, DO... Fine so be it but an administrative person doesn't need in relation to their job then it is grand standing. Nothing more irritating then your boss have mba ccrn ..... After their name for no reason at all.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Mar 9 at 2018 9:51 AM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 09:51:57 -0500

I choose not to, I have an MS but in my working field I use it, but here, I see no reason for it.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 28 at 2018 6:47 AM

Maj John Bell — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 06:47:26 -0400

It is pointless, lions do not need to roar. And donuts are great... unless they have sprinkles.

Response by SSgt Christopher Clinton made Apr 2 at 2018 10:20 PM

SSgt Christopher Clinton — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 22:20:50 -0400

It helps show expertise in some cases but it also seems smug and pretensious based on the context of this site.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2018 12:53 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 00:53:14 -0400

Working at the Department of Education, it's common to see with people's names, it's like rank in the system.
Some even have 3 Masters, and others have 2 PhD's, sometimes I want to ask them, "So why are you on Guam working?"

Response by PFC Sandra Wade made Apr 3 at 2018 1:01 AM

PFC Sandra Wade — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 01:01:44 -0400

I feel that designation has been earned. It's respectful and is appropriate. Especially PHD.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 3 at 2018 10:05 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 10:05:01 -0400

If you earned it so what- in some cases it might lend some extra weight to the discussion- "Oh he's a lawyer- might know the Law!", etc.

Response by CPO Mark B. made Apr 3 at 2018 12:19 PM

CPO Mark B. — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 12:19:39 -0400

Sometimes, the number of degrees or certifications is longer than the name. Each are well earned, but at some point, it becomes grandstanding.

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made Apr 3 at 2018 3:50 PM

SFC Greg Bruorton — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 15:50:12 -0400

Guitar great Chet Atkins (1924-2001) would later in life add CGP and it fit him well! Certified Guitar Picker is one I would take too.

Response by Maj Bruce Pawlak made May 11 at 2018 11:09 PM

Maj Bruce Pawlak — Fri, 11 May 2018 23:09:05 -0400

People work very hard for their professional certifications (i.e. R.N.) and academic degrees earned... I see it the same as a veteran using their military grade... You earned it... You choose whether to be modest or flaunt it... On RP we are networking... Sounds very appropriate to me.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2019 9:47 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 21:47:52 -0400

I think MBA is okay, PhD...not sure because in what??? Doctorate, obviously yes, I'm working on mine, and when it's business I will put Dr before my name...Dr is vague as well though because everyone automatically assumes MD, but mine will be in education. These degrees are not obtained by everyone, but if you work hard to do so, I don't see a problem. But now when you see a name and afterwards like literally like 5 or 6 acronyms, that may be a bit much.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2019 7:43 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 07:43:14 -0400

It helps show expertise. It's fine for younger people, but this old man ihas been retired for over a decade. It is rather pointless for someone like me to advertise my credentials.

Response by SP5 John Fitzgerald made Nov 22 at 2022 10:12 AM

SP5 John Fitzgerald — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 10:12:31 -0500

GED to PHD..., we are all in the long green line.