Posted on Jun 7, 2016
What are your thoughts on including initials (MBA, PHD) after a member's name?
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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?
Master's Degree
Education
Networking
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 77
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On Rallypoint, it's just grandstanding. For email signatures, it's fine; however people tend to go overboard on the alphabet soup.
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LTC (Join to see)
I don't agree. Folks work hard for their degrees and credentials. As long as it is widely accepted professionally, I would encourage members to include them.
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CPL(P) (Join to see)
Major, I think there are some grandstanding things, but then again I get sneered at for my rank despite having worked my tail off to become highly educated and experienced. I would like that I didn't have to place some letters on, but I think it lets people know the level of filter or lens a thought is processed through.
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Lyle Worden
I'm inclined to think that it might just be introduced for a kind of variety. Like if you want you can use it and however grandstanding it may be everyone decides for himself whether to do so.
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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.
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.
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LTC Kevin B.
SGT (Join to see) - I think it's still in somewhat of a gray area, but it's getting much better now that the election is over (and all of the political commentary has dropped off significantly). Hopefully it can remain that way moving forward. All of the newer questions appear to be focused on military-related topics, have lots of good insight, and are facilitating lots of interaction among the members.
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SCPO Laura Ball Makolandra Corn
I do not see gray, unless it is hazy and underway. I believe it is human nature to want recognition for hard earned accomplishments . Congratulations !
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Don't be jealous/butthurt. WOrk hard and apply yourself. Then you too, can have letters after your name!
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GySgt David Weihausen
GySgt David Weihausen - SFC Jade Redmond I would really, REALLY love to hear your opinion.
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SSG (Join to see)
I agree that working hard for some letters is a reason to be PROUD. But, the "jealousy" runs deep, with those that were not "privileged" with such opportunity. (as I've been told many times).
“Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don’t recognize them.”- Ann Landers
“Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don’t recognize them.”- Ann Landers
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Lyle Worden
I look at these things differently unfortunately, for me it is the pride of getting something that many people don't have or know is really hard. And a simple education is not even a reason to be jealous because it means that you just spent a lot of time within the system. Besides, there are many examples of simplification of life of a student, when I wrote my papers I often focused on the already prepared. So the idea for my essay on sports I took from the example on https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/sports/ and created my vision of the issue. But no one forbade to take already ready-made without spending time on it.
Argumentative Essays on Sports. Free Examples of Research Paper Topics, Titles
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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.
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.
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SPC Paul Jennings, J.D.
SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM , thank you for the insight. Personally, I see no issue with including designations if one desires. I was curious though as to what the general viewpoint of the rallypoint community was and so far it seems to be generally in favor of it.
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SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM
SPC Paul Jennings, J.D. ,
Thank you for the response. I am just sharing my experience with regards to your question, as it was not meant to be a direct "YOU" response. However, this is a debate that has been analyzed from all possible perspectives and there will always be that fine line of some being in favor of and others being opposed to as they deem it to be a bit pretentious. However, my overall opinion is you earned it. And if you are proud of the accomplishment, then wear your credentials with pride as it was YOU who worked hard to obtain and complete them. Congratulations!!
Thank you for the response. I am just sharing my experience with regards to your question, as it was not meant to be a direct "YOU" response. However, this is a debate that has been analyzed from all possible perspectives and there will always be that fine line of some being in favor of and others being opposed to as they deem it to be a bit pretentious. However, my overall opinion is you earned it. And if you are proud of the accomplishment, then wear your credentials with pride as it was YOU who worked hard to obtain and complete them. Congratulations!!
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CSM William DeWolf
I only include the Ph.D. in educational correspondence, especially with students.
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MSgt John McGowan
I don't know what half of these initials are. Some I haven't heard of before. Guess I will add DA behind mine.
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Suspended Profile
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?
SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM
LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow ,
DSL and DL are my certifications in the field of Logistics. Demonstrated Senior Logistician (DSL), and Demonstrated Logistician (DL). I obtained these through the International Society of Logistics (SOLE).
http://www.sole.org/info.asp
DSL and DL are my certifications in the field of Logistics. Demonstrated Senior Logistician (DSL), and Demonstrated Logistician (DL). I obtained these through the International Society of Logistics (SOLE).
http://www.sole.org/info.asp
SOLE - The International Society of Logistics
ABOUT SOLE The SOLE Emblem Professional Pledge Code of Ethics SOLE Organization More Information MEMBERSHIP INFO CERTIFICATION PRGMS APPLICATION DIVISIONS SOLEtter NEWS AND EVENTS ANNUAL CONFERENCE MEMBER SERVICES CONTACT SOLE HOME
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LCDR (Join to see)
Well I am RETIRED (again/finally) and though I have a couple of degrees, and some memberships, I really do not advertise them. No one else is impressed anyway. Now, were it that I was 25 years younger and in the job market, I would properly display these on a business card.
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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.
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CW3 (Join to see)
Wow, that's a pretty broad statement. Are you saying that even if it's an academic setting where the MBA is very relevant to the task at hand? Because if you are, it sounds to me like you don't have respect for the immense amount of effort and discipline that it takes to get an MBA in the first place.
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I could care less about what it says after someones name, I care more for what they actually say....
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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.
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MSG (Join to see)
Sometimes they just need validation; I wouldn't quite call it masturbatory attention seeking. Do you have to share your degree when looking for a job? A lot of the active here on RP are using this platform as such. It really is a quick look for leaders/executives who use this site.
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SPC Troy Reynolds
Wouldn't their degree status already be in their profile for a possible employer? The question was about including after your name. I certainly have my MEd and my superintendent's certification on my resume, but I don't add them to my email signature, etc.
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