Posted on Jun 7, 2016
What are your thoughts on including initials (MBA, PHD) after a member's name?
50.2K
441
144
27
27
0
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
6
6
0
I think it's important information which should be accessible in one's profile
(6)
(0)
6
6
0
I think it's pointless grand standing.
David B. Zobel, SMSgt, USAF (Ret), MA, CADC-II.
David B. Zobel, SMSgt, USAF (Ret), MA, CADC-II.
(6)
(0)
5
5
0
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.
(5)
(0)
5
5
0
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.
(5)
(0)
MAJ David Brand
Not sure one has to exclude the other. Earning a PhD or EdD and using it in the field are two different things. I have both the military rank and the education and all have benefited me - Dave
(0)
(0)
MSgt John McGowan
If you have a string of letters behind your name and in the military you are still COL, CMS or what ever your rate is.
(0)
(0)
4
4
0
4
4
0
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.
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.
(4)
(0)
LTC Kevin B.
A PhD is relevant in many fields besides academia. Your comment shows that you must be unaware of the many ways the PhD adds value to industry, far beyond educational institutions. Research firms, manufacturing, agriculture, financial institutions, consulting, aerospace, etc., are all examples of where people with a PhD can and do contribute to society from outside of academia.
(4)
(0)
CPT (Join to see)
LTC Kevin B. - I accept your comment as truth. However, the study of political science and other relevant social phenomena within academia drives my motivation to teach, or at least to gain the relevant techniques to teach in the event that the private sector and other industries are not hiring. The dynamics of teaching, research and service are at the forefront of the department where I attend.
As to my comment about the MA on a "social networking" website, I was very proud that the degree was finally conferred. Once I thought about the situation though, I realized that my studies were not complete.
As to my comment about the MA on a "social networking" website, I was very proud that the degree was finally conferred. Once I thought about the situation though, I realized that my studies were not complete.
(2)
(0)
MAJ David Brand
LTC Kevin B. - Kevin - it always seems it is the ones without a doctorate that have the most to say about how worthless it is. I earned mine, use it and have been provided opportunities in and out of government and education that I would never have had without it. Thanks for sharing - Dave
(2)
(0)
CPT (Join to see)
I don't think that a doctorate is worthless, at all in the least. Someone that holds a PhD told me that PhD's are used for teaching.
(1)
(0)
4
4
0
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.
(4)
(0)
Sgt John Earley
I would also, I mean you put your pants on the same way I do...a degree isn't going to change the way you put your pants on... you are human just like I am....
(0)
(0)
SCPO Laura Ball Makolandra Corn
It seems you have to acquire many points and kudos to accomplish things here at
RallyPoint I have not grasped how this all works yet~ but Im looking for experienced Salty Dawgs, leadership, and to surround myself with interesting Veterans with stories to share. I'd like to know what you have accomplished to wind up here at RP.
RallyPoint I have not grasped how this all works yet~ but Im looking for experienced Salty Dawgs, leadership, and to surround myself with interesting Veterans with stories to share. I'd like to know what you have accomplished to wind up here at RP.
(0)
(0)
SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
SCPO Laura Ball Makolandra Corn - Besides military time, I have worked in Agriculture for 41 years as a Ag. Tech. worked with youth in our church, several of which have gone on to college to broaden their horizons.
(0)
(0)
3
3
0
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.
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
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.
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
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.
(3)
(0)
CW3 (Join to see)
The alphabet soup is usually dropped by including it in the Last Name field. RallyPoint doesn't have a specific mechanism to include it. If you want to put a cert in there, I say go for it.
(1)
(0)
MAJ David Brand
All certifications are important in different contexts and I agree with you that they should all be included. Dave
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google