What's More Important to Transitioning Service Members?

LCpl Sam Brake — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 14:41:08 -0400

When I made the transition to civilian life in 1994 it was hard to imagine going to college for four years without a paycheck. I just wanted to get a decent paying job in an industry in which I could grow. At the time, GI-Bill benefits could only be used for degree programs. But now, TA and VA funds will cover some short-term training programs that lead to industry-recognized certifications. Degrees and certifications can both lead to jobs with similar starting salaries. Both have their advantages but which would you, or did you, choose?

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 14 at 2015 2:48 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 14:48:02 -0400

Knowledge learned on the job shows you are teachable. Classroom learning just shows you can spit out the basics. Yes a degree is important but real world knowledge is what matters to me

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Sep 14 at 2015 2:48 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 14:48:03 -0400

LCpl Sam Brake great post I would say certifications are valuable especially in the logistics world. College degrees are always great to have. Your self-worth comes down to technical and work experience in my opinion.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 14 at 2015 2:48 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 14:48:42 -0400

Great post Sgt David G Duchesneau

Response by LCpl Sam Brake made Sep 14 at 2015 2:49 PM

LCpl Sam Brake — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 14:49:16 -0400

I personally went to college/grad school for 8 years. I enjoyed the education tremendously and excelled in both degree programs. In retrospect, I would have chosen the certification pathway and here are the main reasons why:
1. Eight years without a decent paycheck or industry experience
2. Students loans for graduate school alone totaled $102,140.34 (VocRehab paid for undergrad)
It is very challenging to overcome student loans when you are entering into a new career. You can defer them for 6-12 months but the dark cloud of debt is always there truly depressing.

Response by SPC David S. made Sep 14 at 2015 3:56 PM

SPC David S. — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 15:56:46 -0400

All depends on what you want to do - IT certifications is key, CPA - Degree + certification. For myself I chose the degree route as it was a prerequisite in earning my MBA. Good question though as I feel many people just fall into a career and bounce around wasting time or miss out on opportunities until they figure out what fits and how that translates into a formulated career path.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2015 11:42 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 23:42:08 -0400

This is going to depend on what degrees or certifications we're talking about. On top of that, a degree is going to have more advantages if it's earned in a top-tier university.

In my particular case, when I separated from active duty I chose to get a degree because I knew I wanted to go into professional school. Sustaining myself and my family was and is made possible by a combination of the post-9/11 GI bill, student loans, scholarships, and a stipend from the National Guard for medical students.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Sep 17 at 2015 2:22 AM

PO1 John Miller — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 02:22:56 -0400

I work in IT, so certifications is the way to go for my career field. Of course there are some IT-related jobs that require degrees, but those are advanced degrees. I'm talking PHD level (computer scientist for example).

Response by SSG Stephan Pendarvis made Sep 24 at 2016 1:27 PM

SSG Stephan Pendarvis — Sat, 24 Sep 2016 13:27:58 -0400

I have this thing about colleges...they are the biggest scams going to day in my book. If a person can do an IRC and still make a living I feel that is the way to go because that is the end result...getting a career or job right? without all the debt. I often ask people if they were in college and they hit the lottery would they still go to college? For me I would not go back to college (That is if i hit the lottery) unless it was for something I really wanted to do and be educated in.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2016 1:45 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Sep 2016 13:45:20 -0400

LCpl Sam Brake I transitioned in 1972 with specific goals in mind. I wanted to get a good job while I obtained my degree. I was able to obtain a good paying job at a chemical plant as a shift operator. I also went to school full time using the G.I. Bill. My degree enabled me to spend 33 years working on my dream job. I would encourage everyone to use the benefits that they have earned to enhance their career options.