Posted on Sep 14, 2015
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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?
Transition
Education
Certifications
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 9
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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.
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LCpl Sam Brake
Couldn't agree more. Get the certification, get to work and gain the experience you need to be successful long-term. You'll be in a much better position after four years than going in to an entry-level position right out of college. I've come across some fantastic certification programs over the past 12 months.
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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.
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.
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LCpl Sam Brake
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).
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).
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PO1 John Miller
LCpl Sam Brake
Just one, Security+ while I was stationed in Hawaii. It was on the Navy's dime too.
Just one, Security+ while I was stationed in Hawaii. It was on the Navy's dime too.
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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.
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.
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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.
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LCpl Sam Brake
I have worked with many transitioning Service Members that have been in an IT-related MOS. Although they have over four years of field experience, many of them have a hard time finding civilian employment without current certifications.
I usually link them to a college that is approved by for VA and MyCAA tuition assistance and has a robust online non-credit course catalog. I get the best feedback from veterans that sit in University of the Potomac's synchronous online IT courses: http://bit.ly/uotpEducation2Employment.
I usually link them to a college that is approved by for VA and MyCAA tuition assistance and has a robust online non-credit course catalog. I get the best feedback from veterans that sit in University of the Potomac's synchronous online IT courses: http://bit.ly/uotpEducation2Employment.
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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
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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.
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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.
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