Which would be more beneficial for the SFC selection board: working on masters or attempt to complete a certification or two?

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 20:35:14 -0400

Good evening,

Which would be more beneficial for upcoming look at the SFC selection board: working on masters or attempt to complete a certification or two?

Currently have a bachelors degree which, according to DA Pam 600-25 (as a 94S), puts me ahead of the glide path for promotion in terms of civilian education. So just wondering which would be more beneficial.

Thanks in advance for the input.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2014 11:45 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 23:45:39 -0400

I can't honestly answer from a CSM's viewpoint on what they look for but I think it mostly depends on what the Masters or certifications are in. Overall, I would go with the Masters but I would also work on some certifications.

Response by SSG William Patton made Oct 8 at 2014 1:50 PM

SSG William Patton — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 13:50:41 -0400

I would suggest trying to accomplish both the masters and certifications. One day you will retire and the masters will open many doors for employment that you cannot access with just a bachelors. Most masters programs go into depth of complex problem solving, including unique techniques and approaches that certifications or a bachelors degree will not provide. Completion of a masters program will make you more marketable in both the military and civilian occupations.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2014 11:56 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 11:56:55 -0400

In my personal opinion, a completion of a graduate level degree can give your military record an advantage; your dedication to further your education, while simultaneously performing your daily job can convey a message to members of the promotion board that you have the potential to take on greater responsibilities. However, during my tenure in the Armed Forces, I saw numerous Noncommissioned Officers archived the grade of Command Sergeant Major (CSM), at the General Officer level, which is only by selection, with only High School diploma. However, these CSM’s had attended all hard schooling (Drill Sergeant, Ranger School, Jumpmaster, etc.) and have served in hard positions.

Prior to 911 attack on United States, the only above and beyond a Soldier could show to members of the promotion board was education and military schooling aforementioned. However, since then, members of the promotion board have been instructed to focus on deployments. If your record shows minimum deployment in comparison to your peers, the competing Soldier having the more deployment, and surprisingly so, less education, probably get selected for promotion; furthermore, s/he may very well attained a below the zone promotion. One of the reasons this is happening is because the downsizing have created room for discrimination. The Armed Forces leadership believes that the future leadership must be well experience in the combat zone, regardless if s/he can write well or conduct critical thinking and analysis which is one of the key objectives of the advance education. I congratulate you in your motivation to pursue a graduate degree and hope this note has enlightened your concern.

Regards,

Luis

Response by Maj Tony Lucas made Oct 15 at 2014 2:42 PM

Maj Tony Lucas — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 14:42:10 -0400

My personal observation has been that the MA has been a good investment and made me a better candidate for management positions. If your goal is a technical position then by all means get the certificates and credentials - you'll need those to get into the position. If your goal is to get in and then move up you'll also need your MA.

Response by CPT John Wilson made Nov 19 at 2014 1:55 PM

CPT John Wilson — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 13:55:01 -0500

Take a moment to review Network Technology Academy in the "Education Opportunities" section of the Career Corner menu above. Let me know if you have thoughts or questions.

Response by SFC Jay Spreitzer made Jan 18 at 2016 11:04 AM

SFC Jay Spreitzer — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 11:04:03 -0500

Both are worthwhile and I recommend working on both. One thing that relates to communicating your military job title to civilian is many might not understand what a certain certification is. Whereas everyone knows what a Master degree is and knows it takes a lot of work to acquire.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2019 2:15 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 02:15:14 -0500

I would highly recommend you decide which one is more beneficial for you both professional and personal. I know you’re trying to ensure you stand out amongst your peers, however, don’t just look at the immediate reward, make sure it’s something that can benefit you after your career as well. Good Luck to you....