Persuing Non-Military Professional Certifications: What's your viewpoint?

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 09:08:16 -0400

What do you think about military personnel pursuing non-military professional certifications while on active duty?

Does it help a military career, does it make a difference, should college degrees come first or does it matter, or is it mainly a way to prepare for post-military life when your service is done?

If you have / plan to pursue non-military professional certifications, what where / will they be? Why did you choose the certification(s) you chose?

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2014 9:12 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 09:12:05 -0400

Two examples:

I am considering pursuing a certification as a Certified Fitness Trainer through the International Sports Science Association (ISSA). My intent is to first improve my own fitness and that of my Family, as well as help other Soldiers as the opportunity presents itself. It would also give me another potential career field when I retire.

I am also considering getting my certification as a Certified Protection Professional through the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS). I believe it would enhance my skill set as an MP as well as better prepare me for potential post-military employment options.

Has anyone had any personal experience with either the ISSA or the ASIS? If so, what did you think of the organizations and did your certifications, if you got one, help you in your military or post-military career?

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Mar 14 at 2014 9:13 AM

Maj Chris Nelson — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 09:13:20 -0400

I feel that this is dependant on the job. I actually hold a Medical Surgical Nursing Certification. Guess what? I am a nurse. It helps show professionalism and knowledge. It is a civilian certification, I paid for it out of pocket, took the test on my own time, but the AF will benefit from it until I get out. In the case of Nursing, it DID help the career.... to make Major, it is almost an expectation that nurses hold a certification and have a Master's degree (although they SAY it is optional), when all your competition has it, it becomes a requirement.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2014 9:22 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 09:22:27 -0400

Sir

I think there's alot of great non-military certifications out there. Plus, for some lower enlisted troops and even Soldiers in my grade look for those certs because of Promotion points. I'm a 91B (Mechanic). There's certifications that are non Military like ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) that I've been working towards earning that will be a great benifit to me in the military and also in civilian life. There's things like, learning to be an EMT or something along the lines of that can also be benificial. Now I've also been persuing college classes for many years now. Deployments, PCS, TDY make it a little difficult to accomplish some of the classes. In either case I think it's a great way that Soldiers are working to better themselves, no matter if they take college courses or doing civilian certifications. I've never been criticized for trying to better myself. My best advise is, no matter if you're talking civilian certs or college courses, find something you love. I love being in the military and I love cars. No matter if I wear a unifrom or not, it always helps to know as much as you can.

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2014 9:47 PM

MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 21:47:38 -0400

Sir, I think it is great regardless of if the certificate or degrees has direct application to our jobs. Spending time in an educational environment helps stimulate our ability to critically think, manage time, and network. If we better ourselves, we better the force.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 29 at 2014 10:12 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 22:12:05 -0400

The military doesn't own the book on job related training. I know plenty of commo folks who have Microsoft & Cisco certifications that apply to both their civilian and military careers. I also know some senior folks with PMP certifications for their civilian jobs.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2014 10:21 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 22:21:58 -0400

This can be a tricky question. If you're an engineer with tech expertise, then having BS or Master's is not as critical. If you're looking for more administration involving job involving more public relations and human interactions, you should lean a bit more toward 'titles'

Response by Capt Christian Olson made Jul 29 at 2014 11:15 PM

Capt Christian Olson — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 23:15:13 -0400

The most valued certifications in corporate america outside of a specific niche career would be a high level LEAN-Six Sigma Certfication or PMP.
These are applicable in ANY & EVERY Industry. WIth a Black Belt Lean Six Sigma or Master Blackbelt you could immediately transition to a very well paying career easily approaching or exceeding 6 figures. Within a few years you will comfortably be making in the 6 figures. The GI Bill will pay for it. I highly recommend it.