In the event you Pursue your Master’s Degree within the Military?

In the event you Pursue your Master’s Degree within the Military?

OPINION: I’m sure reading the title most people who have not served will assume it’s a no-brainer. I mean the military is spending money on your education. Organizations like Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) have hundreds of thousands of lobbyers advocating for service men and women. Sort of search one decide not to earn their Master’s degree? Well…I will show you now, neither I nor anybody else can answer any time it comes to speaking for the mass.


The Soldiers allow us the chance to meet individuals coming from all walks of life. Being in air Force (that we am certain that it’s the identical for all those branches), everyone’s story is different. Maybe you enlisted using your associates or bachelor’s degree already now you’re looking to strengthen knowing. Or perhaps you honestly simply need to check a box for professional development. In line with the Air Force Demographics, Air Force enlisted members only take into account 1.8% of master’s degree when compared to 46.3% of their officers. This statistic emphasizes the varying education levels between those people who are enlisted vs officers.

Why NOT

Now, why would any serviceman or woman elect not to pursue traditional learning? Again these circumstances cannot speak for anyone, but just a mere snapshot of the items I’ve experienced both personally via the eyes of my peers. Usually, one of the most challenging obstacle proves to be time, specifically duty schedule for shift workers. Virtually all active duty members having benefit from educational benefits may attend online classes as a result of an unpredictable schedule. Based on your learning style this may become another barrier in comparison to traditional learning environments. After a while being unpredictable obstacles inevitably arise, such as developing a family, households where both parents serve, single parents, etc. All circumstances vary, but there’s always challenges along this rocky road.

Twelve years into my service and i also had (Permanent Change of Station) PCS into my eighth assignment, not including deployments. Each assignment provided a unique struggles; including when I used to be scheduled for duty sunrise to sunset – or even the opposite. Another hurdle for Military members is the uncertainty of continuous in their current vocation post service. There are a few career paths that make use of permission or certification instead of a graduate degree. Or possibly one joined the plan to avoid a formal educational setting, but are forced to participate in traditional learning environments over expected.

WHY YOU SHOULD

Just as I gave you logic behind why service members elect not to continue their education (or at best placed a battle), you will find just as many reasons, or even more, why they must. Personal growth can be acquired through countless platforms but let’s be honest if it’s not documented through the right institute the validity of your degree or certification declines. There’s more than simply adding your business with a certificate; it’s gaining the technical comprehension of your respective field. It’s another couple of proving your dedication if you take the extra step, letting others know you are taking yourself seriously and are on the way to the executive level.

Why wouldn’t anyone desire to expand his / her knowledge in their dedicated field associated with preference? There is a kind of assumption that you’re “in the field” experience enables you to really understand the nuances of the part. The expectation is always that you’ve a great grasp about how things operate in their current field, higher education gives the possiblity to see a different side associated with an industry. Regardless of what field you’re in, those that get yourself a degree in higher education start to stand out and are considered the expert. Let’s be realistic, post-service jobs are not the things they was once. So why wouldn’t you make use of education as being a return on investment – of yourself.

WHY DID I?

Similar to the tastes service members I’ve faced the identical obstacles discussed. I have already been through eight assignments and diverse deployments including Pakistan and Iraq. Although it was difficult, it absolutely was both a private choice and accomplishment I figured I possibly could not achieve. My ambition originated from planning to set the bar for my family, and influence myself I possibly could complete my Master’s degree from Liberty University while serving. Lastly, I needed to develop professionally, expanding my knowledge and reaching an executive level within my potential industry.

Ultimately, while serving from the military the opportunity to juggle both roles of student and Airman is crucial. While serving being experienced in your employment will always be the key focus. Depending around the push from all the branches leadership will drive how rapid members move towards pursuing education while serving. Once the world is conflict school usually takes a backseat. Due to high operation tempos in select career fields, scheduling is one area you need to consider when deciding to pursue an extended education. Like anything, the persistence for a graduate degree is ultimately the choice of the people who would like to build up their particular educational path.
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Tori Jensen

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