Will multiple degrees (associate through a master in aviation maintenance) really help me in the future with my career progression?

2024-08-15T09:25:39-04:00

I have been working on college progression for the last few years. My background is aviation maintenance. I came into the military back in 2000 with a hefty amount of college credits but no degree. Fast forward to about 2012 I started back up, paused again 2014 and back into it around 2018 or so. Now I have two associates, one bachelor, and two classes left on a master's in aviation maintenance. Will on these degrees really help me in the future? I now from scuttlebutt at MLC yes since there is a lot of writing there; however, after that?

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Aug 15 at 2024 10:18 AM

2024-08-15T10:18:40-04:00

Ultimately it depends on your career path. If you are working in the Aviation field I would assume it would qualify you for upper management positions. I could see it helping you with Federal/State employment as well because they give preferential treatment to those with multiple degrees. But if it's a career field outside of the skillset of the degrees I don't know if it would.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Aug 16 at 2024 1:20 AM

2024-08-16T01:20:33-04:00

Guess it depends on what you want in life, your goals, what you want to do after you get out - entirely up to you. Me, I attended Boise State University's Vo-Tec school, became a mechanic. Worked as a mechanic for a number of years. Worked as a professional guide. Moved to Denmark started my own business as a farrier shoeing horses. In December the wife told me I needed to stop as we don't need the money. So with no college degrees I was able to make a good living for my family. I retired from the Reserve as a SGM, got my SSI, my retirement planning has paid off. So the big word is "DEPENDS" on you, what you want.

Response by SMSgt Bob W. made Aug 16 at 2024 9:41 AM

2024-08-16T09:41:18-04:00

Are you any h o od as a mechanic? Do you have an A&P license? If the answer is yes then the answer to your question is yes.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Aug 16 at 2024 11:49 AM

2024-08-16T11:49:07-04:00

If The Military Hasn't Changed Too Much Since My Days
You Can Continue To Achieve Your Degree While In The Service
And Uncle Sam Will Pay 100% Of The Costs. ~
But Either Way, It's Well Worth Having Confirmed; Check With Your
Base Education Office. ~ I DID ~ Entered The USAF (Because I Lied My Azz Off)
With An 8th GRADE Education ~~Studied The Same Things,During And After 4 Years,
Exited With A Self-Estimated Masters In Business Administration. (Read My Bio).

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 17 at 2024 3:43 PM

2024-08-17T15:43:12-04:00

They might open doors for you, but how far you go depends on your production.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Aug 17 at 2024 10:19 PM

2024-08-17T22:19:41-04:00

You will always get two answers with the college question, the crowd without that never think college matters and the college grads that say college is important. Reality is somewhere in the middle. I do not need a college education for most of my nursing duties, starting IVs, passing medications, etc. You get good there with experience like in aviation. Now if I need to run the department and have a global view, those assessment skills in college and the ability to write and speak will come in handy. For top level success, you need both the technical and the college education. Your education will help you get the top-level interviews, your technician skills will help you keep the job for a long time.

Response by MSG Mark Million made Aug 21 at 2024 10:12 AM

2024-08-21T10:12:40-04:00

Almost any degree can help to make you more competative, though a degree directly associated with your military specialty will have the biggest impact.

Response by SSG Richard Bladl made Aug 22 at 2024 6:06 PM

2024-08-22T18:06:42-04:00

Many jobs still look at degrees whereas others look for hands on experience over any degree. Depends on your career field. Aviation maintenance for me would be hands-on experience.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Sep 24 at 2024 1:53 PM

2024-09-24T13:53:37-04:00

Me coming in with a Bachelor's maxed out my civilian education promotion points...so that helped me promote a bit. Then I used TA to get my first Masters and GI Bill to get the second and I have 14 months left on it.