How would an MBA in Supply Chain Management help a career path as a 12A?

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 12:30:11 -0500

I want to get my MBA and make a career out of the military. Will supply chain be the right choice or a differnt path would lead me to greater success as a leader and soldier? Currently have my B.A in management and economics

Response by SPC David S. made Dec 31 at 2018 1:53 PM

SPC David S. — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 13:53:17 -0500

I considered a niche MBA however in talking to many in regards to hiring I decided just to get a general MBA. In the civilian world niche degree = "pigeon hole your career opportunities". As well with you current undergrad - a general MBA is really just an expanded version of your current degree.
However if you know your 100% a lifer - the degree seems like a good fit for your current branch. Best of luck.

Response by PFC Brant Kelly made Dec 31 at 2018 2:16 PM

PFC Brant Kelly — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 14:16:21 -0500

There are degrees in Supply Chain Management if you want to be a supply chain expert. I worked with a person that had an SCMr from MIT. She was brilliant. I hold an MBA and it has been very useful to me for because I am a business consultant. A undergrad in econ and a grad in SC will make you deadly in the private sector!

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Dec 31 at 2018 2:33 PM

LTC Eugene Chu — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 14:33:00 -0500

I have a supply chain MBA. It will help with career...if you get it from a reputable program and truly want to do logistics work. Along with advanced degree, remember to build network in order to find internship or post-graduate job.

Response by LT Scott O'Shaughnessy, MBA made Dec 31 at 2018 6:08 PM

LT Scott O'Shaughnessy, MBA — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 18:08:39 -0500

Depends on the field you are in Anthony. Not being a former Army but Navy officer as an Engineering one, a supply chain degree wouldn't help me much, but having a Master's degree would, but not until much later in my career. Good luck.

Response by MSgt Arthur Stewart made Dec 31 at 2018 6:54 PM

MSgt Arthur Stewart — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 18:54:11 -0500

If that's what suits you well l would recommend a Supply Chain MBA wholeheartedly

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made Jan 2 at 2019 8:40 AM

CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 08:40:03 -0500

The next best professional practice will be Cyberspace Engineering, Lieutenant; Cyberspace Engineers will earn the most in the coming months, years and even decades.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jan 2 at 2019 11:12 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 11:12:52 -0500

An advanced degree is almost always helpful in furthering your career inside and outside of the military. A very long time ago in the Air Force, a Masters was nearly essential to make Major--not so much today with high selection rates. Supply chain management is an excellent study area for anybody in support functions such as transportation, logistics, supply. Go for it.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2019 7:27 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 19:27:06 -0500

Hi Anthony, as an Engineer Officer you should really look into getting a Master’s degree in Construction Management or some other “hard science.” But, any Master’s degree is fine.

Having said all of that, right now you should be focusing on learning tactics, small unit leadership, Army regulations and doctrine, etc. If you do well, you will have AMPLE opportunities to get a Master’s degree: ECCC, ILE, etc. I’m at the War College now getting my fourth Master’s degree.

Bottom line: learn your job and your craft now. Wait on the MBA.