Which potential degree path should I choose, a tech degree such as software development or cyber security, or a business degree?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 14:04:06 -0400

I'm seeking some advice from the tech or business personnel. I have some aspirations to finish my undergraduate during my time on the trail over the next 2 to 3 years. On one hand I was thinking of pursuing a degree in tech such as software dev or cyber security, I feel like the future is technology and it would be a great path but considering that tech is ever changing would the information I learn in school be relevant in after I get out. On the other hand there is a business administration degree, the information learned is pretty solidified with little change and it's good enough which would be good for the business world and give me the tool to potentially start a business. Any advice would be appreciated, the Army is a stage of military and I would like to work and have a stable career for my 4 kids, thanks.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2020 2:16 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 14:16:43 -0400

I don't know if this will help, but my brother pursued a degree in accounting and took computer programming for electives. He then worked for Defense Contracts as an auditor. He later received a degree in Finance and began working in the private sector as a financial advisor. He became a Chief Financial Officer and vice president of a software company specializing in artificial intelligence that has many military contracts. I offer that as evidence that the degree gets you in the door, but it is up to you to pursue your goals.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2020 2:39 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 14:39:37 -0400

This is just my opinion, SSG Brook. That and fifty cents might get you a Coke. I can turn on my computer most of the time without crashing it. My undergrad was in Management Information Systems; IS as a strategic business asset. It was 75% business administration, 25% computer stuff.

I always thought success in IT was better found in certifications. Security+, Network+, CCNA, MCSE, and the like. Sec+ and Net+ were always popular, and not as hard to attain as the CCNA and MCSE (so I heard, I never tried any of them). All of those certs I mentioned have been around for a while, and are still popular. A lot of jobs I saw after graduating lent more vale to those certs than my degree.

You’re right, though. A business admin degree is very flexible, and the paradigms that you would learn and exploit after graduation are fundamental and stable.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Jun 17 at 2020 3:22 PM

LTC Eugene Chu — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 15:22:41 -0400

Side note: Be careful not only of the degree's major, but also of the school's quality of where you are going. Some for-profit schools offer easy degrees to veterans, but offer mediocre job placement or poor reputation. Whether you choose a business or tech degree, be sure it is from a good school and not a predatory diploma mill.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/31/opinion/for-profit-college-veterans.html

Opinion | Protect Veterans From Fraud

Congress could do much more to protect Americans who have served their country from predatory for-profit colleges.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2020 5:59 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 17:59:30 -0400

SSG Private RallyPoint Member What kind of career path are you interested in and what are the educational requirements? What kind of work would excite you? I have a BBA which provided me a solid foundation for a 33 year career with the Space Shuttle Program. As mentioned by LTC Eugene Chu, make sure that your degree is from a good school. Good luck!

Response by SGT Jonathan Gutierrrez made Jun 17 at 2020 9:43 PM

SGT Jonathan Gutierrrez — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 21:43:58 -0400

I would get a 2 but preferably 4 year business degree (either finance or accounting core. Finance is more math heavy) to get you in the door to any job. Once you finish, then get whatever is the most sought after computer license. That’s how I’d tackle it.

Response by SSG Ivan Centola made Jun 18 at 2020 7:30 AM

SSG Ivan Centola — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 07:30:53 -0400

SSG Porter definitely go for Cyber Security, make sure you specialize in 5G technology which is the next upcoming development. Anti Intrusion and also being a White Hat Hacker is a good route that will guarantee you a future. I did the big mistake to put all my eggs in the MBA basket and nowadays anyone can get that from a cookie box. I used up all my GI Bill in the pursuit of Cyber, but ran out of funds and am short by two classes so go Tech and work hard to get a Master in the Cyber field you feel most comfortable with.

Response by SGT Herbert Bollum made Jun 18 at 2020 4:19 PM

SGT Herbert Bollum — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 16:19:02 -0400

Try to find an occupation you would enjoy doing so much it does not feel like work.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made May 5 at 2022 2:03 PM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Thu, 05 May 2022 14:03:26 -0400

Although I Don't Even Have Knowledge Of Those Fields,
I Think I CAN Be Of Assistance.
Choose The Field In Which You Have The Most Interest.
By Doing That, You'll Never "Work" Again,
Because You'll Love Having A Career
And You're Much More Apt To Be Far More Successful In Your Career As Well.
It Really IS Just That Simple.

Response by Andrew Brickman made May 24 at 2023 6:09 PM

Andrew Brickman — Wed, 24 May 2023 18:09:09 -0400

Nice article