US Government Job Acceptance of DL DETC Accredited Schools

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by proracer, Aug 8, 2008.

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  1. AV8R

    AV8R Active Member

    In a perfect world, no. In reality, possibly. I'm sure it just depends on who is checking out the resumes. Just because it's the government that's doing the potential hiring doesn't mean that the old biases go away. These are important things to consider when choosing a degree program. After all, it's not like it's your future livelihood that we're talking about here. Oh wait, it is. :eek:
     
  2. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    Probably not there. The HR folks checking resumes are looking to see who is qualified and who is not. But the hiring manager may very well take a school's reputation into account.
     
  3. makana793

    makana793 New Member


    Thanks Rich. So in other words, it possibly could come down to individual bias that may determine reputation and acceptance with the feds and not necessarily the HR or departmental wise.
     
  4. AV8R

    AV8R Active Member

    It could come from either the HR or the hiring manager. Don't think that the government is sanitized from any bias.
     
  5. makana793

    makana793 New Member


    In other words, no one knows for sure unless we have someone on the forums who works for the feds who cares to comment. But the bias could come from anyone. However, HR or anyone can't disqualify you because your degree was earned non-traditionally, am I right? Example: denying your NCU degree because "it wasn't accredited".
     
  6. Steve King

    Steve King Member

    Jim,

    Several of the Contract Specialists and Contracting Officers I work with have taken, or are considering taking, classes at American Graduate University. It seems like a solid online NA school. They have a strong focus on contract management inside and out of government. It might be worth a look once you get your undergraduate degree finished.

    Good luck!

    Steve
     
  7. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member


    Not necessarily "bias." It could be chalked up to "judgment."
     
  8. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    What am I, chopped liver?
     
  9. makana793

    makana793 New Member

    My bad Rich, I didn't know you worked in the field.
     
  10. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    Of course. I forgot to add the :D to indicate I was kidding. (Not about working for the fed, but about my comment.)
     
  11. tribilin80

    tribilin80 Member

    Not sure if this is too late, but here is a great site to answer many questions about contract specialist with the FedGov

    Federal Acquisition Intern Coalition (FAIC): http://www.fai.gov/faic/AboutFAIC.asp

    just like most other career fields, the contract filed is a great place to start now, with "baby boomers" nearing retirements within the next 10 yrs. The government has expanded the intern programs to bring the next generation to assume all the expected vacancies.
     
  12. proracer

    proracer Member

    Thank you for the information.....

    I am in the BSBA program at CCU. I have completed the first course and am pleased to say that the course was challenging.

    To receive top marks in the program, one must comprehend the material. I must say that, even after being in the business world for over 30 years, there is still much to be learned.

    Jim
     
  13. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    Keep up the good work Jim!

    Abner :)
     
  14. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member


    I am glad to hear you say that Chip. I agree with your assessment. I am quite happy to see the positive changes DETC has been making since I have been a member here. More and more RA schools are taking DETC credits (the list gets longer every year). As the RA's accept more credit, DETC becomes more familiar, and thus more accepted. In so far as the analogy you used in regards to the negative thoughts people had/have about DL degrees in general. As DL degrees become more familiar, and HR/schools become more accepting, the credibility of DL is boosted. This is the same with DETC.

    I do see a troubling trend. Sometimes in this forum (not very often here), and mostly in other DL forums. If a pro NA person makes positive comments on the state of NA affairs, there is an immediate attempt made to paint that person as a shill. I notice comments usually follow to infer that making positive comments about NA issues is somehow misleading. Folks, I will speak for myself on this one. Nobody is trying to ram NA schools over RA schools down the throats of the innocents (newbies). Speaking for myself, every attempt is made to give an impartial answer to peoples questions, and also advise them of possible limitations. In the end, it is up to the individual to make up his or her mind. As a long time member here, I would think Bruce, Chip, Randell and Kizmet can vouch for my credibility and honesty. Dr. Douglas is critical of DETC, but at least he gives constructive criticisms. He also gives credit when credit is due. Sorry folks, I guess I am just venting. Excuse any grammatical errors as I have not finishing my cup of coffee yet.

    Thanks for hearing me out, and thanks to the mods for keeping this forum alive.

    Abner
     
  15. Vinipink

    Vinipink Accounting Monster

    And they will be a lot of vacancies!:D
     
  16. recruiting

    recruiting Member

    The military certainly does, one can become a commission officer with an NA degree. It's what one can do with it AFTER the military that should be considered. Civilian hiring folk are less accommodating to the NA world..

    Peace:D
     
  17. TCord1964

    TCord1964 New Member

    I have seen a few, although VERY few, help wanted ads which specify "RA degrees only". I have, however, seen many ads which specify "no UoP or DeVry grads need apply", and those are RA schools.

    I think that much of the bias against DL schools are specifically because they are DL, regardless of accreditation. I have experienced some of this DL bias firsthand...by people who have no clue about accreditation.
     
  18. proracer

    proracer Member

    Could someone break down the 24 hour business courses required for federal employment as a contract specialist?

    What do they look for when they do a back ground check?

    What about age? I am no spring turkey......

    Thank you, Jim
     
  19. -kevin-

    -kevin- Resident Redneck

    Jim,

    This might get confusing or wordy, if so just keep posting your questions. Let me first disclaim by saying that I am not an 1102 but held a CO warrant until recently when I moved into a position that didn't require me to hold one.

    The information below will give you a broad picture of the entry requirements, some agencies also require specific knowledge or expertise in the procurement field (weapon systems, missle defense, submarines, etc...) so make sure you can show the background.

    http://www.opm.gov/fedclass/gs1102.pdf

    http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs1100/1102QAs.htm

    http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/series_search.asp

    type 1102 into the search field and read the qualifications standards for positions yu are interested in.


    “Basic Education Requirements for this Job Series:


    A. A bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees;

    AND

    1. At least 24 semester hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management. (This requirement can be obtained within the degree or in addition to the degree.)

    NOTE: The education requirements listed above apply only to individuals entering DoD 1102 positions on or after October 1, 2000. Current civilian personnel in DoD, who occupied GS-1102 positions or contracting positions with authority to award or administer contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold in DoD on or before September 30, 2000, are exempt from meeting this requirement.”

    I can recommend the field as it will survive despite other cuts within the government because we are continually outsourcing.
     
  20. -kevin-

    -kevin- Resident Redneck

    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 13, 2008

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