Soon out of AF, career moves!!

This is very good counsel, and encapsulates much of what I was trying to say (although, it's more applicable to "professionalized" NCOs and officers, not as much to lower enlisted who are "just passing through").

The OP is leaving the active service at 23, a double whammy. Who knows what to do with the rest of their life at 23? Who knows exactly what to do after hanging up the uniform for the last time?

Also, If enlistment contracts are still the same as in my day (i.e. 8-year total committment), then I'd note that the OP has a Reserve committment to fulfill. While this can be done in a completely inactive status, a drilling position in an IT-related Reserve unit can help ease the transition from Service to civilian, as it did for me.

 

I thought I did.

 

32 and still have no idea!

 

College after AF Service

Just a comment, but you must have earned your BA quick, since you are now 23, in the military between 2-4 years, and considering a graduate degree. It must have been difficult to earn a BA while on active duty.

I earned an AA degree while active duty Army, and my first semester at a state university was tough. I quickly realized that my AA degree, from a college which catered to the military and was basically ticket punching for military promotion, did not prepare me for the level of intellectual effort required by a state university. I went on to graduate with honors, but the first semester was tough.

With that said, I would go to college full-time. It's much easier and faster to earn your degree full-time, rather then go back to college later, after you are established in the working world. Many times, because of your job and family, being a part-time graduate student is the only option available. I earned my MA part-time, taking four years and four months to graduate, and I could have knocked it out in half the time. About half of the people who started with me dropped out of the program, as being a part-time student over four years is not easy. On the other hand, I was gaining work experience as I earned my degree.

I question the value of certificates now days. I work closely with IT folks, and at least the basic certificates are not as important as experience. I was just on two hiring committees for two IT people, and we didn't care at all about what certificates they had - after all, you can go to a brain dump web site or take a one-week class, and get most of the information needed to pass many certs. There are some hard certifications out there, so don't spam me as I don't intend to say all certs are easy to get.

 

Good post. While attending full time is preferrable, for a lot of people part time is the way to go. I got my B.A while on active duty myself and obtained my master's online while working full time and fulfilling reserve obligations. Yes, it took a lot of time. I guess what I'm trying to say is if your able to go full time go for it, if not going the part time is just as honorable.

 

A Master's in IT improves your technical skills whereas an MBA focuses on your management and people skills. People skills are the most important part of being a good manager. If your plan is to become a manager you will need to start developing your people skills now and you should consider an MBA. Be forewarned that in IT an MBA degree is not highly regarded as it is in the banking and financial sectors. Consider your options wisely and good luck!!