Post-Grad Education: Continue to focus, or expand knowledge base?

As indicated in my other thread, I will most likely not be completing WGU's MSML program... but I still want to utilize the free year of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. So, instead of another degree, I am considering a professional certificate program.

I initially was enthused about the MSL because I felt it would be a great complement to my first master's, MSISA from WGU. I thought it would help me be a well-rounded individual, instead of highly focused in a technical track, and would provide knowledge and skills from more of a business perspective, to make better executive-level decisions.

What are your thoughts on continuing to focus on a technical aspect (Stanford's Advanced Computer Security certificate) versus broadening a bit, possibly Stanford's Strategic Decision and Risk Management, Advanced Project Management, or Harvard Extension School's Business Communication certificate? Ultimately, I am trying to prepare myself for a director C-level position in the future, and want to equip myself with the best toolset for doing so.

Mike C

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Comments

shodown

if you have your sites set on a C level position how good are you in the fundamentals of those types of positions?

How good are you with writing, speaking and communicating. Since we were both in the military we know that there is no such thing as a "born leader", leaders are made.

Do you excel in the communication area? If not, I would look into spending the last of those dollars on something that would prove to help you out in that arena. Since I've started my company and I have to work with leaders and managers from supervisors all the way up to the C level. What stands out to me in who's good and who isn't are the ones who can LISTEN and ask QUESTIONS, and can get buy in to where they are trying to go. If any of those programs can help out with those I would take a look.

If not, I would just save those dollars until later on when you can gain the most out of those programs.

iBrokeIT

shodown wrote: »

if you have your sites set on a C level position how good are you in the fundamentals of those types of positions?

How good are you with writing, speaking and communicating.

Forecasting and budgeting are also huge responsibilities in those positions.

zxbane

shodown wrote: »

if you have your sites set on a C level position how good are you in the fundamentals of those types of positions?

How good are you with writing, speaking and communicating. Since we were both in the military we know that there is no such thing are a "born leader", leaders are made.

Do you excel in the communication area? If not, I would look into spending the last of those dollars on something that would prove to help you out in that arena. Since I've started my company and I have to work with leaders and managers from supervisors all the way up to the C level. What stands out to me in who's good and who isn't are the ones who can LISTEN and ask QUESTIONS, and can get buy in to where they are trying to go. If any of those programs can help out with those I would take a look.

If not, I would just save those dollars until later on when you can gain the most out of those programs.

Very sound advice, I look forward to seeing what others have to say as well, particularly those who vast experience and knowledge.

colemic

Well, I'd like to think that I have sound communication skills (my wife might think otherwise though, LOL)... Actually I am pretty confident in my communications skills overall; being an auditor in the past has helped in that area tremendously, and taught me to see things from a higher, more complete level.

shodown

One thing I forgot to mention is find a mentor if you are interested in leadership. Mentorship is needed across all professions, but I feel its so much more for the managerial ranks. A lot of things can be read, or you watch books on, but I feel leadership must be taught, where you work with a mentor and learn the ropes.

colemic

@shodown I am working on that - for the WGU MSML degree I had already decided on a capstone - implementing a mentor/professional development program where I work, specifically on the tech side (the banking side has their own learning channels that while we have 'access' to, it's really focused/intended for that side of the house.) Since I am probably not going to finish the MSML, I still am working on getting the right 'pull' and getting ducks in a row to make this happen, it just takes time and we are pretty swamped work-wise. Wheels of progress are turning slowly.

For those curious about the professional certificates I mentioned, here are the links:

Stanford Advanced Project Management Courses & Certificate - Advanced Project management - Stanford

Stanford Advanced Computer Security - Online Certificate - Advanced Computer Security - Stanford

Stanford University, Stanford Strategic Decision and Risk Management Courses & Certificate - Strategic Decisions and Risk Management - Stanford

Business Communication Certificate | Harvard Extension - Business Communication - Harvard Extension School

Strategic Management Certificate | Harvard Extension | Harvard Extension School - Strategic Management - Harvard Extension School

stryder144

The Jack Welch Management Institute has some interesting possibilities.

colemic

Thanks for the link, I'll add it to the list for sure.