For many who enter into the service of the United States military they say it was just a calling. There is also the pull towards education. Finding the right balance between both service and education that can enhance both a service members military career and civilian career can be a struggle.
Lieutenant Colonel Dax Borroughs is a professor in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), an alum and also an MBA candidate all at UW-Stevens Point. He was asked to share some insight on the benefits of a business degree and military experience together.
How would a business degree impact a service member’s military career?
For enlisted soldiers they receive promotion points for their civilian education which helps them promote to the next rank. A degree is a requirement to become an officer. Specific to a business degree many of the leadership traits that are taught in the business department could directly be applied to the leadership skills needed for military service. The analytical skills taught can also be applied to training to ensure that limited time and resources are being used effectively.
How would a business degree compliment a soldier’s experience for a civilian career?
A soldier coming out of the military with a business degree is a highly sought after asset. You have within that person someone who understands not only the fundamentals of organizational leadership and business principles but also someone who has been placed in multiple leadership positions under adverse circumstances. They have proven their ability to focus on the problem at hand and organize a team to accomplish a task.
How would the degree affect a soldier’s rank? Both as enlisted and as an officer?
A degree will add promotion points to a soldier looking to promote on the enlisted side. For officers it’s required to commission. “These benefits along with the supportive team at UWSP, the amazing business programs, and a wide variety of applied opportunities has literally been a life-changing experience.”
Why should a service member/veteran consider an undergrad in business or an MBA?
Service members should consider a business degree to help then to better translate the leadership skills and work ethic they developed in the military directly to the business community they will transition into following their time in service. For officers a master’s degree is nearly required to promote past the rank of Major. This also seems to be the trend for senior enlisted Soldiers at the rank of Command Sergeant Major though is not mandatory.
Why should a student considering a business degree also consider the Military Science?
Following classes through the business department there is an opportunity to directly apply what they were taught as part of the leadership training in the ROTC. As an ROTC cadet the business student would be placed in a leadership role or as a key staff member overseeing training operations of an organization. There are substantial scholarships available for cadets to help cover tuition and financial needs. Finally, following successful completion of their degree, graduates are guaranteed a position in the military.
If you are interested in learning more about a business degree and the ROTC program, contact Max Trzebiatowski.