Leadership and Management degree

[Muffster]

Hi folks.
I'm considering doing a degree in Leadership and Management and was wondering if anyone had done something similar.
After 20+ years in the forces i would like to get some credible qualifications before i leave.
I'm an engineer and as yet got no idea what to do when i leave!
I would only need to do the final year in this field so it would be quite a natural progression for me, but i'm not convinced the subject matter would be particularly interesting.
So is it worth doing,i'm thinking in terms of broadening my horizons and maybe my employablity in the future.
Should i opt for something different?

So, over to the fellow PH'ers, your thought, opinions and advice please.

Cheers.

[rog007]

That degree would give you some great insights and tools that would be applicable in any sector. It won't however solve your problem of what you want to be, which might be your higher priority? Without knowing where you want to be, foraging a path with no destination could be wasteful. Good luck!

[arguti]

MBA is way to go

[WhereamI]

As an employer my problem looking at your CV would be that I don't know what 'Leadership & Management' means in this context. There are so many woolly meaningless subjects out there and this sounds like another.

As someone else said, doing an MBA would be massively more beneficial whereas this could be just a year of your life wasted - unless it's something with real meaning like an MBA, it's your 20 years experience that will get you the job not a bit of paper.

[edc]

If you want to go into management later I'd suggest using some of your resettlement to do some ILM courses and then perhaps a business related degree.

[craigjm]

arguti said:

MBA is way to go

Im not sure you can do an MBA (at least at a decent university) without having a first degree and some business experience under your belt.

[98elise]

What sort of Engineer are you? I'm ex-forces Engineer, but now work in IT.

[AndyNetwork]

edc said:

If you want to go into management later I'd suggest using some of your resettlement to do some ILM courses and then perhaps a business related degree.

Have to agree with this - I work in IT, and I am currently doing Level 3 Certificate ILM in Management. I'm not particularly looking to get into management right at the moment, as I am happy being a hands on techie, but I went for the IT managers job here when it was up for grabs, partly as I had nothing to loose by going for it. I didn't get the job, but the company offered to put me through the ILM training anyway, so I would be in a better position if the job came up again.

As it happens, it's more likely I will get re-organised out of the company in the next 2 years, so it will then be decision time - techie or manager! At least I will have the qualification to help if I go the management route!

[BoRED S2upid]

Its a good general degree to have and could be relevant for a number of sectors and jobs. Would be good if you had an idea of what you want to do after it though? Also might be worth considering other shorter courses to run along side your degree for example PRINCE 2.

[T5SOR]

I have just finished my Business & Management Degree (part time- 3 years) and it was very useful and insightful. Like you I also went down the ONC and HNC route in the past. I would strongly recommend it to anyone who is thinking about going into management, looking to polish up on their business skills or to anyone who is interested in business in general.

I enjoyed it so much I am starting the PM & Leadership Masters in September (another 3 years- part time)!

[zbc]

craigjm said:

arguti said:

MBA is way to go

Im not sure you can do an MBA (at least at a decent university) without having a first degree and some business experience under your belt.

You don't necessarily need a first degree though it would reduce your options. You'd need to show other relevant experience and training, though probably what you've received in the forces would be more than enough. My experience is that a lot of business schools really welcome people with a different background as it's a real benefit in the discussions and activities.

[arguti]

zbc said:

craigjm said:

arguti said:

MBA is way to go

Im not sure you can do an MBA (at least at a decent university) without having a first degree and some business experience under your belt.

You don't necessarily need a first degree though it would reduce your options. You'd need to show other relevant experience and training, though probably what you've received in the forces would be more than enough. My experience is that a lot of business schools really welcome people with a different background as it's a real benefit in the discussions and activities.

Several military types on my MBA, not sure if all were degree qualified, have a word with Warwick Business School to see the current attitude/admission criteria for the military as mine was yonks ago and things may have changed.