I am considering a degree in business. HELP!?
Asked by Magnus01
I am a military trained generator mechanic. I have been doing it for about 10 years. It kinda sucks now but pays pretty damn good. In the last 2-3 years I have worked my wrench turning skills into supervisory/admin positions. First as a supervisor in a generator shop, then a quality inspector/evaluator over the maintenance department and now into a non-degreed engineering liason position. I do not want to be turning wrenches at 50 years old like some guys in my field. I want a desk (or cubicle) and to wear a tie to work and have a cushy $50,000-$75,000a year job that works in managing people who do the work. Being a service manager sucks but something like a regional manager or "business manager" who handles new accounts and keeping a small outfit productive or a larger business in line. I see tons of these guys at work and it just oozes longevity. Not too much stress or getting dirty. Just meetings and seminars for me, thank you. Anybody got any insight on whether this is possible I am no stranger to working hard. I would rather do something closer to what I am doing now that what I did before to keep the company afloat. I can think quickly, critically and I have been known to put in a work week of 20 hours days to bring glory to the team and stand in the background when the team is winning and not NEED to get the glory. I am not an idiot but I am just glad to be able to contribute. That is what has allowed me to get promoted while some guys are still not trusted around an unlocked toolbox. The work required to physically put out the work or drive 250 miles a day as a field technician in a smelly van, sucks.

Best Answer:
Anything is possible! I served in the military (overseas in Korea, 9th Infantry Division Fort Lewis WA, Fort Belvoir Engineering School etc) though one distinct advantage I had was college degree in good area in short supply (BS Finance) plus I was able to work at the General Officer staff levels as well as handle Procurement/ Acquisitions and contracts that made my transition after military much easier. You and anyone with Determination have that "chance of a lifetime" though some important skills you might have overlooked are the ability to write and prepare good resumes as well as staffing/decision papers that can communicate and convince the other party that the company who hires yours or awards a contract that they got a fantastic deal and there is minimum risk. Most likely you have good technical skills based on your many years of experience but in all honesty I believe you have the wrong impression about private sector office guys doing nothing bec it's definitely wrong and no one company can afford to pay some manager a nice $alary if what work he performs on a daily basis does NOT contribute and add to the company's bottomline in terms of profit$ bec if so, he would most likely be the first to go when going gets tough unless of course your're the owner or have some close relationship. I recommend you take some college courses and get some expert to help you craft your resume, then once you get "in" certainly jump in with both feet and demonstrate to your boss, his boss and the owner that they will not regret their decision to hire you. Keep track weekly of YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS bec when your performance review time comes up, it will just as important as volunteering and working late to MAKE and KEEP that GOOD IMPRESSION that hopefully your bosses will know you are underpaid and if they don't do something about it, a competitor will sweep right in and make you a deal you can't refuse. Hopefully my brief thoughts were understood rather than challenged bec much of life and how far and high you happen to go is determined by attitude and mental perseverance which is something anyone who served has in their bloodstream! Best of Luck!

A business degree is an investment. You didn't mention if your current place of employment offers tuition reimbursement. Have you spoke to upper level management? I have a BBA and I find that I work just as hard as I did when I was more 'hands on' however you stressed that the upper level positions are not stressful where you work.
Answered by Stephanie

"Business Manger" sounds like salesman to me. Sales can be challenging - don't let anyone tell you otherwise - but if you are good & persistent, it IS very rewarding. So, check out your own companies job requirements - do you need a degree for this? It won't hurt, that's for sure, but you might be able to try shadowing someone if you talk to them. Find out what they really do. Best of luck.
Answered by tigglys