Expert: William A. McKelligott - 3/6/2008

Question
I have recently put put into a very stressful situation. I am currently a NH-2210-3 (GS-13). I have been working on this program for three years. Recently I was nominated to attend the Navy postgraduate school to receive a MS in Program Management by my organization at no cost to me. If accepted it would be done over the internet for three hours a day, two days a week for 2 years. I know that I need a Master's degree to move up within this organization, because I am still relatively young compared to my peers. I suspect my age was a factor in not getting my bosses position when he moved on, even though I was fully qualified. However, here is my problem. I the spirit of "It's all about who you know", I was recently encouraged to apply for a YA-2210-3 position (That's a GS-14 step 6 equivalent) by the GS-15 manager who would be my potential boss. I've known him for about a year, because we run in similar circles on different programs. As luck would have it, it looks like I will be offered the position at about a 20% raise. The problem is I would not be able to accept the Master's program if I take this job, because it is exclusive to my current command. So, it looks like I will have to make a decision. I can get the degree and try to move up here, or I can take the job and try to get a Master's on my own later. Which do you think would be the more advantageous route?

Answer
Congratulations on both your acceptance to a MS program (funded by your employer-- that's almost a tri-fecta) and your ability to "secure" jobs by networking.  

I must confess that rather than a question for me, I think the answer to your concern is something you already have.  Do you want to take on more responsibilities with more $ or study and still have a good salary.  Unless you plan to be a life-r in the Navy, I am not too thrilled, nor do i know of anyone in my agency, about online degrees and their true added value when you go job hunting beyond your circle of friends.  Just like getting jobs over the Internet can be a waste of time, online degrees lack the same component-- face time and opportunities to network.  I would go with the higher paying job and look for other forms of training, both Navy sponsored and online, in addition to out-of-pocket and traditional classroom setting, as you move up.