What type of education will help me later on?

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   Hello everyone,

I am currently a GS-2210-12 working for the DOD. So far things are great were I am working and I wish to start planning my education for when I hit the higher levels. I currently hold a BS in IT and a master degree in information security. As I have read in other posting, people in higher levels (GS-15 and SES), tend to have a doctorate degree. 
My question to you is: what type of doctorate will help in during the progression into the higher levels of GS and SES? I am undecided between a doctorate in IT, a doctorate in business or a doctorate in some area of project management. 
I enjoy all 3 areas, but of course a doctorate is not an easy task and I prefer to aim for the one that will offer me the most growth potential in the Federal government in general.

Any other pointers will be greatly appreciated.

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gaijinboricua Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 21 Oct 2009 Posts: 26	Post Options Post Reply Quote gaijinboricua Report Post Quote Reply Topic: What type of education will help me later on? Posted: 29 Jul 2010 at 7:35am
	Hello everyone, I am currently a GS-2210-12 working for the DOD. So far things are great were I am working and I wish to start planning my education for when I hit the higher levels. I currently hold a BS in IT and a master degree in information security. As I have read in other posting, people in higher levels (GS-15 and SES), tend to have a doctorate degree. My question to you is: what type of doctorate will help in during the progression into the higher levels of GS and SES? I am undecided between a doctorate in IT, a doctorate in business or a doctorate in some area of project management. I enjoy all 3 areas, but of course a doctorate is not an easy task and I prefer to aim for the one that will offer me the most growth potential in the Federal government in general. Any other pointers will be greatly appreciated.

Snork Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 16 Apr 2010 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 216	Post Options Post Reply Quote Snork Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 29 Jul 2010 at 7:59am
	I know 15's and SESers with just an undergraduate degree .... shrug

Communicator Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Rookie Joined: 01 Dec 2009 Posts: 37	Post Options Post Reply Quote Communicator Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 29 Jul 2010 at 10:43am
	Keep getting job experience by taking part in large projects if/when the chance comes! That will build your resume. If a doctorate is something you really want...then go for it...otherwise I would say that the "contacts" you make during your career will pay bigger dividends than the doctorate. Either way, keep at it!!!! Best of luck!

gaijinboricua Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 21 Oct 2009 Posts: 26	Post Options Post Reply Quote gaijinboricua Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 29 Jul 2010 at 2:21pm
	Thanks for the input everyone. I am voluntering to any training and projects that I can handle along with my duties. I am also looking at later on joining one of the management training programs offered along with a mentorship program. I guess by working those areas I will build a bigger network of professional contacts and grow as a manager. I do wonder if a doctorate degree does give that extra push and which area helps the most.

recentGrad22 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 28 Mar 2010 Posts: 58	Post Options Post Reply Quote recentGrad22 Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 29 Jul 2010 at 3:05pm
	gaijinboricua, I hope you aren't offended, but most of the better colleges do not offer a Phd in IT. They do offer a Phd in computer science, which is usually a 3-6 year full time program post bachelor's, which trains people to do research, write grants, and get publications. < id="gwProxy" ="">< ="jsCall;" id="jsProxy" =""> Edited by recentGrad22 - 29 Jul 2010 at 3:06pm

goicuon Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 28 Apr 2008 Posts: 248	Post Options Post Reply Quote goicuon Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 29 Jul 2010 at 4:39pm
	You are already credentialed as an IT pro. If management is your goal I'd go for an MBA. It opens a lot of doors. I'd only do the PhD if you want to teach or go into research.