Value of professional certs on OCS application?

[slipshodraven]

On my third application for 1880 and I have been doing everything in my power to be more competitive. That said, I simply cannot speed up the completion of my Master's program (program does not allow more than two courses at a time), so I've been spending what little free time I have going after professional certifications. To date I have earned CompTIA Network+, Security+, CySA+, PenTest+, and CASP+; additionally I hold the PMI CAPM cert and am taking the PMP exam next month. Does the IWC board put much stock into an applicant holding certifications like these? In either case, I've funded all of them with Navy COOL so they're worth it to me no matter what.

 

[drexelAVI]

On my third application for 1880 and I have been doing everything in my power to be more competitive. That said, I simply cannot speed up the completion of my Master's program (program does not allow more than two courses at a time), so I've been spending what little free time I have going after professional certifications. To date I have earned CompTIA Network+, Security+, CySA+, PenTest+, and CASP+; additionally I hold the PMI CAPM cert and am taking the PMP exam next month. Does the IWC board put much stock into an applicant holding certifications like these? In either case, I've funded all of them with Navy COOL so they're worth it to me no matter what.

From what I understand, those certificates hold no weight unless it came down to the minor details to pick a candidate. If someone has a better overall kit. I.e. age, gpa, oar, appraisals and no waivers they will be selected. See what you can do to eliminate waivers if you have any. If you can’t do anything about them like age or TIS. You might want to look into other programs or designators.

 

[drexelAVI]

I’ve seen people take additional classes to eliminate education waivers or boost their gpa. Study to retake the OAR. Do what you can in that respect.

 

[slipshodraven]

I have a GPA waiver and finishing my Master's is the key to getting rid of that. My undergrad transcript lists a GPA of 3.8 but thanks to poor decisions from nearly 15 years ago my cumulative GPA is 2.8. That said, if I stay on track in my Master's program I'll be done by December... just in time to start needing a TIS waiver. 🙃

 

[drexelAVI]

Dude push your school and try to take more than 2 classes get that shit done. If you really want this make it happen, get rid of your waiver.

 

[slipshodraven]

Dude push your school and try to take more than 2 classes get that shit done. If you really want this make it happen, get rid of your waiver.

Not an option. It's the policy of the program.

 

[drexelAVI]

Not an option. It's the policy of the program.

Screw the policy lol maybe that’s just me

 

[drexelAVI]

It’s on you but I would personally tell them my situation and make someone higher than the person you’re speaking to tell you no.

 

[exNavyOffRec]

You should consider holding off on submitting until you finish your Masters since at this point you aren't giving them anything new to make them want to select you. MCWO is very competitive and the last thing you want is for them to hit you with a DNR, it is rare but does happen.

 

[slipshodraven]

You should consider holding off on submitting until you finish your Masters since at this point you aren't giving them anything new to make them want to select you. MCWO is very competitive and the last thing you want is for them to hit you with a DNR, it is rare but does happen.

Hmmm. Well my third application was seen by the 27JAN board.

No one has indicated that earning additional certs was completely worthless. That includes my CO, the 1880 community manager, an O6 1880 that I interviewed with, or the fleet applicant processor. I've also completed additional graduate classes of course, including some that involved projects working with active 1880s and 1810s. Every additional class boosts my GPA somewhat and I feel like skipping a board is skipping an opportunity for selection. I've mentioned that I will continue applying which everyone has supported.