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Adding credentials after a name is not exactly a new concept. Depending on the field of work, many experts add some type of abbreviation after their name. Doctors often have "MD", dentists have "DDS", and professors with doctorates often add "PhD" following their name. Unfortunately, there are only a handful of professions in which adding credentials after your name make sense. Having an MBA is certainly not one of them, and there are a host of other abbreviations that are downright pathetic.
The idea of having credentials after your name is a good one. If I have to get a physical, there's no chance in hell I'm going to see a guy named "Trapper John". Sounds like the nickname of a serial rapist. However, you tell me to go see Trapper John, MD and I'm ready to drop my pants for him. A simple MD allows Trapper John's clients to trust he is trained and properly licensed to perform the service. A service that the common man would be unable to provide.
Sadly, many people in the corporate world don't understand that their professional certification or training isn't all that important. In my seven years of cube life, I've come across email signatures including everything from "Bill Lumberg, MBA" to "Samir Nagheenanajar, MCAD" (Microsoft Certified Application Developer). Even worse are Human Resources employees, who have found an abundance of abbreviations to add after their name. Many of them like to include dozens of them. This likely stems from their inflated and false sense of importance. HR "professionals" take the cake on adding an unnecessary suffix after their name. The list includes:
* PHR – Professional in Human Resources
* SPHR – Sr. Professional in Human Resources
* GPHR – Global Professional in Human Resources
* CCP – Certified Compensation Professional
* GRP – Global Remuneration Professional
* CPP – Certified Payroll Professional
* CBP – Certified Benefits Professional
* CEBS – Certified Employee Benefits Specialist
* CPLP – Certified Professional in Learning and Performance
* CPT – Certified Performance Technologist
* QKA – Qualified 401(k) Administrator
Here are some things to think about before adding a suffix to your name:
1. Is my professional training as important to clients as it is to me?
2. Does my suffix look ridiculous after my name?
3. Can a high school student perform admirably at my job?
4. Are you performing a service that requires licensing, by law?
5. If you really think about it, is this suffix you are about to add just inflating your own ego?
There are very few professions that truly pass the suffix sniff test but millions of corporate employees include one in email signatures everyday. Do me a favor and next time you receive an email from someone with an unnecessary suffix after their name, respond back with your own ridiculous suffix and hyperlink it to this article.
Best Regards,
Dudley B. Dawson, CCRLD (Certified Core Rhythms Latin Dancer)
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Comments
Baile!
I love this! Finally someone who gets it!
Kim Clark HEHRPT (Hardworking Experienced HR Person-thingy)
Don't leave your uncle T-bag hanging!
Dr. Tobias Funke
CPAT or A (Certified Psychological Analyst and Therapist or "Analrapist")
I have a master in Busines Administration with a consentraion in Technology Management.
Waht do you recomend to use
Martha Miller MBA
or
Martha Miller, MBA
or not use it at all?
Your feedback will be greatly appreciated
Best regards,
Martha Miller
I recommend SCA "Spell Check Avoider"
MBA's are a dime a dozen today. Unless you have one from a prestigious institution like Stanford or UCLA, don't bother. I have an Ed.D. but never flaunted it.
Your callous comtempt for educational accomplishments is clearly evident. That may be due to the fact that you are probably a recent graduate of our 'dumbed down' educational system -- and our long-standing penchant for teaching to the 'lowest common denominator'.
I started collage after my 4th child was born in the '70's -- it took me 12 years to attain my MBA. My thesis was a singular effort for which I received an A grade from both my mentor and the Business Department Chair at Long Island University.
I could have opted for a comedic collaboration with classmates for the sole purpose of producing a'combined' grade. But I refused to be used by lazy, dumb classmates who relied on other people's higher standards of achievement to accomplish their minimal goals. So,I refused to let those self-centered individuals succeed through my efforts.
That's why I believe that when we belittle the accomplishments of another's success, our words make a very, very loud staetment about who we are.
Unfortunately, our schools fail to teach critical thinking skills. And that's why we loose sight of that very significant fact. That's why so many people in our society suck up to someone like you Dudley -- and accept your derision of another's achievement. I suspect your sole purpose is to convince yourself, and other stupid people on this planet that an advance education isn't really that important. Perhaps these people will finally wake up when they realize they're too stupid and uneducated to qualify for a job because the Poles, Danes or Japanese are better than they are.
Martha - Let's address your comments shall we?
Incorrect about my contempt for educational accomplishments. Those who completed grad school or higher are very dedicated people and I respect education more than most people I know. In fact, I respect it so much that I don't place a suffix after my name of "BA". That would be a disrespect to professions that require the presence of a suffix such as "MD" or the occasional "PhD" (in the right context). However, I'm all in favor of having 'MBA' or any other professional certifications on resumes. That is where they belong and it's where they make sense to include.
However, your MBA does not define you, define your profession, or add anything to the substance of your name which is why it should not be attached to your name in emails. This is all outside of the fact that it isn't socially acceptable to include in an email signature.
The mere fact that you assume I disrespect education because I do not condone placing 'MBA' after one's name is proof of just how pompous you are. A Masters of Business Administration does not compare to doctorate educations in the medical field or any field. I would venture to guess that most MBA graduates of Wharton are fully aware of this, but perhaps they don't teach you this at the Long Island MBA program (is Long Island accredited?).
I do find it interesting that you follow up your assumption that I have contempt for educational accomplishments by completely bashing the current educational system. If your argument didn't lose credibility on the 1st sentence, it certainly did on the 2nd. You are arguing for the inclusion of "MBA" after your name, but, before doing so, you essentially render the entire educational system worthless by noting that they 'dumb down' and teach to the 'lowest common denominator'. This, of course, makes adding "MBA" after any name also worthless. That is unless you plan on your signature saying "Martha XXX, MBA 1978-1990" to ensure everyone knows that you are on the pedestal of pre-education-degredation (though I would imagine showing 12 years for an MBA isn't the smartest idea).
On a side note, I especially enjoyed the comments regarding self centered people and how you did everything on your own because you refuse to be lazy like all the other stupid fauks around you. I think this is exactly the type of attitude that makes for a great business executive. After all, business isn't about working with others and collaborating on ideas and processes. It's about placing yourself in your own little crazy silo.
But you are right. Belittling people's accomplishments does speak loudly. But not nearly as loud as a self centered, pompous MBA graduate who believes their education was great enough to add after their name on every email they send, and to place themselves on the same level as a PhD or MD or any other profession that actually deserves mention next to a name.
I'd like to thank you again for making this comment because you've encapsulated my 'sole purpose' beautifully and reignited my passion for writing this crap. It doesn't matter what I write about -- there's always someone out there looking to prove my point without trying.
"A Masters of Business Administration does not compare to a doctorate educations in the medical field or any field."
One should not "compare" in this way because the two are different. It would be better to compare the skills of one MBA to another than an MBA to a MD in medicine. We all have jobs to perform and we all try to contribute as best we can to society. There are plenty of MBA’s that dawf the salaries of MD’s and the livelihood of many people depend on them.
No one should be held in higher regard than anyone else. A sanitation engineer is simply different from a lawyer not less than. If your experience in life is to become the best excrement shoveler in the world, then this is what makes you happy not comparing yourself and valuing yourself based on what others have or represent. There are plenty of excrement shovelers that are multi-millionaires.
People are always trying to attack others in life based on what they have or do not have. High school diplomas hate college grads. College grads envy Masters degree holders. Doctorates look down on all others because they feel superior. PhD's, MD's, MBA's and Excrement Shoveler are not to be compared or valued higher one over another. They are to be respected for what they do. The same way one respects the janitor that cleans the toilets or the heart surgeon that opens the hearts - level of difficulty taken into consideration. Can you do either of these? Is this your passion? We should respect all careers no matter how small we feel the contribution or position. You would not tell a child that wanted to be a firefighter that he or she is less than a rocket scientist - understanding the important of a rocket scientist. We all have a space to give and everybody should be on top of their thing. What is it that the young rap kids always say, “don’t do me, do you”. Do yourself, contribute, and be happy. :-)
Martha did take it beyond the denominator of this context. Having said that, an MBA is probably the equivalent of a HS diploma 30 years ago. Is it really a big deal? In my profession, I am surrounded by doctorate people and we are all on first name basis and no one really makes a big deal about it. My boss has a JD and PhD and he never wants anyone to call him other than his first name. There are probably 25-30% of the US workforce with a master's degree or higher, so you are only better than 2 or 3 people next to you, why not be humble about it?
Did anyone notice that Martha attended a 'collage' not 'college?" Guess they didn't teach spelling at that institution.
I think Martha was taking this a little too seriously. This is not an attack on education. Though pragmatism in our culture does teach the value of practicality in opposition to knowledge, and has for at least the last 100 years, this was not a reflection of that societal value. This was a satirical look at human and social interactions. I agree with Dudley. The fact that she didn't get the joke, and took it so personally, proved how pompous the kind of person who would do this actually is. Dudley...you are the man, that was awesome.
P.S. I am completing my MBA at Harvard (name drop much?) and can't wait to be able to put on my email signature the following: Joshua Miller MBA-ASE-Harvard University (Masters of Business Administration-And Substantially Endowed).
P.S.S. Martha...College is spelled with an "e" not an "a"...that's Collage.
I DO agree that using anacronyms at the end of one's name is pretentious, however, because I've personally found such pervasive lack of respect within 'professional' environments, I don't see a viable option to curb the negative treatment toward 'assumed nobody's'. Sadly, I honestly do get more respect, from first contact, when adding my credentials. If secretaries, receptionists, cubicle workers were far more cordial to 'strangers' this wouldn't be necessary. I've found that it is though.
Hi Dudley,
What about our company owner adding the "CEO" credential to his name in an email signature? Would that be appropriate?
I have a North American Masters in Business, Law, and Accounting.
-Sam B, NAMBLA.
@ Martha Miller... 13 years of primary education, 4 years of College, 2 years in post grad and you can't spell "concentration"?
Also, PLEASE tell me you are being sarcastic when you are asking the author of this article how to add MBA To your signature.
EPIC fail
I agree completely. Putting your degrees after your name is only one step above having a fan roll on Facebook as a way of validating one's self-worth.
Hi Dudley, UMBA over here (Ultimate Master of Business Admins) from Cornell (sorry for the name drop)
I agree w/ most of your points except for the one copied below. Maybe I'm being too thick and didn't get your joke, but business executive is all about collaborating on ideas and processes so that others do pieces of your job properly. I've found my-way-or-highway is a sure way to end career in corporate America...
BTW, Martha comes across as highly driven person. So, there's a positive...
BTW, Martha comes across as highly driven person. So, there's a positive.... but you really need to find a way to work with others well even if they are stupid, lazy, theives, or whatever... that's called leadership & you just can't succeed w/o it in most corporates where MBA degree means anything.
Anyhow, quote stars here:
I think this is exactly the type of attitude that makes for a great business executive. After all, business isn't about working with others and collaborating on ideas a
Darren - You completely missed the sarcasm. I'm fully aware of the fact that business requires collaboration.
"I think this is exactly the type of attitude that makes for a great business executive. After all, business isn't about working with others and collaborating on ideas and processes."
= sarcasm.
which is why it is followed up with...
"It's about placing yourself in your own little crazy silo."
I guess it's all about feeling important, without really having accomplished anything.
It's like a plumber signing "John Hancock, CP"
because he's a Certified Plumber. It's bogus!
Still, if all goes well, I should get my Masters degree in Chemistry in a few years. Then I would sign any Chemistry-related emails like this:
David Johnson, MSc
Oh, yeah... That looks so right! :-)
Fantastic. I have thought the same thing my entire adult life. Good to see someone writing about the "MBA after the name" farce. If you have an MBA, good for you. Perhaps it will help separate your resume from others, and land you an interview that would otherwise not have been obtained with a B.S. But that's where it ends. Most hiring managers base their hiring decisions on their read of your personality during the interview. If you definitely need an MBA to even be considered for the job o
An office administration girl I once worked with had "Bu.Ad.Dip" after her name (Business Administrative Diploma). She was bragging about a 2 year course - I would have (and do!) leave mine blank.
Your post is so gay'
John, MBA
I agree, this stuff is really annoying.
-- John Smith, BS
I have an MBA, and a law degree (JD), and anyone that would put either or both after their name is kind of an idiot. A law degree is doctoral level, and it's still a joke. Were I in charge of hiring I'd find it a good screener for people I would not hire, since these people are probably very petty as well.
How in the world is an MBA or JD a joke? And, why is there only one premise for why one would choose to place these well deserved letters behind their names? An education is difficult to get unless you have someone footing the bill.
If I were to assume a premise as to why another would think these degrees a joke and that anyone who used them in any type of correspondence is petty, then I would assume that they had someone footing the bill?
Just a thought.
The only time I find the uber-self important labels useful is when it is a highly-educated profession (MD, Esquire, etc). The nonsense ones (like MBA) are only useful when that person's credential is unusual for their field. (e.g. a lawyer with an MBA may find it a tactful way to tell their business clients they understand the jargon, so it need not be dumbed down and they don't have to spend overly-expensive time on the clock explaining the basics of their issue and can skip to specifics)
While I understand the not wanting MBA after one's name (you wouldn't put BA or BS). But sometimes certifications can be relevant. In the HR world, PHR means I have taken the certification that I am proficient in the laws, and continue updating my certifications, which may set me apart from others in the job search world.
Sarah - Let's not kid ourselves. There is nothing relevant about Human Resources.
I love how people always tear down HR, the people that work for your benefit.
But yes, MBA should not be put after one's name.
Human Resources exist in the best interest of an organization and not the employees. HR Directors main goal is to prevent litigation.
Where do you get the idea human resources works for the worker's benefit???
MBA and the like on a business card or signature line typically screams insecurity, "I really want you to know what I've accomplished." It almost always announces a professionally unimpressive individual. On the other hand, it is such a clear warning to the rest of us, perhaps we should be thankful it so easy to see them coming, not with scarlet letters, but with flags held high, spray-painted with gilt.
Amen Thomas! Insecurity is right! That's like "I had a HS diploma and a 1.87 GPA... I was also the 15th man on the JV Basketball team!"
I'm always looking for the connection that will land me my next job - if putting PMP after my name mixed with job performance helps me get there, I don't see why that's a problem. I worked hard to complete the pre-requisites and to pass the exam. What smacks of insecurity to me is people who crap on certifications and degrees because they don't have any or if it all has come too easy to them. There are a ton of truly earnest people out there who are proud of the levels they have achieved - what gives anyone the right to judge or belittle them? I would have guessed such "smart" people would have better things to do with their time.
In this day and age when hundreds of people are competing for a single job, and many fear losing their jobs, I think it is very wise to advertise your credentials at every opportunity.
Amy...I couldn't agree with you more. It's the same reason I wear a shirt that says "9 inches" when I'm at the bar. In this day and age, you never know which women like men. The t-shirt makes sure they 'come' to me.
'Insecure - right.'....again, I totally agree. People are always telling me "oh you're so insecure about your manhood" just because I wear a t-shirt that says '9 inches'. I worked incredibly hard at stretching my length out to 9 inches and, quite frankly, anyone who looks down upon my 9 inches and isn't impressed is just a flat out loser. What gives them any right to judge me purely because I have a t-shirt letting everyone know I have 9 inches of fun in my pants? That's right...they don't have the right to judge me. I have 9 inches.
Insecure - right,
I loved the Simpsons episode you were on under the name "Frank Grimes". Your character really helped me understand why it's important to promote your credentials after years and years of hard work. It also helped illuminate why people like you grab live electrical wires.
Insecure-Right,
You hit the nail on the head. You place your lowly credentials after your name because you are proud of your achievement and you think its noteworty. But the fact that you had to work hard at it does not mean it is a noteworthy achievement to anybody else.
One person might work just as hard to learn how to wipe their own a-h0le as another person works to get their PhD. With your logic, it would be socially acceptable for that first person to sign their name: Amy Johnson, CAW (Certified A-h0le Wiper)
The truth of the matter is that folks with professional degrees, MD, ESQ, CPA and professional engineers (CE, SE, etc), are licensed by the state to conduct business in that state. It is the government's way to ensure the practitioners meet a minimum level of competency for the safety and benefit of the public and it makes sense to add a suffix to their name. A PMP certification is nice, however, not always necessary and is used by companies to screen out candidates more than anything else. To put any kind of suffix that is not required by the state to conduct business is just nonsense and makes you look silly in the process.
Dudley,
Thanks for another great article. I enjoy your writing and actually laugh out loud nearly every time I read one of your articles.
One thought that I can add to the mix of comments:
Only first-degree black belts ever announce their belts to others outside of their martial arts schools, and they stop after they get their butts kicked for the first time. Higher belts, like the fourth and fifths degrees, rarely tell anyone (even though they could probably take care of themselves). Most black belts will tell you (despite the public perception to the contrary) that the black belt is only the beginning of knowledge, kind of like the end of boot camp. It's the exeperience after the learning that puts it into practice and turns knowledge into wisdom.
Just like degrees.
You are completely wrong. In this age of media and 'Branding' yourself, it is key to differentiate onself from all of the others. Certifications and yes even the MBA is a way to do that. And you are wrong in the fact that you seem to think having acheived something or gone the extra step to have your experience and knowledge recognized by a third party is meaningless and anyone can do it.
Now there are those people that seem to think that just because they have the degree or certification, makes them better than everyone else, and choose to bring it up every chance they can... those people are annoying... however having something next to your name on your signature or business card is absolutely appropriate, and can also spark a conversation in which you have the opportunity to then promote your complete package.
Jack, MBA/GM
I would be very interested to know, out of those of you who are reviling putting MBA after your name, how many of you actually have one? How many of you invested over 30 grand, took a year or two out of your life, worked your arse off and had to collaborate with people from all walks of life to succeed.
NLIKE ANY OTHER DEGREE I have studied with, learnt from and collaborated on high pressure projects with individuals from all sorts of industries, countries and job roles. I can work effectively across language barriers and with people whose working background may be completely different to mine. A Swiss banker? Worked with her. An English Michelin starred chef? Worked with him. A Chinese govt employee who chaperones business visitors? Worked with her. An Indian entrepreneur? A Fijian supply chain expert? An American airline strategist? An English Navy captain? An Irish retailer? Tick, tick, and tick.
Here's the thing about letters after the name - the hiring manage
Here's the thing about letters after your name. The hiring manager, who often has the same background as the candidate, gets it.
It's HR that doesn't.
So how about list all 9 classes in the MBA program and grade for each class!
Jack - "In this age of media and branding"? Your comments are so full of $h!t that I can smell my monitor. Plain and simple, adding credentials to your name should only be done to inform people of your expertise, given the right context. MBA is not an expertise. There are millions of people that can perform the same job of an MBA. The same cannot be said of an MD or many other acceptable credentials after a name. You simply refuse to accept that your behavior is not socially acceptable.
Really? Earning a Master's level degree doesn't demonstrate an area of expertise?
Maryse - I thought Jack's comment was bad until I read yours. I think I puked in my mouth a little bit while reading your comment.
I'd like to be the first to congratulate Maryse for having worked with all sorts of worldly people during your MBA program.
If I'm not mistaken, you only have five more types of people to work with until you have completed your MBA scavenger hunt. Good luck!
What is your agenda with this message?
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