OK, should I or shouldn’t I? Go back to school, that is.
A couple of years ago I registered at Gonzaga University and started working towards a degree. They have a degree program in “Organizational Leadership” for adult students. Basically, it means they give you tuition at half rate, you take a couple of management type classes, but you get to choose whatever “area of concentration” you want by electing most of your courses in that area.
I was, mainly, enjoying and learning from the experience up until a series of catastrophies at work forced me to miss multiple classes and receive an incomplete in a public speaking class. What made matters worse is that that particular class was an absolute joke. Not academically worthwhile at all- very touchy feely, let’s all have a group hug, Jack Handy kind of stuff. Awful. And to get rid of the incomplete and complete the required course, I had to sign up and take it again. And guess what? After making it through almost another whole semester of that tripe, another meltdown at work happens and I missed the last three days of class. Another incomplete. After that, I decided not to register for anymore classes until things settled down at work.
Things appear to have settled down at work. Now I’m trying to decide if I should go back and get the degree. On the upside, it won’t cost me anything financially. Between the school discount for being old and my company’s tuition reimbursement policy, and the GI Bill, tuition and books are covered. I found many of the classes edifying. On the downside, I have to sit through that public speaking course for the third time, and there’s probably a few more just like it in the pipeline. And while it wouldn’t cost me money, it would cost plenty of time. I really don’t know if having the degree would offer any advantage to my career, such as it is. I work in a technical field, and scheduling- not to mention lack of interest- prevents me from taking any engineering courses.
So, what to do? Remain an uneducated boob, or pursue a college edgeycashun?
I work at a California State University and had also worked for a well-known private University as a Academic Counselor. In both, I advise a lot of adult students, returning after many years off. First off, I say that if you can get your education for free, go for it. Not many people have that opportunity. Many go thousands of dollars in debt just to get an education. If you don’t need it for advancement in your job or for a career change, do if for personal enrichment. My suggestion though would be that if you can do some of your lower division General Education courses through an online course at your local community college, that would be helpful. Also ask an advisor at Gonzaga about evaluating your DD214 (or other military documents depending on branch) for credit. Then use CLEP/DANTES exams to get some more. That way you can concentrate on just courses in your major/interest.
Also ask an advisor at Gonzaga about evaluating your DD214 (or other military documents depending on branch) for credit. Then use CLEP/DANTES exams to get some more.
You know, I did that when I first registered, and I was shocked by how little credit the college gave me. I had taken a bunch of CLEP tests when I was in the Navy (they were free, and they got me out of deck swabbing for a couple of hours), and I think Gonzaga only accepted 6 credits worth of them.
Through this board I know you to be an articulate and critical thinker. As such, it seems that you have broad interests beyond whatever your technical field may be.
While some classes may seem garbage classes, you may pick up some small piece of info that could prove useful at a future point in your career. Who knows, you may end up managing a boat load of propeller heads that need a leader to motivate them. You may have a staff member that is a genius, but, is an emotional wreck and you alone know what button to press to get this person on track.
At any rate, your employer will recognize the fact that you have the degree (especially if they are footing part of the bill) and you may get a bump up in salary upon completion.
I agree with Rocketboy. Someone with your smarts shouldn’t be without a college degree.
Talk to your supervisor at work. Explain to him that your are increasing your potential human capital contribution to the organization by getting a degree. Enlightened companies encourage employee self-development, even if it means that the person may eventually leave. Ask for consideration when the next crisis occurs so you don’t have to take an “INC.”
Combining technical knowhow with a management type degree is a powerful combination. You may rise to become that rare type of manager that actually knows what the techno-geeks working for him are doing. That may be threatening to your current supervisor. If so, go up the chain a step or two.
Find a mentor in the management ranks who will support and guide you.
If you are not convinced yet, just look at the average earnings of someone with a college degree to someone with a high school/technical degree over a lifetime.
I am planning to go back to school full-time this July to get my second Master’s degree. I am lucky in that it will be totally funded by my employer.
Vitus,
You only have to answer one question to figure this out…do you get free tickets to the GU basektball games??? If so, it would be crazy fun to be admitted to the student section vs. having to sit on the “old folks” side of the McArthey Arena.
Seriously, why not get the degree? Is there any downside to it? From what you’ve posted there doesn’t seem to be. As a GU grad and Spokane resident, I can attest to a wide network of GU grads that has been beneficial in career placements.
I don’t know the degree will help you with the boob part and you are already clearly educated, but a degree will not hurt. I say it is great option and you should take it. Who knows, maybe you will find a new direction or decide to pursue a higher degree?
Become an educated boob, it is the best of both worlds. Actually, I think you should go back just to use up your GI Bill you earned it. I changed my marjor twice just so I would stay in school long enough to use up all the money.
I haven’t seen anything in this thread about its affect on your marketability in your desired field. Wouldn’t that be a determining factor?
Based on your posts, you don’t need more education for self improvement. If you need it for career advancement, go for it. If you need it for self image, ditto.
Education is very valuable. One draw back is that it serves as a credential and teaches a mindset that helps you work for others, rather than yourself. In order to answer your question, you basically need to decide what you want to be when you grow up.
You are the only one who can make these calls, but, hopefully we will plant a couple of points for you to think about.