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School Advice
I know some of you are much younger than me, but I'd like to get some advice anyway. Seeing as how I hate my job immensely, DH and I have been talking about me going back to school.
I have a BS in Computer Info systems, but I got it back in the 90s right before the market crashed and all the dot.coms went under. I would like to get back into it (I LOVED programming). And after seeing The Social Network, I'm really pissed at myself for not sticking with it. Hi, 26 yr old billionaires.
So my question is, do you think I need to go to Grad school, or just take classes at a community college to get me back in the swing of things. Would probably want to do networking or programming. What do you guys think? And if you have no input/advice, do you know where I could get some?
Re: School Advice
Another option, if it's available, would just be continuing education classes that offer all the up-to-date classes and all that's out there. I know I'm in a completely different field, but I'm always hearing about conferences and all and it might be something to look into for you?
Are you wanting to get a higher degree, completely different degree, or just get back into what you love? If it's the latter, then I would just take the community classes or something at a tech school or maybe even online, if that's an option or do the conference type workshops, if available.
Sorry I'm not much help but go you for wanting to go back!
I would start with a class or two at community college. Usually its a little more hands on and can give you an idea where you want to specialize, and make sure it is still the career for you before you invest lots of $$ into it.
Plus, a few classes at community college might be enough to get you a job in the field, depending on what you are willing to do, and work experience makes grad school a better experience, imo. Not to mention if you are lucky some companies will help out with grad school, so investing a little in community college now could save you a lot for grad school later if you still want to go.
i don't know a lot about this field, except that it's growth seems to have significantly declined with the current economy...
i would personally start with CC to make sure it's what i want to do, but would see if those credits would transfer to another program i might be interested in.....
good luck!
Agreed with all of the above. Community courses might not only give you a quick refresher, but also better ease you back into the field and help you see what you like and don't like...without the hassle & financial burden of grad school.
Once you find the specialization you want, research the jobs that would fall in that category, find out if there are options for you in your area. Then go from there.
Sorry I'm not more help. I'm not big on grad school?but that's another story. I think in this economy the most important thing is experience. SO many people have 8 years of school but have never worked a real job. That's not going to last you. You, obviously, have been working, you know what you want, you're driven motivated...so I think you have the world at your fingertips!
GL!
I agree with this. I started back to grad school a few years ago and found out after a few expensive classes that it just wasn't right for me. The degree was kind of a joke (despite it being Johns Hopkins University) and I just wasn't interested in the material. I got a lot more out of my current position and experience than the degree program.
If you start back at CC it lets you test the waters and see if it's really what's right for you, and it's less expensive (in most cases) if you take a couple of classes and decide it's just not right for you.
I would also suggest if you haven't already to see if your company offers education assistance. That was another factor in my deciding to go back and eventually drop out of the program. (They didn't offer enough assistance to cover more than one class per year at JHU.)
So my question is, do you think I need to go to Grad school, or just take classes at a community college to get me back in the swing of things.
Both. It might be hard to do what you really want to with a BS. At the same time, it will be difficult getting into a Masters program if you aren't up to date on the current software or your skills are a little rusty. Look into community college/continuing education opportunities to feel it out, make sure you want to do it, and beef up your skills. Research job opportunities at different education levels and decide what you really want to do.
While you're in school, seek out every opportunity you can to get more experience in your field. Are you doing anything related to it now? I just finished my masters in May. Even though I had the education, it was harder to find a job because I didn't have much paid experience in my field. I admit I'm on the younger side, but my classmates going back to school for a change in profession faced the same thing when they were searching for a job post-graduation.
Married / The Cookaholic Wife
I agree, start with a CC. It is a good way to get back into the routine of college. I would definately start out part-time and look into certificate of specialization, etc., then start looking into Master's Programs. Also keep in mind the time that it will take to apply to some Master's programs and when they accept new students. Also be sure to research schools and the programs they may have, it seems like a lot of work so it may take time to do it all, I'm getting overwhelmed just thinking about it.
I've been thinking about going back to school too. I really have settled and am in a comfort zone right now and I need to get out of it. I have always had an interest in law and it's as though I have given up on it. I'm really mad at myself for not having pursued it. That being said, I plan on taking the LSAT in Dec or Feb and apply to law school again. Meanwhile I want to attend CC and take some paralegal classes so I can at least be a paralegal.
I'd look around for local continuing ed classes (not affiiliated with any school) or community college courses.
In this economy I don't think a grad school degree makes a difference.
Good luck! Exciting prospect for you girlfriend!!