Temporarily Switching Directions

[mattack91]

Hi guys,

Currently, I'm sitting on 93 credits towards my BA in History. Unfortunately though, due to some issues (Being intentionally vague due to the forum), my current place of work has become fairly toxic, I haven't been able to focus on finishing my degree and my studies (Signed up for the LSAT in September) due to it, and I'm looking to move on.

Having said all that, I'm looking to temporarily "cash in" so to speak on my credits, and take a couple extra CLEPs/DSST/(Even Straighterline if necessary) to get that Associates and get a better job. I've spent some time researching TESC's available 60 credit plans, and using some of my own internet research, it seems the advantages of having an Associates are negligible, to say the least. I've been a warehouse supervisor for almost 5 years now, and I could probably get another job within Warehousing/Logistics/Operations if need be, but I'd honestly be willing to take a small salary hit for a job in an office where I can work 40 hours instead of 60.

My family has a long line of accountants, and they seem to push a Business degree, which seems fairly easy to complete through testing. The only other option that sticks out to me is something from the Natural Sciences and Mathematics section (Biology, Math, or CS), which could be possibly done through some self-paced ingenuity, but I don't see the worth in it compared to the ASBA.

Owners of the Associate degrees from TESC, have you seen marketed improvement in job prospects from getting your Associates? Has anybody seen usefulness in getting a particular Associates over another?

Thanks in advance guys.

[cookderosa]

Hi guys,

Currently, I'm sitting on 93 credits towards my BA in History. Unfortunately though, due to some issues (Being intentionally vague due to the forum), my current place of work has become fairly toxic, I haven't been able to focus on finishing my degree and my studies (Signed up for the LSAT in September) due to it, and I'm looking to move on.

Having said all that, I'm looking to temporarily "cash in" so to speak on my credits, and take a couple extra CLEPs/DSST/(Even Straighterline if necessary) to get that Associates and get a better job. I've spent some time researching TESC's available 60 credit plans, and using some of my own internet research, it seems the advantages of having an Associates are negligible, to say the least. I've been a warehouse supervisor for almost 5 years now, and I could probably get another job within Warehousing/Logistics/Operations if need be, but I'd honestly be willing to take a small salary hit for a job in an office where I can work 40 hours instead of 60.

My family has a long line of accountants, and they seem to push a Business degree, which seems fairly easy to complete through testing. The only other option that sticks out to me is something from the Natural Sciences and Mathematics section (Biology, Math, or CS), which could be possibly done through some self-paced ingenuity, but I don't see the worth in it compared to the ASBA.

Owners of the Associate degrees from TESC, have you seen marketed improvement in job prospects from getting your Associates? Has anybody seen usefulness in getting a particular Associates over another?

Thanks in advance guys.

When you can "check a box" that you couldn't previously check "Associates Degree" then yes, you've improved yourself. Whether or not this will help you in a specific job or a specific career, there's no way to say...but still I got my AA and then my BA from TESC. The reason you present is a perfect reason to do so, it gives you something "in the meantime" until you get back to your bachelor's degree.
Besides, 93 is still very close, you can take a class or credit here or there without being too dedicated, and still add to the pot. My vote is go for it!

[rebel100]

I generally agree with picking up your AA/AS on the road to your bachelors, it's a great benchmark of progress and gives you something to show for your hard work. I don't however feel that a general studies type associates is a very strong way to move the employment needle. When you read studies about folks getting great jobs with two year degrees you usually find these are really job prep degrees. Nursing is a great example of this, a two year nursing degree ostensibly provides entry to a $50K/year job with reasonable prospects for promotion. Paralegal programs are another good example. All associates degrees are NOT created equal however. I can't recall ever seeing a job listing that indicated "associates degree required/preferred". I definitely wouldn't advice you to spend a lot of money on a general type AA in the hopes of it landing you abetter job...I think that is unrealistic.

I do think you need to finish your bachelors. "has bachelors", even a general one, opens up a whole new patch of potential jobs. It is generally the basic credential employers are looking for when they require a "college degree". It looks like your around 10 exams/classes away from that goal already...I would concentrate on that and only pick up that AA on the way if it can be completed for very little added cost.

On the job front, use the employment you have as a springboard. I would stick it out as long as it took to find something else. Put the word out to family and friends that you're looking for a new job. Do people come to your warehouse to drop off or pick up stuff? Talk to those people, any of them hiring? Network, network, network. Most of my decent jobs have come about because I knew someone who knew someone. On my personal index of job happiness/satisfaction I would place networking much higher than any degree.

[Prloko]

It will cost you the $299 graduation fee and if you haven't gotten 12 TESC credits, it will also cost you the enrollment fee. Do you have all the credits needed for the associates already? If not, a quick BA in LS may be a much better and cost effective option, even if you are still 27 credits away.

The associates may help, but I think you can easily put on your resume this below:

Thomas Edison State College (Trenton, NJ)
Dates: XX
Bachelor of Arts in History (in progress)
Completed 93/120
GPA: X.XX

This will allow the ATS and recruiters to skim and see a bachelors degree, and also it shows them that you are pursuing the degree currently and already have an education "equal" to an associates degree.

Use this to apply to degrees that DO NOT currently have a bachelor's as a stipulation. Also, unless its a hard requirement, apply to ones that say bachelor's preferred also because some employers put stringent requirements, but will take someone without all the prereqs if the experience matches.

[GoodYellowDogs]

Sometimes having any degree gets you through the automatic screenings that HR does. Yes, I'd list your BS/BA in progress. When I was that close in units I also listed it this way:

BS Liberal Arts (In progress - expected completion XX/XX/XXXX).

[rebel100]

Many community college grads continue to out-earn B.A. holders a decade after graduation - The Hechinger Report

spotted on the "other" forum

[sanantone]

The associate's degrees that lead to decent employment are often hard to find online. When you can find them online, they are not friendly to alternative sources of credit. For an online degree at the Big 3, I think an associates in information technology plus a certification or two will be the most valuable. Excelsior's nursing degree is not an option if you're not already an LVN, paramedic, midwife, respiratory therapist, etc.

[Prloko]

Many community college grads continue to out-earn B.A. holders a decade after graduation - The Hechinger Report

spotted on the "other" forum

I can see that. The CC grads have two years of salary, experience plus the salary increases, that will take time to out earn. Opportunity costs must always be considered. Plus, many of these careers have good living salaries, like mechanics and welders.

I'll have to read it, but I wonder if segregated by degree type, if the AA still beats a BA.

[sanantone]

I can see that. The CC grads have two years of salary, experience plus the salary increases, that will take time to out earn. Opportunity costs must always be considered. Plus, many of these careers have good living salaries, like mechanics and welders.

I'll have to read it, but I wonder if segregated by degree type, if the AA still beats a BA.

I think it has more to do with the field than anything else. An AAS in Dental Hygiene will probably out-earn a Bachelor of Social Work or even a BS in Psychology. A BA in computer science will most definitely out-earn an AS or AAS in medical assisting.

[videogamesrock]

I think it has more to do with the field than anything else. An AAS in Dental Hygiene will probably out-earn a Bachelor of Social Work or even a BS in Psychology. A BA in computer science will most definitely out-earn an AS or AAS in medical assisting.

You just described learning a valuable trade versus philosophical degrees. Spot on!