What is the benefit of having a degree if it is not related to your career field?

[BMWGuinness]

I got out of the IT consulting game just as certifications became a big deal. I never liked the proprietary certs - preferred being paid for my overall IT AND business knowledge rather than narrow technical areas.

If you already have a decent IT resume - do the BSLS and then an MBA with a MIS concentration. It's the fasted path. You can use CLEP and DANTES business and econ exams to knock out the preliminary (waivable) courses in the MBA program. Depending on where you're doing the BSLS, you can use these exams toward your BSLS.

Well thats kind of funny. With the BSLS, the only classes I would really need to fulfill the BSBA MIS would be the CLEP/DANTES business and econ exams.

[barbara2bba]

The reason I ask this is because I see many people getting a degree in Liberal Studies. I know that the Liberal Studies degree would be much faster for me to obtain, but it does not correlate with my career field (Information Technology). I have since changed toward MIS (Management Information Systems) which is a Business Degree.

I was just wondering what the benefit of attaining a non-related degree would be. At first I thought that having a 4 year degree would fulfill position requirements just to get to the interview, but I see now that many IT based positions require degree in related field or equivalent experience, and the same with management positions.

The BIGGEST benefit I can see is for military purposes, enlisted vs officer.

If I were not an experienced professional, I would definately opt for the specialized degree IF I knew exactly what I wanted to do. However, as an experienced professional, and the necessity of having a "bachelors" degree as an absolute requirement to get a job, I have opted to go with the faster degree to get in the door.

For example, since I have been a professional recruiter for 20+ years, I could apply for a position as a recruiter with a BS degree and the experience would count as the "specialty." However, if I don't get a masters in either business or HR, I will have no chance to get a higher C level position. I have seen jobs that are advertising for a bachelors in either business, HR, or equivalent and with a BS and the experience, I have the "equivalent".

I am pressed for time with my current situation, and any bachelors right now will at least get me an interview. No bachelors gets me "no interview". Since I have amazing accomplishments in my field, I feel confident that the BS will suffice.

In conclusion, the BS degree works for many, and it is all based on the persons' particular background, experience, desires, etc..... So, if I were an IT recruiter and I was looking for a manager with 10 + years of experience in management of over 20 FTE's, and the preference is an MIS degree, but someone with exactly the right experience, has the right personality and fit and management style that will fit the organization, but has a BS, I would still sell my candidate and submit.

[Katterina]

In the federal government, an accredited graduate degree in any field is often used as a sole qualifier for many positions. In my case, my BSLS allowed me to start my job at a higher payscale than those without a degree.

[BMWGuinness]

In the federal government, an accredited graduate degree in any field is often used as a sole qualifier for many positions. In my case, my BSLS allowed me to start my job at a higher payscale than those without a degree.

Thank you for your input, is this also true with the MS Psychology you are pursuing at CCU?

[Katterina]

Thank you for your input, is this also true with the MS Psychology you are pursuing at CCU?

Yes, an accedited masters in any field would have started me another grade higher than with a BS. The extra pay from my current pay bump will more than pay for my masters in the first year alone. I chose psychology because it has intrinsic value to me, plus I am beginning a career in federal law enforcement. My agency does not specify a preferred major (grad or undergrad), although I know there are others out there that prefer the social sciences.

[BMWGuinness]

This thread has been very helpful, once my evaluations are complete, I will weigh them based on school and degree program.

[lorriely]

I've worked in IT for over fifteen years, and I have had a very succesful career. I did it exclusively through hard work, and on-the-job experience, as well as vendor IT certifications (over the years I have taken 17 exams). That being said, though, I do think earning a degree is important, and I am going back now to complete mine. I never want anything working against me in the marketplace, and having a degree is important regardless of field.

I switched my major from IT to Liberal Arts because it is faster and easier for me to complete, and to be quite honest--hiring managers and HR types do not seem to care which degree you have--only that you finished one. I have noticed that many of my colleagues have degrees totally unrelated to IT, and nobody cares. It has not held them back, as you still need to get experience and vendor/product specific training to do nearly any IT job out there.

If you want to get into a highly specialized technology area and can find a degree program that offers it, than go for it. I also found most technical college courses were already behind the times--leading me to question the value of any technical degree. The technology changes so rapidly that the database or operating system course you took four years ago is probably worthless when you graduate anyway. Much of what is taught in college IT courses is theory and conceptual--not a bad thing to learn, but also not terribly applicable once you land the real job. So, I would say my opinion would be to get a degree in something that interests you, with some technical classes thrown in--then get an entry level job in IT to get your foot in the door and start getting real on-the-job experience (there is no substitution for real experience). Add vendor certifications throughout if you can, and if that is important to you and your employer.

If it is Management you are interested in, then get a degree with management focus, and not primarily technical. I have done both jobs and the required skills and focus is entirely different. Managing people is not the same as technical work.

I have also been the IT hiring manager, and what I look for is someone with required skills to do the job, but also one who shows the self motivation and aptitute to keep their skills current and fresh--which is important if you really want to work in this industry as constant change is a given in IT. If you don't like constantly reading, researching, updating your skills, etc., this might not be the best field to go into. If you thrive on that stuff, you will likely thrive in IT as well.

I hope this helps, and good luck!

[soltran]

G'day,

I think that the younger you are the more important it is to choose a degree program that matches your career aspirations. I posted a message twelve months ago ( in the have you ever felt embarrassed thread ) that outlined some of the changes I have encountered over the years. The one thing we all know is that we will all face continuous change and a more competitive job search market so anything we can do to improve our chances should be considered.

Regards

[kimberlyaz]

I think another big plus is that it shows your potential employers that you are able to start something and finish it.

--

Pursuing B.A. Management @ Ottawa University, Phoenix AZ

Scheduled exams:
DSST Here's to your Health - 2.11.08
CLEP Analyzing & Interpreting Literature - 2.14.08
DSST Personal Finance - 2.14.08

Completed exams (before joining IC):
DSST Into to World Religions - 5.10.05 - Pass
DSST General Anthropology - 5.12.05 - Pass
DSST Criminal Justice - 6.14.05 - Pass

[PeteDude]

I think another big plus is that it shows your potential employers that you are able to start something and finish it.

That's what I keep hearing from managers-- the persistence, resolve and discipline to complete a degree are important.

I could also add-- having a business degree if you're going to work in private industry, even if in a more specific field (i.e. IT) helps as it demonstrates you have some understanding of the functions of business.