Needing help

[bjcheung77]

mmmmm

This kind of path isn't really for a person that doesn't already have some life experiences and skill sets.

What I am trying to say, is that it's admirable you recognize the value of an education, and of a degree in particular. But you will find this to be a difficult route, because you won't know any of the stuff that is the cornerstone of a DSST/DANTES/CLEP kind of exam.

Then, imagine you are good at storing and regurgitating information *just* long enough to get that degree.

You get hired somewhere, over people who know the biz, because you've got a bunch of letters after your name. Do you see where I'm going with this?

I am by no means trying to discourage you from your dreams, but I feel I need to point out you are cheating yourself of the intrinsic education you really need by taking the short cut route to the degree. I realize how expensive education is, and am impressed you stuck with Americorps. Move to a state that has a lot of lottery or marijuana tax based free education, and get a good, solid foundation in business that way. Or, get in on the ground floor of an established company that has an excellent training and junior mentor program, and learn from the inside out.

But, I could be wrong, I don't know you. I just want you to be successful.

EDIT - I forgot. Look at SCORE and micromentor for help, as well!

+1, That's good advice and one option of doing things. Another option is, do your degree/things you want while you finish that degree.
When you have a degree in hand, go entry level in which ever profession you would like to get into... and start from learning the ropes.
You can then excel in that field, or move into another position, change careers or whatever, the doors are open further with a degree.
The main thing is, get the experience, if you're just less than half my age, that experience is hardly there... build it up by volunteering/working.