Do it over again? The other side 3

[CajunCenturion]

In a previous thread, the question was asked of those who have degrees if they would do it over again. In that thread keyser456 correctly pointed out that there is the other side of the coin, that being from those who do not have degrees.

So I ask of those who do NOT have degrees, if you could do it over, would you get a degree, and if so, in what discipline?

Good Luck
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As a circle of light increases so does the circumference of darkness around it. - Albert Einstein

 

[EBGreen]

I would finish my degree. I'm three years into a Physics/Mathematics double major. I just can't spring the time loose to finish it now. I should have bitten the bullet and finished it when I had a better chance.

[blue]"Well, once again my friend, we find that science is a two headed beast. One head is nice, it gives us aspirin and other modern conveniences,...but the other head of science is BAD! Oh, beware the other head of science, Arthur; it bites!!" - The Tick[/blue]

 

[jrbarnett]

I have a degree, but although the course itself is very good, the university as a whole does not have a particularly good reputation, due to personal reasons at the time. As a result of this, many employers have refused to give me a second look because of the university my degree comes from, rather than what I could do for them. I have no complaints about the actual content or syllabus.
Therefore, given the chance I would redo it but at an institution with a far better overall reputation.

John

 

[SF0751]

I'm currently in the process of completing my degree. I had started in college part-time when I was 18 (while working full-time), but left college when offered a position with my employer that required a great deal of travel. Now, 20+ years later, I'm going back to college again, part-time, and taking 2-3 courses per semester. I'm currently working towards an Associates degree, and then will transfer to a 4-year university for my Bachelors degree.

I'm going back for several reasons – but one of the biggest is to finally finish what I started so many years ago.


Susan
_{You have all the characteristics of a popular politician: a horrible voice, bad breeding, and a vulgar manner.}
^{Aristophanes, 424 B.C.
Lex clavatoris designati rescindenda est.}

 

[rphips]

Would I do it over again

Darn right I would!

I earned my degree in CS in the early 80s and this career path has been go to me - but what I missed most of all was the enjoyment of college. I went to a 4 year cummuter college where there was no dorm life and you lived at home - If I could do it again I would go away so I could experience what college life is really about.



ah And plus to be young again


bob

"ZOINKS !!!!!"

Shaggy

 

[Chance1234]

I dont have a degree and if i had to do it all again I still wouldnt of got a degree.

never really got into that whole education thing (note not learning). doesnt really suit me.

been working for myself pretty much with out little interuption since i was seventeen , first in graphic design, then i was the golden boy of a bank and then into consulting.

by not going to university, i am not in a load of debt. i have been able to invest in my own projects (the film on my links for example) so i get to do what i want, i earn good money and enjoy a good standard of living.

I have worked on some quite high profile projects , and the work i do now is quite specialised.

I am hoping my current role will be my last as im hoping to make a permnement move into film rather than bits and pieces here and there.

the only thing i can think of gaining if i had of gone to uni is a hippy friend called Neil.


Filmmaker, gentleman and [#Error]

http://WWW.5YLAC.S5.COM

http://WWW.HOWTOBESPOOKY.CO.UK

 

[cderow]

I don't have a degree now and if I had to do it over again, I don't think I would change a thing.

University life was not for me. I was also sinking slowly into debt and suffering from school burnout. When I left, I was able to do some traveling and do a lot of soul searching that lead me down the road I'm on now. I have had the opportunity to see and experience a lot of interesting things, where had I been in school I may not have had the chance or freedom to see and experience what I wanted.

I now have a great career, a nice house, and no debt. Most of my friends, who did go to college and complete their college courses, have jobs but are in a mound of debt and not able to afford anything more than an apartment with a roommate. Although college is great, I think I'm a happier person for not finishing.

 

[LaurelLee]

I envy those who are successful in the IT industry, have no student loan debt, and are good at what they do. I have a degree in Criminology, and am graduating (tomorrow!! yay!) with an A.S. is CIS. Loads and loads of student loans. And, I know people who make more money than I do being Admin Assistants. The upside is that I now love what I do and feel challenged and stimulated on a daily basis. I will take that any day!
I didn't feel smart enough to break into the IT field without school, so I bit the bullet and went back. After seeing what they had to teach in most of the classes, I feel like I probably would have done just fine without the training. But, I had to have that training to be considered for my current position!

I guess my goal is to not think about doing it all over again, because I will never be able to. Onward ho!!!





___________________________________________________________
With your thoughts you create the world--Shakyamuni Buddha

 

[robbieguy2003]

I dont have a degree and i dont have any debt (coincidence???).

I wouldn't go back to Uni, my aunt is very into the education field (Phd) and tried to talk me into it (and still does).

I try to explain that in the Computer Industry a degree isn't as relevant. Ok, i've missed out on living like a hippy for 3/4 years but i can still make beans on toast if i want to.

The computer industry is so fast paced that what you learnt at Uni is probrably not what you will be doing in industry.

Why? because at the moment every Uni in the UK is churning out Java developers.

I went for interviews at a few Uni's but their wasnt a course suited for doing what i wanted to do (not focused enough on Internet infrastructure).

I think at the moment companies prefer CCIE next to your name and know their going to get someone who can do the job.

Servers live with the rule - What goes up must come down

 

[Grenage]

I ended my formal education after college so I have no degree.

I never felt I truly benefited from the education system as I am much more of a 'hands on' person. It seemed to be a rather fruitless venture attending university for several years, mounting debts and most likely forgetting 80% of that which I learnt.

This obviously is not the case for everyone but I personally do not regret missing university.

 

[RileyCat]

I don't have a degree -- yet. I am currently attending courses to complete my B.S. in I.T. though and I would do it again. I have a degree in another field which was basically worthless. I pursued the I.T. industry on only a technical certificate and I've gone a long way with it. Yes, I could easily continue without a degree however, I think the opportunity to better ones self is worth the time, effort, and money to complete a degree.

What kind of role model will we be to our children if we do enough just to get by. What ever happened to pushing the envelope, challenging ourselves to improve ourselves, and making a difference on society.

 

[Swi]

I was thinking about furthering my degree but I have found that a degree will get your foot in the door but experience is the most important thing. I found that most programming that I learned in school was not used in the "real world". Formal education is a stepping stone and can in no way replace years of experience.

RileyCat,
I agree to a point but I think that our children would rather have us home spending time with them rather than working a full 50-60 hour a week job and then going to night courses or studying until all hours of the night.

Swi

 

[screwloose]

Formal education is a stepping stone and can in no way replace years of experience."

What kind of nonsense is a statement like that?

 

[Grenage]

While I agree that education is no substitute for experience they are not mutually exlusive, education is very important.

 

[Swi]

I guess I phrased it incorrectly. My intention was not to upset people. In my experience (which is limited because I am only 24), I have found that employers do not put as much emphasis on education as they do work experience. It is very tough for a kid coming out of school trying to find a good paying job.

Swi

 

[EBGreen]

As a 35 year old without a degree, I can tell you that I'd rather have it than not when looking for a job.

[blue]"Well, once again my friend, we find that science is a two headed beast. One head is nice, it gives us aspirin and other modern conveniences,...but the other head of science is BAD! Oh, beware the other head of science, Arthur; it bites!!" - The Tick[/blue]

 

[OhioBill]

I'm 51, no degree, no debt. The only way I would get a degree is if I went to law school.

 

[screwloose]

OhioBill, no law school would accept you without an undergraduate degree.

 

[jtb]

for every place that won't hire you because of your degree status, there is a place that would hire you because of it...

I have several friends who have no degree and yet make twice or more my salary... and I'm not doing badly with my degree...

I think the real motivation for any degree or certification must come with a career plan built like a business plan with realistic Return On Investment (ROI) assumptions and alternatives...

YMMV.

JTB
Have Certs, Will Travel
"A knight without armour in a [cyber] land."

 

[screwloose]

Alan Greenspan, the second most powerful man in the country, perhaps the world, touts education as paramount for the future generations and America.

Guess that pretty much sums up the role of an education and its importance.