Degree Question

[Machelle]

This question is not really CLEP related, but I need to get a bit of encouragement about attaining a degree. I will have my BS/BA degree by February 2008 (that is, if I pass all four of the CLEP's I have left), and as I'm looking for potential jobs, I am wondering if I will be able to even land a good paying job even if I don't have the specific experience they are looking for. I would like to go into accounting or finance, but I am worried that I won't get hired because I don't have the experience. I know that a degree is a worthwhile goal, but will it truly transform into more money? It seems most people going for a degree are already in the field or company that they want to be in and a degree will enable them to move up the ladder, but I want an entirely different job. As a side note, I plan on going on to get my MBA, which will take me one year more. Say for instance, I wanted to go into management, but I only have the MBA and no experience. As you can see, I am still deciding what I want to be when I grow up (I'm 43..lol)

Any thoughts?

[bawhitsett]

The good money may not come right away, but everyone has to start somewhere. As you work your way up the chain and accumulate experience, either your company will reward you accordingly, or you could always jump ship for better opportunities (and there are a lot of opportunities these days in the accounting field). That seems to be the way to get ahead in today's job market. Anyways, you're doing yourself a huge favor by finishing your degree and going on to grad school. Good luck with everything, and keep us informed.

[mapalo]

Machella,
You are so much better and further than I am, I only have 20 credit units so far, and I want to major in Finance I am no where closer to where you are, but now that I know I can do it faster than four years, I am so determined no one can stop me, especially with the help of everyone on this forum.

I am currently working in IT and plan on moving into finance, I have no exprience what so ever in finance and not very good in Math either, but I know I can improve and a degree can help me get my foot in the doors of finance.

So you might not get alot of money from your first Job, but trust me it willpay off. I too plan on going to get my MBA, I have seen people's life turn like magic because of a degree so you are on the right path and keep on moving on, and you can even finish your degree much faster than 2008 if you want since you have just few credits left.

All the very best go for it and please come back and give us encouragement when you get what you want!!!!!

Mapalo

[craymer07]

I'm in sort of the same situation, I'm colorado and am getting my bs in applied psychology. I want to get into probationary work and requirements here is a bs in psychology but am concerned if I'll be able to land anything without having to move due to i graduate this may and can't seem to find any openings or even know where to look. I've been a stay at home mom for so many years I forgot how to look for a job. Maybe it could be just the nerves of trying something new. Any insight from someone that is in this field or knows anything about it would be helpful

[Machelle]

Thanks for the encouragement! I will just keep moving toward that degree, and hope that I can move up quickly. It's hard to get experience if someone won't give you a chance to prove your abilities, but hopefully an opportunity will present itself at the right time.

[iwannapass]

Remember everything happens for a "good" reason and you will get the opportunity that is best for you. It is such a major step to pursue your degree and you should be proud of yourself for that. Everything happens in due time and I know everything will work out for you. Just keep putting positive things in air.....

[sgloer]

Generally a degree is just a check on the employer's checklist. In other words, if you don't have it, then for a lot of jobs, they're not going to even look at you. If you do have it, they're going to check it off and look at the real qualifiers; i.e. experience and relevant certifications.

If you can't twist your existing experience to sound relevant to the position you're applying for, then chances are, you're going to have to start close to the bottom of the career you're going for--at least to get your foot in the door and get a couple of years of experience.

I'd recommend checking out the forum at degreeinfo.com . I get the impression they discuss topics like this all the time over there...

[Bongsau]

Generally a degree is just a check on the employer's checklist. In other words, if you don't have it, then for a lot of jobs, they're not going to even look at you. If you do have it, they're going to check it off and look at the real qualifiers; i.e. experience and relevant certifications.

If you can't twist your existing experience to sound relevant to the position you're applying for, then chances are, you're going to have to start close to the bottom of the career you're going for--at least to get your foot in the door and get a couple of years of experience.

I'd recommend checking out the forum at degreeinfo.com . I get the impression they discuss topics like this all the time over there...

I think that this is the most accurate advice in answer to your question. A degree is usually just something that that require to see on your resume. You'll likely have to take a pay cut to get into a finance job at the very bottom for a while. After that, you'll be as good as gold!

Good luck!