Should I really try for another degree before going into the work force?

Question

This is somewhat of a mixed question and it is most likely based on personal opinion, anyway....

I'm about to get my 2 year Associate degree in Computer Programming, I'll have it next semester. Here is the thing, if I take 5 more classes after that I will receive some type of certificate thing for a "Web Developer", then if I take 2 god awful easy classes after that, I will receive another degree for web development and administration.

I want to attend a 4 year as well, but until I can get Financial Aid or a good job, I will be unable to afford it.

So what do you think I should do, stay an extra 1-2 semesters for another degree or search for jobs? Which will help more, the job certificate + the web developer development and admin degree or actual experience in the work force?

My idea job is a programmer; I realize that’s a generic job type buy I don't really know what all my options are yet. Basically I'm asking what would help me MORE in the REAL WORLD?

I should probably add those other 7 classes are really not that hard, just very very very boring.

Answer 1

First of all, if you think those classes will be very very boring, then won't it be very very boring if you have a career as a web developer? I wouldn't invest the time and money into classes that you aren't interested in, because that means you wouldn't be interested in a web developer career.

Now, what is most important in the real world is experience. However, a bachelor's degree will take you much farther in your career than an extra job certificate. Many employers will only employ people with a bachelor's degree for most of their jobs.

I personally think you should go for your bachelor's degree, and get an internship or part time job for experience. Is there a reason you can't get financial aid? If your parent's income is too high to get grants, you can at least get student loans which have a low interest rate, and you can pay them off once you have your degree and can get a well paying job.

Answer 2

If you are planning on getting your Bachelors, I personally would not take the extra classes and start looking for work now. It will bring you closer to your ultimate goal more quickly. Also, see if you can do soem research on how much money you would make if you did receive the Web Developer certificate--if its LOADS more money, then do it--if it's only a small pay increase, it's probably not worth it.

Additionally, I think you should go ahead and start looking into financial aid and loan opportunities for college--it may be possible for you to go much sooner than you think!

Answer 3

Is there a way you could possibly combine going to school and working, maybe part time to gain experience?

I think you have to weigh which is more important and more beneficial to your career goals. Perhaps working for a few years will give you a little more insight into what areas you really want to work in. And you go can do the easier courses at night or on your off hours.