another degree or diploma?

Question

i'm just about finished with my BA degree...i'll be done in april...i was considering a masters but after the long, hard hull of this semester... i'm not sure i'm up for it...does anyone know if you can go for another undergrad degree after graduation...
i'm also looking into a 2 year diploma...what should i do?what's your opinion or experience?

Answer 1

You didn't mention your BA major/minor as it could give some direction to future options.

However, it is curious that you don't feel up to taking on a graduate degree but are interested in another BA/BS.

I don't know if you have see the article "The Tyranny of the Diploma" (http://www.forbes.com/forbes/1998/1228/6214104a_print.html). This could give you some insights to the big business of education relative to your motivation for getting more college education.

For now, I would tend to suggest you look at gaining some practical skills. Academics, combined with practical work place skills can enhance your marketability in the job search much more than additional academics (but that depends on your major). The practical skills to focus on, in my opinion, are in the area of IT-IS (Information Technology - Information Systems) as the job market in the US is tuned to this.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is at the core of information processing, analysis, and display. Nearly all disciplines feed data into GIS and use it directly or indirectly. (FFI www.esri.com) Getting a GIS certificate can be done at a community college (bargain basement costs in the educational market place). GIS jobs are widely available, and a GIS certificate gets you in the door. Regardless of your BA major, there is almost sure to be a connection to GIS technology. If you want to go on for more education later, you can better afford to do so if you save funds from your GIS job. If you are good at it, the company might even help you with educational expenses.

I dropped out of my PhD program after 3 years (which was what I had allocated for the effort). My supervisor wanted me to continue for 8 more years. I quit, took a job with my MA (at the time my specialty was so new there weren't official job titles for it). I got hired (and paid at PhD rates) because of the unique combination of academic and practical skills in my field. After 12 years, I changed careers to teaching, and retired early.

The key is a balance of academics and practical skills. To get an idea of what employers are seeking, look at the US Dept of Labor SCANS checklists (for a free copy, visit http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/public/clubextra.html?nclubid=893282700&nid=268367529)

Ideally, your studies and future job should be something you truly enjoy doing. Then the job won't be work.....it will be something you enjoy doing and would be doing with or without the pay. So getting paid to do it is a bonus. On a recent trip, a good friend of mine made an interesting comment as we hiked in Yellowstone National Park. "Now I know why you enjoyed teaching so much (I did many, many field trips). It fits all the things you like to do....camp, hike, photography, travel!" she said. "Yes, I replied. And the best part was they thought I was working and they paid me to do this!"

Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Answer 2

I think not. Your focus is currently on the wrong thing - you are talking about pieces of paper, rather than about learning for some purpose. Go out and work for a few years. At that time, you will know if a particular degree or certificate would be useful for your future. That would be the appropriate time to get more education.

Answer 3

If you have the opportunity to get a master's - - it is hard, but I strongly encourage you to do it.
I went to work after my BS then went back for my Masters and it is harder than ever!
What I wouldn't give to have gone straight through (as tough as it would have been at the time) rather than doing what I did.