I would like to pursue a bachelor’s or possibly different from my previous degree, maybe in someone like English Education (not ESL); engineering, or possibly animal science. But I’m trying to figure how to to pay and make time for it (especially since my previous undergrad is only 2.&, but was going through depression at the time). I may get a technical degree or minor if it can help get a master’s. But I’m not really looking for a career in trade work, so not looking for advice in trade work, would only pursue a technical degree if its useful for pursuing further education (I know how much many some make, money is not the only factor). And not interested in online degrees. I don’t like taking online degrees, and I don’t learn much from them.
Those are pretty diverse areas!
First of all, see if you need a second degree.
What did you get your first degree in?
If related, you may be able to get a Masters instead.
For Engineering, what math classes did you take?
Have you ever taken calculus?
When you say English Education, do you mean K–12 education?
Also, look at college’s of interest. I looked at Second bachelors degree at our State flagship and it required a 2.5 GPA. But may only have to take 30 additional credits to get that second degree.
How to do it while working? Can you take night classes? Can you ask your boss for flex time?
Can you save up a bunch of money and then go full time?
K-12 or higher. Night classes would be a negative since nearly all the ones I need would day classes. Don’t have enough to save to quit any time soon. Would have to take classes while working. My first degree was in Mass Communications.
It is hard, it takes a lot of wanting it, sacrifice and drive. You might consider getting some career counseling (most states have free career services) and try to get a focus on what you really want to do. Once you get that under control you can then try to figure out a game plan for getting the education you need to do so. Working full time and going to school is tough, but a lot of people manage to do it.
First things first, figure out where your passion lies. Then when you have that knowledge, try to create strong goals that will keep you aligned with your mission to get a second degree. However, before you jump in head first with this idea of going back to school, why don’t you instead try to see if you can get into the fields you are interested in with your existing qualifications.
I remember hearing about someone who did a lot of outside learning in a technical field. Now, they worked with a University so this was obviously a plus, however a Professor got the wind of this person’s self-taught habits and they started to give them more information that would aid them in their learning, books, tutoring, notes, etc . Eventually, this person got the chance to go to school for free through the University (again b/c they worked on campus full-time).
My point here really is, this can be done in many fields, volunteer your time to learn the ropes of the career you are looking to move into whether it’s, education, engineering, etc, and you may find people in those fields that are willing to help you get the accreditation needed to work in their career.
And by helping, this also means possible funding, creating schedules that may fit your current need and other aids.
Just a thought.
The only problem with that is that jobs are ultra-picky anymore (esp competitive) when it comes to experience and credentials. Even internships are hard to get if you are not a college student. I hard time even getting jobs I was qualified for. And with volunteering, there’s not much diversity with volunteer jobs. While there are plenty of mentoring or tutoring volunteer jobs, ones that are technology-based (unless they require experience) are almost non-existstant.
Where are you located? This might be true in your area. However, one thing that I noticed is that tenacity is well received. Companies, jobs, they like to see hard work and dedication towards a go. Keep looking, don’t be discouraged. Also, while you wait for the best solution, start a youtube video helping students with difficult subjects, start a technology project that you can add to a portfolio, or spend some of your time highlighting animal behaviors.
That is, if you want to get into these fields through an indirect route. But if you want a Bachelor’s degree, than focus on going to each prospective University and college, you’d like to attend, and then sitting down with department advisor. Talk to them about the feasibility of attending school while working. I must admit, I am unsure if colleges speak to prospective students about classes, so you might want to call ahead.
You could also attend two Universities, one as your main campus and another as a transient student so that you can get more opportunities at matching your schedule. Although there is a limit on how many credits that can be transfered over, so that is key to know.
Finally, consider online classes. I know you said you dont like online degrees, but there are learning options that combine in class and out of class time. Of course, it wouldn’t be an online program, simply a class or two that is 100% online to fit your schedule.
Hope this helps.
The midwest, in between Springfield, MO and Fayetteville, AR. But yes, jobs in the area area extremely picky when it comes to experience. Maybe if some network connections it might help with an interview, but a lot of people around have a hard even getting jobs they are qualified for.
It took me years to finally leave my fast food, even while revamping my resume and contacting career services. I understand your point, but there really no easy or sure solution to getting a job anymore (unless you are extremely qualified or know the right people). But it probably depends on the location too. Even getting interviews in tough anymore. I have friend who used to work in human resources, and she even said most companies (at least locally) want more than what’s required on the job advertisements. That’s why a lot of people end going back to college or trade school, because getting experience through work and volunteering (even internships are harder, esp for post grads) is a really tough. A personal project I agree, would help though.
@Alucard43 , good luck anyways. Depending on your ties, if it is feasible, you might want to consider a move. The one thing that keeps a lot of people down, is staying in an environment, albeit comfortable and familiar, that brings them down.
I believe in you, Alucard43, mostly because of the username though, lol.