Second Bachelors Degree in Computer Science- Opinions

Career Opportunities & Internships
1

Hello All,

I’d like opinion’s on a plan I have to obtain a second bachelor’s degree, in context of potential cost effectiveness and career advancement opportunties obtaining that degree may afford.

I’m 28, have a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from SJSU (2.4 GPA unfortunately) and have worked as a clinical representative at a silicon valley cancer molecular diagnostics firm for almost 3 years. I started in an entry level position and worked my up to my current role. My position involves me speaking regularly with physicians (oncologists and pathologists) about the applicability of the patient’s test result’s in context of making a treatment decision. Additionally, I do large amounts of data analysis (via excel) and assist internally in ongoing project’s the company has. My salary is in the $6xxxx range which is low compared to Bay Area standards but with great working condition’s in a top notch firm.

I previously was a successful department supervisor at a Best Buy during the turnaround period for 2 years before leaving for my current firm.

It seem’s from my work experience in biotech, that advancement is difficult without an MD, Ph.D or any other clinical degree. Other department’s in the company require significant experience for any candidate being considered for a position (clinical operations, lab ops, medical affairs etc).

I am interested in going back to school (online) for a second bachelor’s in Computer Science (OSU program, 2 years). I am interested in “big data” analytics or related field’s but am open to anything. I enjoy being in a biotech environment and would like to continue working in it, but in a role with some growth potential. With my current position, I wear alot of “hats” without the title or compensation (Customer Relations Specialist) doesnt sound that great on a resume and advancement opportunities within the department are rare let alone within the company.

Will this degree give me any leverage in this field coupled with my previous BS in Biochem? Is there any synergy with this combination? Does anyone have any career suggestion’s for a combination of these two?

2

First, I hate to be rude, but you really should learn when to use apostrophes and when not - pluralizing words almost never requires an apostrophe, and adding one simply adds confusion (you are seeking opinions, and you will evaluate my opinion’s validity).

In any event, there are two routes you can pursue. If you are interested in business analysis, which it seems you are, a computer science degree isn’t too much use since you have already been doing it in your job; enrichment courses, such as those available free on Coursera, can help you pick up skills in analysis and statistics, which will make you more marketable. If you are interested in building the data to analyze, then computer science makes more sense. For what you indicate your interests are, though, I don’t think the investment in another degree will give you a good enough return.

It may just be a matter of updating your resume so that it reflects your skills better. If you can demonstrate practical experience, then you should be able to find a job at a company with more growth potential (or within your existing company).

3

If you’re going to continue your education, get a Master’s. You could do this at night while working. A second BS is not a good way to advance your career.