a recruiter told me Associates == Bachelors

[ViviTheMage]

I went in for a small interview at TekSystems ( a contracting company ) and she said that a AA degree would get me just as far as a BS degree, is this true? I am going for my BS, but if I get my AA would I still be able to get the same jobs....thats what she is saying...

in the IT industry.

edited for nazis

UPDATE -

i went to the counselor and it looks like I can get my associates in computer technology in 2 more semesters. She didnt answer any of my other questiosn on actual job oppurtunities...she kind of pushed me out pretty quick after I asked to switching associate degree majors.

If I wanted to transfer to the U of M Twincities to get my Bachelors in Information Technology Infrastructure I have to complete probably 1, if not 2 more semesters.


sooo, I can either go gung ho for transfer (spend 2 semesters to gain transfer courses need to transfer to the U) then 4-6 semesters getting my Bachelors.

OR

I can get my associates in 2 semesters and graduate....try to find a job (not sure of the job oppurtunities with just an associates here in Minnesota)...work on transfering in the mean time, and then work on my bachelors (probably 3-4 years for this, if I get a full time job with just my associates).

 

[StevenYoo]

in the end, it's experience that counts

 

[BigJ]

BS/BA is what gets you in the door. Everything else after that is up to you.

However, experience can easily make up the difference b/w a BS/BA and an AA.

 

[radioouman]

That's possible.

In my experience, advanced degrees give diminishing returns.
My associates degree opened the door and got me a job offer. My bachelors degree opened up different doors, but it was not necessarily easier to find a position. My masters degree has failed to open up ANY doors whatsoever.

 

[DougK62]

Most colleges are phasing out AA degrees - not even offering them anymore. That should tell you something...

 

[ViviTheMage]

maybe I should just get my AA degree then and not get my BS yet.

Originally posted by: DougK62
Most colleges are phasing out AA degrees - not even offering them anymore. That should tell you something...

community colleges are all about AA degrees

i didnt know Unni's had AA degrees period.

 

[Baked]

WTF's an AA? We have BA, BS, MS, and PhD here.

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: Baked
WTF's an AA? We have BA, BS, MS, and PhD here.

Associate's Degree. A 2-year degree vs. the traditional 4-year degree (BA/BS)

 

[ViviTheMage]

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: Baked
WTF's an AA? We have BA, BS, MS, and PhD here.

Associate's Degree. A 2-year degree vs. the traditional 4-year degree (BA/BS)

yup, you mainly get one at a community college.

 

[radioouman]

Bang for the buck, associates degree is hard to beat. Community colleges are cheap, and there are employers looking for people with those degrees because they are cheaper than bachelors degreed folks.

 

[tfinch2]

I know a girl who didn't know what she wanted to do while she went to CC, and she ended up with 3 AA degrees. They haven't done sh!t for her.

 

[Preyhunter]

Isn't the AA primarily the basics...math, science, english, etc. and not classes in the major field of study? Kinda like advanced high school?

 

[gsellis]

Many places will not even consider your application without a BA/BS in the tech/programming field. It can also limit chances for promotion. Get the BS or you will hit that ceiling later and it will suck.

 

[Descartes]

Like so many things, it depends. In IT, I'd say absolutely. If you have 10 years of experience and an AA then it really doesn't even matter. If you have absolutely no experience and an AA; well, good luck.

It's all in balance. If you have a lot of education and no experience then you'll do better than someone with no education and no experience, but someone with a lot of experience and some education will often win the jobs.

Obviously the above doesn't apply to all industries.

 

[Baked]

A lot of people go to CC for their GE then transfer to 4 year colleges. I don't like those people, they're like Kenny.

Originally posted by: tfinch2
I know a girl who didn't know what she wanted to do while she went to CC, and she ended up with 3 AA degrees. They haven't done sh!t for her.

El Oh El.

 

[ViviTheMage]

Originally posted by: radioouman
Bang for the buck, associates degree is hard to beat. Community colleges are cheap, and there are employers looking for people with those degrees because they are cheaper than bachelors degreed folks.

yes, but how much of a difference in the IT industry? I am currently getting a lot of experience as an IT assistant at my current job.

 

[compnovice]

I would say no, but I guess it really depends on what field you are talking about...

 

[ViviTheMage]

hahaha, baked. kenny .

okay, but in the IT field...should I get my AA first? I do not want programmin...I cant stand it anymore!

I want a BAS (bachelors of applied science) I am on my second year at this community college.

Originally posted by: compnovice
I would say no, but I guess it really depends on what field you are talking about...

IT

 

[Gooberlx2]

Originally posted by: ViviTheMage

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: Baked
WTF's an AA? We have BA, BS, MS, and PhD here.

Associate's Degree. A 2-year degree vs. the traditional 4-year degree (BA/BS)

yup, you mainly get one at a community college.

...or a "Technical College"

Originally posted by: Preyhunter
Isn't the AA primarily the basics...math, science, english, etc. and not classes in the major field of study? Kinda like advanced high school?

No, more like they focus almost entirely on your desired career field/path, leaving out all the GEs.

 

[ViviTheMage]

that works too Goober

 

[gsellis]

First tech jobs I could find on job boards at listed company

Business Analyst at Time Warner (Turner, TBS, CNN)...

Bachelor's degree in Business, Computer Science, MIS or Information Technology with 3+ years' experience.

Developer at Microsoft

Experience developing in a successful ship cycle, and a BS degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is preferred.

Wed Dev engr at Microsoft

3 years industry experience and Bachelors Degree in fine arts or other design-related field. Experience in audio and video encoding and editing a plus.

I could easily find more

 

[Gooberlx2]

Originally posted by: ViviTheMage
that works too Goober

Well, I figured I should bring it up. I knew a few people who went to good tech schools for the Mechanical/CAD Drawing degrees. They landed pretty good jobs with their AAs. I didn't think mechanical drawing/CAD was something most community colleges would offer...similar to AA degrees focusing on Auto repair and stuff like that. Usually you find that kind of course work at "tech schools"....different target type of student I suppose.

 

[ViviTheMage]

I guess the question is, should I get my AA in computer science, or go for my bachelors of applied science?

 

[Gooberlx2]

why not a BS in computer science?

 

[radioouman]

Originally posted by: ViviTheMage

Originally posted by: radioouman
Bang for the buck, associates degree is hard to beat. Community colleges are cheap, and there are employers looking for people with those degrees because they are cheaper than bachelors degreed folks.

yes, but how much of a difference in the IT industry? I am currently getting a lot of experience as an IT assistant at my current job.

No idea in the tech industry. I'm talking about AAS in engineering tech vs. BS in engineering or engineering tech.