I figured I could get some decent responses...

[SheHateMe]

So,

I am considering continuing my education at my University for another 4 years to pursue a Degree in Computer Science. I WANT to go into IT and I went after a major called "Media and Communication Technology"..however, I've learned so much about designing web pages and web applications than I have about actually systems administration/security type things.

With computer science, I will be learning programming and database information, etc.

Originally, I was trying to double major in both MCT and Computer Science, but I was not mentally prepared for the Computer Science. I come from Detroit Public Schools and the resources we had are not on the same level as say..the resources in a town where people have good jobs and taxes bring better schools and programs. I am a smart girl, I was just too ambitious and wanted to go directly into Engineering before I was introduced to the Math. I made the mistake of following the advice of an advisor and taking a full load. Needless to say, I fucked myself over and ended up leaving the major to repair the bullet holes in my GPA.

After 4 years, I have matured enough (Calculus isnt so hard with a good study group and a tutor) and adjusted to College more than I ever thought I would and I really want this degree. Not only for myself but to succeed for my family and the school I came from.

So, this is what I plan on doing. I am supposed to Graduate in May 2013 with the Media and Communication Technology degree. However, at the beginning of the summer, I landed a spot on the Computer Support Team for the College of Education at my University's campus..the pay for a student job is awesome, flexible hours, I can take off it I want to (but, I need to have my tickets finished), etc. Our boss is really nice about raises, he appreciates hard work and will reward you for it with a pretty generous raise after 1 semester and then at 1 year afterwards.

I could stay at this job for the 4 years, make tons of money and be able to pay down some of the loans I will incur for staying (I wont be able to get Pell grants anymore nor school grants = All Loans). My current debt load is $~19,000 after 4 years and 2 summers. My debt load is so low because of my family's income and the fact that my father is permanently disabled and cannot work. I live with my Grandparents and my Dad, atm.

Do you think it would be worthwhile to pursue this other degree while getting more experience at this job and possibly opening some doors for me career wise, the Computer Science program here is really successful and companies like Microsoft, Google, and Cisco actively recruit students here. Plus, I have a vagina, so I get more cookie points.

Let me know what you think.

 

[jagec]

If you're already getting a degree and working an IT job, you may be better served by picking up a couple of certs (A+, MCSE etc) over the next year or so, going full-time after you graduate, and using your job connections to find higher-level work in the industry. Four years of work experience and money in the bank is a good place to be, even if the degree title is a little funny.


Also, pics?

 

[SheHateMe]

If you're already getting a degree and working an IT job, you may be better served by picking up a couple of certs (A+, MCSE etc) over the next year or so, going full-time after you graduate, and using your job connections to find higher-level work in the industry. Four years of work experience and money in the bank is a good place to be, even if the degree title is a little funny.


Also, pics?

Right, but I just got this IT job and will only be here for a year and then I graduate. I was trying to entertain the idea of getting more experience + making money while I work on Certs, make myself more competitive, and try to pay off some debt.

Honestly, Im scared of what awaits me. Im going to be going after internships this year but Im just worried that I don't know enough with this degree.

Also, I will send me pics after you send me pics. asl?

 

[MrColin]

So,

I am considering continuing my education at my University for another 4 years to pursue a Degree in Computer Science. I WANT to go into IT and I went after a major called "Media and Communication Technology"..however, I've learned so much about designing web pages and web applications than I have about actually systems administration/security type things.

With computer science, I will be learning programming and database information, etc.

Originally, I was trying to double major in both MCT and Computer Science, but I was not mentally prepared for the Computer Science. I come from Detroit Public Schools and the resources we had are not on the same level as say..the resources in a town where people have good jobs and taxes bring better schools and programs. I am a smart girl, I was just too ambitious and wanted to go directly into Engineering before I was introduced to the Math. I made the mistake of following the advice of an advisor and taking a full load. Needless to say, I fucked myself over and ended up leaving the major to repair the bullet holes in my GPA.

After 4 years, I have matured enough (Calculus isnt so hard with a good study group and a tutor) and adjusted to College more than I ever thought I would and I really want this degree. Not only for myself but to succeed for my family and the school I came from.

So, this is what I plan on doing. I am supposed to Graduate in May 2013 with the Media and Communication Technology degree. However, at the beginning of the summer, I landed a spot on the Computer Support Team for the College of Education at my University's campus..the pay for a student job is awesome, flexible hours, I can take off it I want to (but, I need to have my tickets finished), etc. Our boss is really nice about raises, he appreciates hard work and will reward you for it with a pretty generous raise after 1 semester and then at 1 year afterwards.

I could stay at this job for the 4 years, make tons of money and be able to pay down some of the loans I will incur for staying (I wont be able to get Pell grants anymore nor school grants = All Loans). My current debt load is $~19,000 after 4 years and 2 summers. My debt load is so low because of my family's income and the fact that my father is permanently disabled and cannot work. I live with my Grandparents and my Dad, atm.

Do you think it would be worthwhile to pursue this other degree while getting more experience at this job and possibly opening some doors for me career wise, the Computer Science program here is really successful and companies like Microsoft, Google, and Cisco actively recruit students here. Plus, I have a vagina, so I get more cookie points.

Let me know what you think.

The vagina will be a huge asset if you stay in shape and take care of your looks. If you get fat it could be a slight liability and the benefit of having one starts to disappear pretty quickly in your early thirties, so try and land your dream career before that point if you can.

EDIT: I'm not kidding at all, my claims are backed by research.

 

[SheHateMe]

The vagina will be a huge asset if you stay in shape and take care of your looks. If you get fat it could be a slight liability and the benefit of having one starts to disappear pretty quickly in your early thirties, so try and land your dream career before that point if you can.

I will make sure it gets regular exercise and a healthy diet.


Other than that, what do you think about the degree plan?

 

[blackdogdeek]

IT is pretty broad. what exactly do you want to do career-wise eventually?

 

[torpid]

A degree will be more useful than almost any certs if you actually pursue a job in a computer science field. Having two degrees will certainly be a resume booster. Experience will generally count for a lot more than degrees.

If you couple the CS degree with solid internships, you probably will set yourself ahead of most of your competition.

OTOH 4 years of experience would likely be way better.

 

[Imp]

A degree will be more useful than almost any certs if you actually pursue a job in a computer science field. Having two degrees will certainly be a resume booster. Experience will generally count for a lot more than degrees.

If you couple the CS degree with solid internships, you probably will set yourself ahead of most of your competition.

OTOH 4 years of experience would likely be way better.

A bachelor's and a master's degree is impressive. Two bachelor's degrees begs the question: "which one was the mistake?".

Among the people I know with two separate bachelor's degrees (not a double degree), the reason for the second one is usually that they decided they hated the first subject late in their program, so they just wanted to finish it for the credit. The other reason I've heard is they hated the first subject after they got working in the field or couldn't find a job using it.

Not saying that realizing a mistake and doing something about it is bad, just that having two probably isn't that advantageous.

 

[torpid]

A bachelor's and a master's degree is impressive. Two bachelor's degrees begs the question: "which one was the mistake?".

Among the people I know with two separate bachelor's degrees (not a double degree), the reason for the second one is usually that they decided they hated the first subject late in their program, so they just wanted to finish it for the credit. The other reason I've heard is they hated the first subject after they got working in the field or couldn't find a job using it.

Not saying that realizing a mistake and doing something about it is bad, just that having two isn't that advantageous.

Not if they were in related fields.

 

[Imp]

Not if they were in related fields.

But if you didn't get a double degree (double major?), why didn't you just get a master's or other terminal degree to augment your knowledge from that first bachelor's?

I'd like to know what kind of job requires two separate bachelor degrees rather than a doctorate.

 

[torpid]

But if you didn't get a double degree (double major?), why didn't you just get a master's or other terminal degree to augment your knowledge from that first bachelor's?

I'd like to know what kind of job requires two separate bachelor degrees rather than a doctorate.

I'm confused how you jumped from masters to doctorate. My point was, basically, that looking for a computer job with two computer-ish degrees would give him a slight edge over someone with similar levels of experience who has only one. Newly graduated people need such slight edges since they have minimal experience. At least, it would be a slight edge for me in the hypothetical scenario that I foolishly had any desire to hire someone right out of college onto my team.

 

[Imp]

I'm confused how you jumped from masters to doctorate. My point was, basically, that looking for a computer job with two computer-ish degrees would give him a slight edge over someone with similar levels of experience who has only one. Newly graduated people need such slight edges since they have minimal experience. At least, it would be a slight edge for me in the hypothetical scenario that I foolishly had any desire to hire someone right out of college onto my team.

Oh, I was just thinking that in the time it takes to do a full bachelor's degree (4 years unless the school gives you 1 year as "credit" for having one already), you may be able to do 2 master's degrees, or a master's and a PhD (might be pushing it on the PhD, but depends on field).

Two seemingly equate candidates, one with an extra bachelor's then yes, I'd say that they have a slight edge, but not enough to make the decision clear-cut. Unfortunately, if it comes down to this, the main unspoken question would probably be, "who's hotter?".

 

[torpid]

Oh, I was just thinking that in the time it takes to do a full bachelor's degree (4 years unless the school gives you 1 year as "credit" for having one already), you may be able to do 2 master's degrees, or a master's and a PhD (might be pushing it on the PhD, but depends on field).

Two seemingly equate candidates, one with an extra bachelor's then yes, I'd say that they have a slight edge, but not enough to make the decision clear-cut. Unfortunately, if it comes down to this, the main unspoken question would probably be, "who's hotter?".

Right. I was suggesting if she does start anew to get a CS degree that still completing the MCT degree might add some marginal value and would be worth doing. Sorry for being unclear.

As to whether the CS degree is worthwhile or not, that's hard to answer. I feel mine was worthwhile only in that I learned things that I otherwise wouldn't know. In terms of a career choice it is dubious.

 

[jagec]

Right, but I just got this IT job and will only be here for a year and then I graduate.

Yes, but you're not just going to be thrown out on the street after you graduate. You'll have a network. If they liked your work, your odds are good that they will either find a permanent position for you, or at least help you find a position elsewhere. At that point you'll already have a computer-related degree, which will get your resume past the HR gatekeepers, and IMHO you would be better served by gaining some work experience (and the confidence which that entails) to get you past the REAL interview.

Plus, getting another degree takes 4 years before it's ANY help on your resume. If you go straight into the workforce, your resume is improving every year. Furthermore, you can keep your finger on the pulse of the market and see what kind of specialties are in high demand. If you're lucky, your company may pay for your certs, vs. going into debt to get a degree.

Also, I will send me pics after you send me pics. asl?

Here is a pic of my cock, which I understand is what women want to see when they ask for pics.