Contemplating college, looking for advise

[ladybootlegger]

So I'm thinking about going back to college. I would prefer an online college, but there are so many to consider. Do any of you have any experience (good or bad) with online colleges? This is a big step, and I want to make sure I choose the right school.

I wasn't overly impressed with the online college where I received my Associate's degree from, and don't want to choose the wrong school again.

Thoughts? Recommendations? Words of warning?...

[Jessi]

I don't have any experience with online colleges, so I am no help. But I wanted to say good luck and good for you for going back to school.

[auntiegiggles]

It really depends on what your degree will be in.  My husband is currently in the last year of his Master's degree.  He is doing the distance education program through the University of North Dakota (his degree is in Space Studies).  I would say look for: 1) an accredited college; 2) program you are interested in; 3)maybe a school that has an on-campus program already  (vs. purely online).  UND's program was well established and is one of the top rated in the country.  Plus they have a great support system of Professors to answer my husband's numerous questions.  Hope that helps!     Good luck!

[Noble Dreg]

Depends on what you want from your degree.  I know there is a great deal of "degree bigotry" in hiring where I work (this school is a "party" school, that school is best for mechanical engineering, etc.).  If you want knowledge alone, not so important...But if you search for better employment, then find an online school with a physical campus.

[ladybootlegger]

Thank you all for your thoughts. Currently I am looking at the Bachelor of Science in Information Systems with a concentration in Business Systems Analysis with the University of Phoenix, or Bachelor of Arts in Business Information Systems with Ashford University.

I have been in IT for the past 10 years working as a Technical Writer and an Analyst. Since being laid off in January, I can't seem to find work... not even part-time in retail. Since I have time, and a higher degree would be beneficial... My problem is that I'm having a difficult time choosing between these two colleges.

[Pascal]

Have you been in IT for those 10 years as an Analyst/Tech Writer?  If so, you may be better served by collecting some certifications (MSCE, CCNA, etc) rather than the degree.  I think most IT employers would consider 10 years of experience plus certifications as more significant than just a bachelors.

Having said that, IT's a tough field right now hiring-wise.

[Leyla]

I think it's important to ask yourself what you are looking for from an online environment. Then take the time to interview the schools to see if they will meet your needs. I just finished my second on-line course in a primarily campus-based program. There were huge differences between the two classes. The first allowed for mostly self-directed study, with paper submissions each week. The second attempted to recreate a face-to-face environment online. As such, the second online course required the students to be online at least 4 days during the week to post on the "discussion boards." We also had to post 3 replies to other students for each topic. Ultimately we were left with 6 original postings to do, then minimally 18 replies to other students, and were expected to facilitate discussion by replying to students who replied to us. On top of all of that we also had our weekly reading assignments and papers to complete. I found that online course to be far more time consuming than the once-a-week campus based courses.

Given this last experience with on-line coursework, and being told that University of Phoenix has even higher expectations, I personally would avoid on-line programs in the future. It just isn't a very good fit for me.

A lot of colleges do offer adult education programs for students looking to advance their degrees. The associates to bachelors of nursing program that I am taking meets for 4 hours, one night a week for two years. It's easy to work my schedule around that. If you find you don't particularly like your online options you might find something similar.

Good luck in your pursuits! Going back to school is not easy.

[ladybootlegger]

Have you been in IT for those 10 years as an Analyst/Tech Writer?  If so, you may be better served by collecting some certifications (MSCE, CCNA, etc) rather than the degree.  I think most IT employers would consider 10 years of experience plus certifications as more significant than just a bachelors.

Having said that, IT's a tough field right now hiring-wise.

Oddly enough, that is the same advise I'm getting from most of my former associates that I've been talking to.
One friend suggested getting certified with the IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysts). So it looks like I'll be looking into certifications. The Bachelor's degree will just have to wait until I get a new job, then hopefully I can get tuition reimbursement.

Thanks everyone for all your well wishes, and advise.

[Jessi]

My boyfriend has an IT/AVI background and has been out of work for 2 years. He says his biggest obstacle has been that he doesn't have any certifications. He has decided to switch fields all together and is now going to school to be an xray tech. Good luck.

[Rapier Half-Wit]

My experience in the IT world so far is; Certs rule, experience drools. Sad but true. Almost got fired from a job for pointing out that a newly hired CNE didn't know how to crimp a network cable. That's like a dentist that's never held a drill. Managers and accountants are rarely more capable than counting the fingers on their hands and in the IT world they can see and count IT certs. You can't see or measure experience. Get the certs.

[ladybootlegger]

I thank you all for your advise in this matter. That was also part of my issue. In all of the interviews I've been on in the past 9 months, I have had several hiring managers tell me that the first thing they do to narrow down their stack of resumes is to throw away the ones for the candidates who are currently enrolled in school. Having heard that, going after a Bachelor's degree would do me no good until I actually have in (in approx. 2 years).
However, certifications can be earned in a fraction of the time, and for a fraction of the cost.

All that being said... Is anyone here familiar with the IIBA certifications? Or are there other certifications anyone might recommend for a Business Analyst?