Associates degree not a "real" college degree?
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I can give you some insight on my scenario. I have an Associate's in Business (focused on computer programming / software development). If I ignore my scholarships, the tuition I paid was about $22k. My career has more than made up for it.
Basically, it all depends on the person. This is definitely a field where experience and knowledge play the biggest part. BS/MS are not must-haves.
I earned my Associates from a tech school which I earned in 18 months (started 1 month after high school). I finished in 2003. I immediately began working for a help desk job that jumped into my lap upon graduation. I didn't find many open programming jobs that I liked at that point, so I kept searching until I found the right one.
Nine months later, I found a local entry-level software developer position. Degree-wise, all this company cared about was if I had any degree at all - no matter what type it was. The deal makers were my score on the written skills test and the know-how I conveyed while being interviewed. I worked there for 2 years, got sick of the politics of that particular place, and found a better job.
This one was asking for 3-5 years experience. Once again it was the skills test and my interview that scored it, not a degree. Ididn't even have 3 years development experience at that point, and there was no issue with that. Confidence and smarts are always key. If you're sure you can do a job, if you can illustrate that confidence and convince your potential employer of it, then the job is all yours for the taking.
So, basically, I managed to more than double my salary and progress a few rungs on the career ladder in a matter of only 3 years with an Associates Degree. Sure, there may be a point in my career, while working at some company, that I may not be able to advance without a BS or MS. In my opinion, that's blurred vision, and I'll find somewhere else to work.
From the many developers I've worked with, most will tell you that experience and knowledge prove everything, and a degree proves nothing until you can walk the walk. And I've seen many BS developers with no experience come in, choke, and get fired.
If you want a BS, go for it by all means. Just don't rely on only that. It takes a lot more to be successful in any field.
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As for your co-worker, they obviously have some kind of problem. I've found that although many co-workers (regardless of degree or lack thereof) don't care about your level of education, some take issue with it. And those that have taken issue, I have noticed, share the following qualities. They are usually BS or MS grads who are sharing the same position with someone who 'only' has an Associates. Maybe it's because they spent more $ or more time getting their degree, they think it's not fair that someone with less education winds up at the same job.
I say your co-worker obviously has to deal with whatever issues they have, so just let them do it on their own time, and don't waste any time worrying about what they think of you.
Just my 2 cents.
YOur friend is a moron/.
No! The person is a jackass! Be proud of your degree, and please, do go on if you can afford it! :) :) ;)
An Associate's degree is a legimate degree from an accredited college. Your coworker is a moron.
Your friend is right. Any Associates Degree that is not like cosmetology, auto mechanics, or some other trade job is pretty much a fake degree. I have 2 associates degrees and a double major bachelors. Having the associates only made it easier for me to get a job as a sales associate at Abercrombie & Fitch, but anyone with 2 years work experience (same as getting an associates) had about the same shot as me. I think I could also move up to lower management in some companies like kregens or American Eagle, but also people with work experience could do this.
Sadly, the associates degree has lost its meaning as the bachelors degree is losing its prestige, and the masters degree is also breaking down unless it is some very specific fields. The world of business is turning into one of "knowing the right person" will get you the job, not the degree.
And why the hell did you pay 20k for your associates? I got my two entirely for free at a community college. You got ripped off.
When I interviewed prospective employees it was a real thing to me. It wasn't a BS or and MS, but it was a real degree.
BTW, I agree with an earlier answer. The "Someone" you discussed, IS a moron!
Associates are not worth the paper they written on. Ask you friend is his/her degree accredited?
Associate of Science and Associate of Arts degrees are generally the equivalent to the first two years of a four-yr degree. Probably the most important thing to remember is that it's a good idea to be sure that your college is accredited by a regional accrediting agency and that there are many Associate of Applied Science degrees are accredited, also. Feel good about having gotten your Associates degree and good luck on your four year degree. Respect your accomplishments. There have been studies that have shown that students who complete an associates degree before going on to get their bachelor's degree often have better success and get higher grades than those who start in as first year students at a university. And yes, many four year colleges also offer Associates degrees. There is some varience by college, so do check for accreditation.
Yes, you can get an AA degree from a 4-year university. There is not anything wrong with that. However, there are many people who feel that an AA is just an attempt if you will at school. Almost like one could not finish what he or she started. I think going back to get a bachelors degree will make all the difference in the world. In the mean time, be happy with what you have accomplished!
Yes, some real colleges offer associate degrees. It basically means that you've managed to earn half of a Bachelor's degree. As far a the worth of your degree, it would depend on two things: You're major and the college you attended. Computer technology, nursing, and dental hygienist is something worth while and will permit you to earn a decent living. Now if you majored in pharmacy tech, medical assistant, etc., you basically have a glorified certification.
There are a lot of for profit colleges popping up all across the country. These schools will pretty much take anyone with good credit and a pulse. They use the Wonderlic as an admissions assessment exam and there sole reason for existence is to make money and not educate the populous. Some of them are actually accredited. They claim to be career focus. Academics are weak and their degrees are not well respected.
Once upon a time, before college became a right. There was no such thing as an Associates degree. The Associate degree came about with the invention of the Junior college that gave way to community colleges. Do I think an associate degree is as valuable as a bachelor's degree? No, I don't. Do I think it is a total wast of time? In some instances, yes.
I'll be honest: 20K in loans is really too much for an AA degree.
I have an Associates, I have a decent paying job now with a large company.but I got it through influence, since I had a friend working there.
Before that job, it was another story. Yes, I found jobs, in the field I studied for, but they were low paying and I was not respected. Now, at this moment, the environment is more professional, but I can still grasp some hints of subtle condescending language, and after 5 years, despite the yearly raises, I'm still in the same position. Younger people with 4 year degrees have come in and are higher in the ladder than me.
I think you're making a good decision to go back (that's what I'm doing too).
Yes, an Associates *is a real degree*, but it won't get you too far.
If I can go back in time, I would've went straight to 4-year school.
And your coworker is being an ***. He/she/they should not be saying those things. I would report them to management.
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