ok, i'll be honest

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by skidadl, Feb 3, 2004.

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  1. skidadl

    skidadl Member

    i have really enjoyed all of the posts here and appreciate all of your input.

    BUT, i must admit, i am not all that interested in a "quality learning experience." i hope that doesn't hurt any of you acedemic types feelings. i have read many posts that suggest that a nice looking-down-the-nose would do some good for those of us who are merely looking to move up the ladder and make a better living for our families. man, the nerve of us!

    no really though, i am loooking for the best way to switch careers and finishing up my degree is the best way to do it. i make good money and have a large family but work way too hard to keep it all up for years to come. i am interested to hear from you guys some opinions on what the quickest and yes, the easiest way to get my degree is. the technical degree in mechanical or manufacturing engineering looks to be the best fit for me for my BS. the big three are my first options. i really think i will only consider a RA school as of now. i would like to hear some ideas on how to work the system to get it done quickly. i am in sales and acel at working with people, never liked school, don't like to study, don't even have time if i wanted to. please let me know if you have any advice to jump starting this thing.
     
  2. Ike

    Ike New Member

    Welcome to the board Skid. I am thrilled to hear that you will consider only RA programs. The good news is that there are programs that can be completed in less than six months depending the amount of knowledge that you already have but the bad news is that there are no easy program out there. Some are easier than others but you must work to earn your degree. I suggest that you do the following things:

    1. Look for a copy of Bears Guide to Earning Degrees by Distance Learning (15th Ed.). You may either borrow it from a local library or buy it from Amazon.com or Degree.net

    2. Visit Lawrie Miller's Website (BA in 4 Weeks)

    3. Visit here (Degreeinfo) regularly

    Ike
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 3, 2004
  3. skidadl

    skidadl Member

    thank you for your comments ike. i have always been self-taught and this should be no different to fit my personality.

    maybe i should rephrase what i originally said about the easiest way. what i really meant was that i didn't want to burden myself with tough courses just for the learning experience. sure, i am willing to work as it is expected of me, but not harder than i need to just for the knowledge. not to in anyway make light of anyone who does love the process more than i would.

    please keep the comments coming if you have any other suggestions.
     
  4. skidadl

    skidadl Member

    also, input about the differences in the big three and their difficulty would help
     
  5. Structurally, all of the programs from each are pretty similar, as are costs (although TESC may make a difference if one is in NJ or not).

    If you search the threads you'll find thoughts that Excelsior has a crappy name but gives you a major, COSC has great customer service but no major, and TESC has an "all you can eat" option that includes tuition and exams. All have their benefits and all are RA.

    I'm enrolled in Excelsior and am CLEPping my way through about 4 exams a month (8 down, still a lot to go). I'll transfer in a couple of handfuls of credits and the plan has me taking 9-10 months total, for around $5-6k all up. Note that this degree plan is for General Business, which CAN be completed solely by testing.

    As you mention a desire for a technical degree in mechanical or manufacturing you may need to supplement any exams with DL courses. How are you on the business side? Perhaps a business degree will complement your sales acumen?

    Ike's #2 and #3 points of advice were instrumental in getting me started...the only other advice I'd give is to pick a direction and get started - if you ponder it for 9 months beforehand you potentially could have finished already :)

    Cheers,
    Mark
     
  6. Also, to answer your point about difficulty...it depends on:

    - the program (and courses) you choose
    - your prior knowledge
    - how best you learn.

    A couple of points you make concern me:

    Unless you already know EVERYTHING for your program, you will HAVE to make time. It may only be as little as a few hours brushing up before an exam, or perhaps a few days, but you will have to apply yourself and invest the time if you want to do well.

    Nonethless, there are ways here that can make it easier for you...and we're all here to help.

    Cheers,
    Mark
     
  7. skidadl

    skidadl Member

    As you mention a desire for a technical degree in mechanical or manufacturing you may need to supplement any exams with DL courses. How are you on the business side? Perhaps a business degree will complement your sales acumen?


    the thing is, i have spent 10 years in a manufacturing/mechanical background before entering sales. also, i've own a manufacturing plant. so i am strong in the business and technical side of things. i am in industrial sales now and have found i make more money. so i firgure the engineering degree will bring more respect and credibility to the table to support my knowledge. i feel it will get me farther than a business degree will.
     
  8. Ian Anderson

    Ian Anderson Active Member

    Have you checked out the BS in Quality Assurance from CSUDH?
     
  9. skidadl

    skidadl Member

    no, i haven't. will this degree offer the abilty to get through it quickly?

    my plan is to do all the research as far as which program to enter and after entering i will cut back on work and dive in head first. i will have a short period to get it done so the length of time to complete the degree is very important. cutting down on work hours and travel will decrease my sales so i have to get in there and get it done.

    i would like to add that my previous statements regarging not liking to study were said in a joking way. it is hard to get your personality across on a discusion board. although i like studying like i like paying taxes, i am very hard headed. once i make up my mind i is generally hard to get me quite.
     
  10. jerryclick

    jerryclick New Member

    If you are in Technical Sales, there can be other avenues to explore. Two things I have are: Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, and Certified Quality Technician (CQT) from the American Society for Quality. Both are certifications available by exam only, NOT RA, but generally recognized in the manufacturing industry. If you have a rounded manufacturing background, both of these should be not too difficult, and will help with the resume. Then pursue you degree. For an RA school to complte your Bachelors, I recommend Excelsior from personal experience, others may have other recommendations. (I was an owner of a Tool & Die shop.)
     
  11. skidadl

    skidadl Member

    jerryclick,

    thank you, it seems we have a simular background. tool & die guys are alot smarter than most people know. i had a a cnc job shop and worked for a major manufacturer before that in a number of postions. i found sales to be alot of hard work but not as stressful as owning a company with such a slim profit margin. when you lose a big job over a few pennys it can be real discouraging. i got out of the machine shop business after 9-11. i lost alot during that time, except for the experience i gained.

    by the way what did you like about Excelsior?
     

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