Descisions - decision

Here is a really stupid question. I am looking at two different programs AS from Florida State College or a Graduate Certificate in Human Performance Technology from University of West Florida. I do not plan to use this to teach or for a teaching CV. I just want a standard resume to look more “local” since my real list of schools would look ridiculous and I want to have some fun. Honestly, at this point I do not have a lot left in me so I am leaning towards FSC. Any sugestions on which program would serve me better? I am trying to think out loud here...feedback please?

Florida State College
Pros
Only 5 classes to finish and they are really easy (Supervision and Performance Improvement, Strategies for Success in College and Life, OSHA Safety, Professional Development in the Work Environment, and Earth Science). I see these classes as “fun”
Can add to my resume and has a “Florida / local” feel
Cheap ~$1,500 total
I know I can do it since the classes are simple
I will finish what I started about 7 years ago!
My wife supports this one (this is huge)

Cons
Only an AS degree
The information will not be helpful to my career except the OSHA class

Resume
•MS-ITM / MBA in Marketing – Touro University International
•Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Risk Management – University of Florida
•BS in Individual Studies – Charter Oak State College
•AS in Industrial Technology Management – Florida State College

University of West Florida.
Pros
Only 4 classes for the certificate
Can add to my resume and has a “Florida / local” feel
Reasonable ~$3,200 total but I can use tuition assistance money so it would be free
I can use the information learned at work or even consult/freelance down the road
Can roll the 4 classes into the MSA in Human Performance Technology

Cons
Will be more difficult to complete then the AS from FSC
If I do the certificate it will be the slippery slope to go on with 8 more classes for an MSA – no end in sight
I see the classes as “a chore” but interesting
Will require more time then the AS (assumption)
My wife does not know about this one

Resume
•MS-ITM / MBA in Marketing – Touro University International
•Graduate Certificate in Human Performance Technology - University of West Florida
•Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Risk Management – University of Florida
•BS in Individual Studies – Charter Oak State College

 

Randell - Here's my best suggestion

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Please take a break!:hug:

 

Honestly, I have been on a "break" since May. My dissertation has been bouncing around with little fixes. Besides that, I really have to stay active - I need the tax deductions. Last year it would have cost me an extra few thousand in federal tax if I did not have the education deduction. There is a method to the madness!

 

You need to take up a pass time that is LESS productive. Live for yourself a little, take up a hobby, play some golf or come hang out on the west coast and I'll teach you to surf.

 

I tried golf and hated it. Tried surfing but the surf is not good in the Tampa Bay area - you have to go to Melbourne, FL. Hmm...maybe I will start diving again! Maybe I will just stick with the USF Programs I have been doing like the $800 / 2 day Lean Class.

 

You are spending a dollar to get back a quarter on a tax deduction. The same time and energy devoted to a new program could be used in an income producing activity where you could put the proceeds in a tax-deferred mechansim. We have had this discussion before, you are getting to the point where you a creating red flags on your resume - "what is the deal with this guy?" Seriously, take a break and then publish - you have reached the point of diminishing returns.

 

Alright - alright. I get the point! I am working on an article to be published now. I was looking at replacing my UoP AA with a FSC AS. Must learn to unplug...must do it!

 

Here is a recommendation for you, Dr. Randell. If you think your academic journey is not complete yet, then go for DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) at University of Florida. :scratchchin:

 

I have thought about that but $70K plus a possible divorce (or homocide when my wife kills me) is more then I am willing to wager! I have considered the Executive MBA at USF. Maybe I am just not sure what I should do with all this extra time...

 

Write a dissertation for me... hahaha:lmao:

 

Now I might be stupid but not crazy! Once was more then enough for me. But hey, thanks for the offer.

 

I say go with Florida State College since your wife supports it. The younger me would have said something different, but the older wiser me says keep it simple and keep the peace. Your resume looks damn good to me so relax and take it easy. :tapedshut:

 

Randell,

you're an inspiration. In my world there are two areas for growth, academic and professional (including industry certifications). I agree with the others here that your academic resume is pretty complete. I recommend you look at professional growth, maybe latch on to some executive education/courses to network. Often these courses are more expensive than an entire degree but you know your field and can bargain shop for the best course for you. In addition, you can often take your wife to some of these. Just a thought.

Congratulations on your achievements.

 

SCUBA is a blast. I was in a dive club and I did about a 150 dives and finally had to give it up because I was developing ear problems from it. I miss it.

On the other hand, I can understand your motivation to continue at school because your employer pays for it. Somehow I doubt if they would pick up the tab for golf or diving!

 

Based on my limited prospective I would not suggest going after the Associates considering where you sit at with your education currently. The Masters Cert would likely be more helpful if you are looking to add a "hometown" name to your credentials. Though I sincerly doubt, with the education background you have, that either would make much difference when applying for a job as you already have a very extensive educational history.

 

The HPT cert would be my suggestion. It's local, it's application-oriented, since you already have a MBA, you have no reason to go on the MSA, and it's free. Would you even list the AS on your resume? Do the cert, then wait and see if you get the itch to do the AS just so it's done.

Seems to me that knowing you can do the AS courses because they are easy is a specious 'pro' because it's apparent you can do whatever you set yourself to :wink: Could be you do just need the break.

Phillip

 

First of all, congratulations on earning your doctorate! If I were in your shoes, I would consider a post doctorate certificate or felllowship from a top notch school! Perhaps there are some that offer a post doc certificate through DL?

 

Good points - thanks. Maybe a break is just what I need because you are right, that is an odd "pro".