I became interested in obtaining a degree through testing after running across the BAin4Weeks site several years ago. I was serving in the Navy at the time and really wanted to complete a degree before I got out. I used a combination of my Navy electronics training and CLEP testing to complete an AAS in Electronics through TESC. I was hooked and kept on taking CLEPs, DSSTs, and even a TECEP to complete the BA in Liberal Studies. I intended to get the degree to be a 'check in the box' and a bridge to a masters. I completed the BA about six months before leaving the Navy in 2011. The beautiful thing was that the only money I spent for those two degrees was the application fee for TESC while my Military benefits covered everything else. I am now using my GI Bill to cover a Masters degree but that is for another thread since I need some advice there. After the Navy my AAS in Electronics helped me get a State job maintaining telecomm systems. It was an OK job but I didn't see any advancement opportunity and the compensation wasn't quite what I was looking for. I began applying for management positions in the private sector hoping to leverage my leadership experience as a non-commissioned officer. After about six months of job hunting I landed a management position (that I love) with a Fortune 50 company. The company didn't care about my BA and only asked about it to make sure I had a four year degree. The interview process was intense and lasted hours but I was never asked about the degree. They cared much more about my ability to lead and inspire others. They asked questions regarding my ability to adapt and how I function under stress and they cared a lot about relationship building, developing those under me, and driving a culture of continuous improvement. My job is awesome but a degree was an absolute requirement. I would not be in this great position if it were not for the friendly people here and on degree forum - so thank you!
