Qualifications
 

Morning all,

Think I've brought this up before but can't be bothered to resurrect... so pardon me for that.

Want to have soemthing under my belt. Don't want to commit to and start a full degree just yet, but would like something that will potentially contribute towards one in a few years.

Always see Certificates / Diplomas etc but wondered if anyone had any experience of completing one part time, whether they provided an easier route to completing a related degree and any particular institutions here in Dubai I should be looking at.

Also - CIPD - Anyone done it / hate it / loved it / worth it / pointless?

Thanks

ScamponlyhasAlevelsandwantsmore.

Re: Qualifications
 

I know a couple of people who have done masters and the likes part time. They are a serious time commitment. Not sure about diplomas, but I imagine they'll be similar.

Re: Qualifications
 

Depends what you want to do the course for - if its work perhaps getting the experience is better - there are a few exceptions to this e.g. MBA or CFA

Re: Qualifications
 

Sort of work related.

The commitment aspect (and cost) put me off doing a full degree just yet. But if I can find the right foundation type qual then I'll progress that in a couple of years.

OU seem to not list the UAE as a place you can study...has anyone studied with them here?

Re: Qualifications
 

I looked into it and decided it really wasn't going to work.

You can study with the University of London pretty easily though.

Re: Qualifications
 

Yes I know this will make me sound like a wanker but what qualifications are required in recruitment? Or are you thinking of another industry after doing the course?
In my opinion a lot of the businessy type ones are a crock of shit, and without a basic degree etc in something they don't tend to add anything to the persons understanding or competency but perhaps look good on a business card.
How about something in the legal/contracts/administration field which might be quite useful and worthwhile.

Re: Qualifications
 

No, completely fair comment - none whatsoever, which is why I do this godforsaken job. (that's a bit unfair actually, it pays alright and isn't difficult...)

I've been looking around at lots of different verticals (for want of a better word) but hadn't considered legal/contract type avenues. Will explore.

So far, I've looked at Economics to do a degree but seems almost pointless given the path it may or may not lead, it just always interested me...either that or forging a career into the gloomy world of HR. Unless a drastic change of direction work-wise I have fairly limited options here.

Re: Qualifications
 

What are you interested in studying Scamp? Most people do far better is they pick a subject they are genuinely interested in. Does it have to be directly related to work?

Re: Qualifications
 

No, but it seems sensible though?

I've always like Economics, Business of any sort and Geography randomly. But most things are geared towards some sort of work-related field.

Therefore, some sort of international business thing seemed appropriate to then be able to do do one of the cross-over type degrees later, "business and/with XYZ". It just sounds a bit pony doesn't it?

Not sure. It would interest me I just question (as someone else has) the credibility.

Re: Qualifications
 

Sometimes life is too short to be wholly sensible. Try and enjoy what you do as well. :)

Re: Qualifications
 

Very true, but if I'm spending my hard earned cash then it may as well be somewhere in the middle of enjoyment and value....I think.

Re: Qualifications
 

I'm with Meow on this. Do what you would love to learn. Then working will seldom seem like work, will rarely bore you and you will fly through life with a smile on your face. (Unless you ever end up working with a load of Iranian bodybuilders and a possible arms dealer. But that's pretty rare)

Think about what you would love to do as a career if money weren't an issue. Because unless your ambition is "pack shelves" the money will come in and it will be enough. I know the bored mantra is do it for the dosh, but if you don't enjoy it along the way then life will be pretty miserable. I've never seen the point of retiring early - I'm not doing anything until after the summer and I'm bored shitless. Do something you love and everything else will fall into place.

Hairdressers are officially the happiest people in the UK, followed by chefs. At least they were three years ago. Certainly my hairdresser seems damn cheery. I'm not saying get yourself some scissors, but look into that Scampy heart and see what lies there.

Re: Qualifications
 

Depends how old you are - perhaps do an MBA (with a good school name) - you will learn some basic overview of business, and give you time to investigate different career choices (and in many cases fast-track many diplomas/certs). More importantly you also get access to the alumini/blackbook which could

Re: Qualifications
 

Too young for this just yet (just turned 24), although in the end, that's what I'd quite like to have.

Re: Qualifications
 

I wouldn't say you're too young, given you'd need to start prep soon and probably target a summer 2013 start... you're already older than the youngest guy in my class. The US schools are even younger.

They're damn expensive though. Mine completely wiped out my savings.

Re: Qualifications
 

Yeah, without a degree and other shit behind me I think it worked out to about 6 years of studying to get one. Seemed a bit much to me, oh and the cost was astronomical. It's something I'd like to have when I'm 30ish though, that's for certain.

Re: Qualifications
 

I did my MBA here through the OU and absolutely loved every minute of it. I would highly recommend it.

Re: Qualifications
 

M.B.A. = Means Bugger All
M.A.S.T.E.R.S. = Moderate Achiever Still Trying the Educational Route to Success

There's also a really good definition of D.I.P.L.O.M.A. but I can't bloody well remember it - anyone?

Re: Qualifications
 

By the way: if you want to study because it is a good thing to do in its own right, go ahead.........

...... but if you just want a qually, why not buy an online 'life experience' degree from one of those US-based degree mills (e.g. Almeda etc)?

They cold-called me (having obtained my CV from somewhere) and told me that I was eligible for a BSc Economics based on my previous work experience, and if I also took a ten-week correspondence course in "Economics with Applied Maths" (or something) and then passed the exam, I'd get a MSc in "Econometrics".

Total cost = USD 1,275 plus administration fee of USD 225.

I declined, but they're still on my case...........

Re: Qualifications
 

Sod that - just award yourself one.

http://www.cynicalbastards.com/ubs/courses.html

Re: Qualifications
 

Sounds like sour grapes from somebody who did not go to university.

Re: Qualifications
 

I find it funny :p

typical MA* MEng MBA

* Cantab

Re: Qualifications
 

Thought OU allowed folks to sign up when not UK residence these days, so probably worth giving them a shout.

My missus did her masters, part time over a few years online via University of London, Kings College.

They were really good, she even got all the benefits of regular students, photo student ID, all those coupons for money off book shops and the like, but best bit was the access to the biggest digitised library in Europe, or it was at the time.

Re: Qualifications
 

Oh I went to university all right - then had the good sense to stop before becoming labelled as one of life's permanent students........

Philip Green, Alan Sugar, Richard Branson, John Harvey-Jones........ not a qually between them......... reasonably successful though. You can't teach what they've got.......

Re: Qualifications
 

To Echo what others have said, decide what area you find most enjoyable/interesting and motivates you most.

It's like physical activity - if you choose and activity you enjoy, you will do it more often and put more into it.

I would aim as high as you can (ie dont do a Diploma level course with a view to moving to a Degree course afterwards, if you are capable of doing a Degree already).

It will be a big commitment both time wise and monetarily particularly if you are working f/t as well.

Check out the institution you are going to do the qualification with. Reputation can count for a lot in some areas and if you are competing for a job against somebody with the same quals, the institution you have done it with can make the difference.

Good luck :thumbsup:

Re: Qualifications
 

Degrees are generally pointless - especially anything business releated.

Learn arabic and do your job well - or better still, mandarin and be prepared.

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Is that in all fields? what do you base that on?

Re: Qualifications
 

You take it too literally. Obviously i mean medicine :)

But all those MBAs are not necessary - or indeed my engineering or accountancy degrees for what i do. My point is that most do not use their qualifications and scamp is better off learning someting useful (like a language) than a pointless degree.

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but, but.... say Scamp wants to move into a different vertical (the lovely phrase he used) - how do you propose he does this without any academic qualifications or experience? Ask nicely in Mandarin?

Re: Qualifications
 

There are literally tons of higher education institutions which are offering degrees and certificates online and you ever need to set foot on campus to get one. Open University is one of them and there are also tons in North America (US and Canada) also getting in on the action.

The bigger well known ones off the top on my head are:
OU (UK), Capella, U of Phoenix (US), Athabasca U. (Canada)

If I were you, I would pick an industry and/or an employer you are interested in working at and make sure they know and are aware of the online program. Its not free and it is a time commitment and it would really suck if you spent it on something no one at that company or industry knows that it exists or gives a flying hoot about. Don't under estimate how small minded people in the workplace can be.

Re: Qualifications
 

Good point, good post.

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You're not the first I've heard with those sort of jokes.

Personally, I don't see how furthering further education can be a bad thing. But hey ho.

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Agree and disagree. I won't study for a language though because it bores me to tears. Used to be pretty good in French and Spanish but then lost interest after stopping studying them.

Re: Qualifications
 

Yeah they do, they just list some very strange courses for UAE. Not sure if it is for Nationals looking to study or for anyone based here. Need to ring and find out. Thanks though.

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Thanks mate, definitely needs to be angled to something more enjoyable. Going to print a list off the OU and use that as the basis to pick one from, then start looking where / how / who with.

Thanks again. Good point on the institution.

Re: Qualifications
 

Hadn't thought about the US / Canada. Will look into them, thanks.

Need to discuss with current company, unsure if they would be willing to help with cost / time. It would almost certainly be something I have to do off my own back...despite being part of a Times top 100 type business. (don't get my started on that).

Will certainly make them aware when I've worked it all out and am going for it.

Re: Qualifications
 

TD Do you know anything about the CIPD stuff mate?

Re: Qualifications
 

Good wasn't it. Got to throw in some bullshit haven't you.

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When comparing institutions, do not worry if you don't see OU in any league tables. It is because they only include those that offer full-time courses. The OU is very well regarded worldwide.

Re: Qualifications
 

Noted, thanks Layla..