Re: Qualifications
 

Bear in mind that education is about much more than getting a certificate or letters after your name. It's about learning and you can learn a great deal about a variety of subjects in your own time, at minimal cost, if you have the inclination to do so. Often autodidacts are the most interesting and best broadly educated people you will meet.

Re: Qualifications
 

I agree with this for anyone who has already gone to college for a basic degree, anything after this, unless you are moving into a research field, is only self development.
In my field we would not look for anyone with a masters or doctorate, in fact after the basic engineering degree experience is much more important. I find (especially in the ME) any further study has usually narrowed the person's focus too much and made them more "academic" in outlook than a practical realistic problem solver and manager of people.

I agree with Millhouse that a language is a good addition and perhaps it could be combined with some sort of business qualification. The language ability will never make you more money but it certainly will make your life easier and you will be more employable versus the normal mono-lingual Brit :eek:

Re: Qualifications
 

I always like to say, "the goal of a university education is to teach you how to think properly and the goal of a college is to teach you a marketable skill".

Re: Qualifications
 

Is this a good time to remind everyone about the difference between Oxford Man and Cambridge Man?

Oxford Man walks down the street as if he owns it....

.... Cambridge man walks down the street as if he doesn't care who owns it......

Re: Qualifications
 

I would say the OU would be a good route - it shows motivation/determination.

I did a degree in IT straight from school, I have worked in IT for last 15 years and none of my degree has been applicable.

From experience the only people I've worked with who have MBAs are full of themselves and not particularly special.

To echo others, choose something you are interested in and that should make it easier. I've thought about doing some sort of course myself, but I'm too lazy and would much rather watch downloads when I get home.

Re: Qualifications
 

MIT/Havard/Stanford, all offer a load of free online courses, a lot of them are business and maths based, but quite a few others. Only get a certificate for completing and passing them, but also worth a shout.

http://ocw.mit.edu/index.htm
http://www.extension.harvard.edu/ope...ing-initiative

http://www.openculture.com/freeonlinecourses For a general listing by subject.

Re: Qualifications
 

http://www.thecompleteuniversityguid...ables/rankings

I'm looking at one with University of Liverpool. 31st best in the UK doesn't seem great, but I guess it's in the top 26% so not that bad.