Qualifications
Jul 3rd 2012, 2:12 am
#31
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13,553
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.
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.
Jul 3rd 2012, 4:09 am
#32
Account Closed
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 0
Re: Qualifications
Personally, I don't see how furthering further education can be a bad thing. But hey ho.
Jul 3rd 2012, 4:11 am
#33
Account Closed
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 0
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.
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.
Jul 3rd 2012, 4:13 am
#34
Account Closed
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 0
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.
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.
Jul 3rd 2012, 4:15 am
#35
Account Closed
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 0
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
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
Thanks again. Good point on the institution.
Jul 3rd 2012, 4:17 am
#36
Account Closed
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 0
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.
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.
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.
Jul 3rd 2012, 4:17 am
#37
Account Closed
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 0
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.......
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.......
Jul 3rd 2012, 4:18 am
#38
Account Closed
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 0
Re: Qualifications
Jul 3rd 2012, 4:23 am
#39
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2009
Location: Dubai
Posts: 1,291
Re: Qualifications
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.
Jul 3rd 2012, 6:33 am
#41
Bored liberal
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Over there ----->
Posts: 13,713
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.
Jul 3rd 2012, 7:10 am
#42
Knee deep and rising
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,007
Re: Qualifications
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
Jul 3rd 2012, 10:58 am
#43
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2012
Location: Canada
Posts: 36
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.
Jul 3rd 2012, 12:38 pm
#44
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13,553
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......
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......
Jul 3rd 2012, 12:58 pm
#45
Big Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,889
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.
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.