Career Advice

[Lovealious]

Greeting to All my Sorors, Sisterfriends and other vistors to this board!

I am interested in changing my career. Currently I am a programmer for a financial services company and I don't love my job. I have a BS in Computer Science and I am interested in pursing a career as a college professor. I have applied to and been accepted to one graduate program to obtain a master's in computer science but, I was thinking about applying to an online degree program at UMCU where I can get my master's in tech. mgmt and an M.B.A combined.

I'm really just confused and wanted to know if anyone out there has any advice on how I can reach this goal?

Also, Has anyone begun/completed/comtemplated an online degree program? What was your experience like? What type of student are you?

[Lizanabavi]

Hello Lovealious,

I just finished reading your post and I applaud you for considering a career change. Nothing is worse than to be in a job and you hate every minute. Been there and done that.

Usually when you feel that it is time to "move on" then you need to follow that gut feeling -that is a higher power telling you there is something better waiting for you. I have taken an on-line class and I did not like it as much as being on a campus in a classroom. I think that the interaction between a student and a professor is pivotal in understanding that subject. But weigh your options, everybodys learning style is different.

I am quite sure that you will enjoy being a teacher (college professor). It is a challenging, yet rewarding career, but you will be just fine. I wish you well.

Here is a gem that I have shared with my students.

"If you enjoy what you do, then you will never work a day in your life".

[CrucialCrimson]

That's not my field so I can't give you specific advice on how an on-line program will aid you in your switch, but I don't think I would do an on-line program to change careers - I might do one just to "get a piece of paper" in my current field. You could also try teaching in other venues to get some experience (paid or volunteer), such as high schools or community colleges, just something to get some practical exposure and add to your resume while you are positioning yourself to make a move. You can probably be an instructor in one of those venues without having an advanced degree.