jimbojones said:
As the needs of the workplace change, so will training needs. As time goes by, we'll all become independent contractors, and companies won't have real employees per se. That means that we'd better learn skills that are valuable. Education will need to match this model.
Almost two years ago, as a senior manager at a multinational corporation, I attended a planning meeting at which the topic of education came up. Basically, the conclusion was that the company should pay for focused training for which the return on investment (ROI) is almost immediate. It's difficult to justify paying large sums for degrees.
This influenced my thinking when starting up my own company. We designed our courses to be very practical and with a short ROI. I'm betting on the fact that more and more companies will look for courses of this type: very focused, of short duration, and much less expensive.
You are already seeing companies adopting this model. Anne the Donn offers a wide range of online courses. They are "very focused, of short duration, and much less expensive". The courses offered by my company are team-based and demand extensive interaction in the virtual classroom. Again, though, they are "very focused, of short duration, and much less expensive". I'm sure you have come across other companies that fit the same mould.
The one thing that universities offer, however, is credibility. It's tough to overcome the current perception that online courses are scams in the making. For this reason, I've had to partner with universities so we can offer continuing education credits. We also joined the local Better Business Bureau to prove we are a real company that treats customers fairly.
It's exciting, actually. I really feel like we are changing the face of education. I'm sure that education, and the workplace, will be very different in ten years' time.
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I have 2 HNC and an ONC and got 3 highers
ONC - Measurement and control
HNC - Electronic engineerin
HNC - Computing
MCSE - in progress
I did my college whilst working in nightclasses as that way i was gaining exp, qualifications and money at the same time. Now doing MCSE at nights as it is more focused and relevant to the type of work that I do.
Some people that go straight out of school into uni then onto work realy dont deserve a job at all IMO. I have worked with several grads and they just seem to have no common sense at all and dont understand what it is like to work in the real world. Im sure they are not all like that but the ones ive met have been. Dont get me wrong they are nice people but they just dont have a clue.
Chris.
ONC - Measurement and control
HNC - Electronic engineerin
HNC - Computing
MCSE - in progress
I did my college whilst working in nightclasses as that way i was gaining exp, qualifications and money at the same time. Now doing MCSE at nights as it is more focused and relevant to the type of work that I do.
Some people that go straight out of school into uni then onto work realy dont deserve a job at all IMO. I have worked with several grads and they just seem to have no common sense at all and dont understand what it is like to work in the real world. Im sure they are not all like that but the ones ive met have been. Dont get me wrong they are nice people but they just dont have a clue.
Chris.
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chris1317 said:
Isn't that a sad commentary on the state of education. I'm convinced that the current model will have to change.
To go a little off topic, we chose to homeschool three of our children (which is an option here). For example, my older daughter would occasionally come to work with me. She listened to the receptionist, sent and received faxes, attended occasional meetings with me, and did her regular schoolwork while I did my work. At other times, she stayed home with my wife and learned how to cope with her baby brother, to cook meals, etc. Sometimes, we would go on educational trips, such as visiting a national park or attending a trade show.
The principle is the same: Education should relate to the real world.
All credit to you, Chris, for working such long hours to ensure you have real work experience AND an education.
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I didn't take the opportunity on leaving school to go on and do a degree but in later life decided to exercise the grey cells and did a degree with the Open University which I finally completed last year. It's not on a topic I use in my business but has great relevance to the world around me! I chose subjects that interested me on a personal level.
I'd highly recommend the OU they have an excellent way of structuring the work and a huge variety of topics - yes, it's hard work if you're working full time but it's a good way to get a degree without becoming a penniless student.
Clare
I'd highly recommend the OU they have an excellent way of structuring the work and a huge variety of topics - yes, it's hard work if you're working full time but it's a good way to get a degree without becoming a penniless student.
Clare
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PeteH
- Original Poster
- #55
Got a degree in business economics, now a fully fledged chartered accountant.
I also have my Utility Warehouse Discount Club (TElecom Plus) business, helping people to make money and save money.
Is the degree relevant? Well, its gives you options in what job you go for, but if you are setting up your own business you need skills/experience rather than academic excellence.
Pete
I also have my Utility Warehouse Discount Club (TElecom Plus) business, helping people to make money and save money.
Is the degree relevant? Well, its gives you options in what job you go for, but if you are setting up your own business you need skills/experience rather than academic excellence.
Pete
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I have a degree in Maths from Oxford University, a Chartered Accountancy qualification from a London accountancy firm and a recent MBA by distance learning from Warwick Business School.
Of these, the maths was very useful in my career - I've often used my numeracy in the jobs I've had, although many of the things I learned at Uni have never been applied. The accountancy has been very useful and often applied in one form or another. The most udeful degree, however, has been the MBA, since it exposed me to a wide range of business-related topics from people management to the politics of change.
I have my own fledgling business as well as a day-job. My particular business - reviewing business plans, gains credibility from my MBA, without which I doubt anyone would let me review their business plan for them.
All my qualifications, though, have opened doors at various times, particularly when I was in my twenties. The credibility of the names of the institutions carries as much weight, I think, as the types of qualifications, especially now that it is the Govt's intention for 50% of young people to go to Uni. However, I'm finding it increasingly difficult to open doors now I'm reaching 'a certain age'. There was a time when three different major international organisations all offered me a job at the same time. Not any longer, degrees or not.
Of these, the maths was very useful in my career - I've often used my numeracy in the jobs I've had, although many of the things I learned at Uni have never been applied. The accountancy has been very useful and often applied in one form or another. The most udeful degree, however, has been the MBA, since it exposed me to a wide range of business-related topics from people management to the politics of change.
I have my own fledgling business as well as a day-job. My particular business - reviewing business plans, gains credibility from my MBA, without which I doubt anyone would let me review their business plan for them.
All my qualifications, though, have opened doors at various times, particularly when I was in my twenties. The credibility of the names of the institutions carries as much weight, I think, as the types of qualifications, especially now that it is the Govt's intention for 50% of young people to go to Uni. However, I'm finding it increasingly difficult to open doors now I'm reaching 'a certain age'. There was a time when three different major international organisations all offered me a job at the same time. Not any longer, degrees or not.
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Well I've got a joint degree in Geology and Chemistry (and subsequently an accountancy qualification) but apart from the experience the only other thing I got out of it was my first Job (Management accountant at Shell chemicals)
It isnt really the piece of paper that is important it is the process of learning, whether that be vocational or otherwise. Each respondant to this thread has actually demonstrated that they have the ability and willingness to learn but many do not require the letters after their name.
I have known a number of people who have failed to get any significant qualifications at school and then go on to get decent paid employment in roles where continual upgrading of skills is a requirement.
There are no real failures just varying degrees of success (To bastardize a quote from Edison
)
It isnt really the piece of paper that is important it is the process of learning, whether that be vocational or otherwise. Each respondant to this thread has actually demonstrated that they have the ability and willingness to learn but many do not require the letters after their name.
I have known a number of people who have failed to get any significant qualifications at school and then go on to get decent paid employment in roles where continual upgrading of skills is a requirement.
There are no real failures just varying degrees of success (To bastardize a quote from Edison
)
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L
little_stork
- Original Poster
- #63
I am in my second year at Uni for BA/ED Education studies and Social Inclusion, I am a mature student 32 and three kids. My business idea has been in my head for a few years now. Summer hols came and I needed something to get my teeth into!!!
I have always had well paid jobs previously to having my children however, the reason i started my degree is because i always knew i could do it and I never had the chance when I was younger, parents couldn't afford it.
What i would say is that since starting my degree the way I view the world and make opinions on things has greatly changed. It has been an education, what i do see alot of is young people at Uni who don't want to be there and can't be ar**d, and i feel sad for them for not grasping the chance they have.
How old do I sound??? lol
I have always had well paid jobs previously to having my children however, the reason i started my degree is because i always knew i could do it and I never had the chance when I was younger, parents couldn't afford it.
What i would say is that since starting my degree the way I view the world and make opinions on things has greatly changed. It has been an education, what i do see alot of is young people at Uni who don't want to be there and can't be ar**d, and i feel sad for them for not grasping the chance they have.
How old do I sound??? lol
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D
Djfreema
- Original Poster
- #66
I have just finished my business degree, 2:1
I'm in the process of starting my own business and I find that many of the things I have to do now (Business Plans, Marketing Plans, Sales Forecasts, Cash Flows, P&L, Balance Sheet, 'What if' statements, PESTS, SWOTS etc...) I have done whilst at University and these helped me a great deal.
So the 3 years of partying in Sheffield were well worth it.
I'm in the process of starting my own business and I find that many of the things I have to do now (Business Plans, Marketing Plans, Sales Forecasts, Cash Flows, P&L, Balance Sheet, 'What if' statements, PESTS, SWOTS etc...) I have done whilst at University and these helped me a great deal.
So the 3 years of partying in Sheffield were well worth it.
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C
CG Effect
- Original Poster
- #79
I was in college doing advanced GNVQ in Art and design. I wanted to go to uni and do a degree but I ended up dropping out in my second year at college as the teachers refused to let me develop my own drawing and painting techniques. Being good at art & design was more important to me than being able to say I have a degree. I realised for a decent career in anything art or design I would have to teach myself using books writen by pros.
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G
gaz2373
- Original Poster
- #80
I have a Degree BA(hons) Business Administration.
To answer your question: it depends on what area you go into. I chose a business degree as I knew that eventually I wanted to run my own company. Now I am in the financial services and mortgages area I have to do more qualifications to meet the FSA criteria and the degree is less relevent for that, however as far as running my business is concerned my degree helps. The subject I studied has given me a better understanding of what makes a successful company, and has developed my thinking along the lines of a management consultant.
To answer your question: it depends on what area you go into. I chose a business degree as I knew that eventually I wanted to run my own company. Now I am in the financial services and mortgages area I have to do more qualifications to meet the FSA criteria and the degree is less relevent for that, however as far as running my business is concerned my degree helps. The subject I studied has given me a better understanding of what makes a successful company, and has developed my thinking along the lines of a management consultant.
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