Hey everyone! I'm a young female SysAdmin in North Carolina working at a rapidly growing healthcare facility. I have an AAS in Information Technology but feel I need a BS degree at the very least to advance in my career and be more marketable in the job market. I've looked into the NC Promise program, but I've faced some issues that have made me reconsider. Currently, my best option seems to be WGU, but while I've applied for FAFSA, I don't qualify for grants, and I'm experiencing financial hardships. I've also applied for many scholarships but haven't heard back yet. I really want to begin my further education journey, but the costs (around $3500 per term) are daunting, especially since I have credits to transfer from my community college. Does anyone have suggestions for other fully online programs? I was excited about WGU, but with my financial situation, I'm open to other options. Thank you all for your help!
2 Answers
You don’t necessarily need a bachelor's to move up. I’ve been in IT for 14 years without finishing my degree, focusing instead on gaining experience and mastering skills. I started off in a help desk role and eventually became a senior systems administrator just by excelling at what I do. Companies often list degrees as a requirement, but if you know your stuff and make a good impression, it'll matter more than a piece of paper. Focus on building your knowledge and skills instead of stressing about the degree right away!
Consider checking with your current employer to see if they offer tuition reimbursement; it could lighten your financial load. I've worked places that helped cover my education costs to some extent. It sounds like you're doing a lot already with scholarships, so keep pushing for those as well!
That's a good idea, but unfortunately, since my company is a startup, they don’t have those programs yet.