I'm considering a career change from health science to information systems, but I'm stuck between pursuing a second bachelor's degree or going for a master's degree. My current loans limit what I can afford for a second bachelor's unless I attend a community college first, but a master's degree allows for a higher loan cap. Plus, I'm unsure if a master's is feasible with my health science background. Any thoughts on how to navigate this?
4 Answers
Honestly, many employers just look for the bachelor’s checkbox. My colleagues had degrees in history and English, but they were great at their jobs. If you've got some real-world experience, that can make a bigger difference than the degree itself.
You might want to explore health informatics as well. It merges your current expertise with IT, which could give you an edge without needing to switch fields completely.
When hiring for IT positions, I usually overlook degrees because they don't always reflect someone's ability. What really matters are skills and experience. You might consider gaining some relevant IT experience or certifications since those can really boost your profile without needing a degree right away. If you're passionate about it, you can definitely learn on the job or through online courses.
Have you checked out Western Governors University? They focus on making degree programs more accessible and often let you earn credits for what you already know. You could end up with a degree fairly quickly and it might not be as expensive as traditional routes. Plus, a degree could help open doors even if it’s not the only thing that matters in IT.
I’m a fan of WGU too! Their model allows you to pace your learning, and I’ve heard many good things about how it prepares you for the workforce.
Totally agree! I have just an associates in computer science and got into a decent role because of my skills and experience, not just my degree. If you're into security, networking, or even systems, just dive in and you’ll learn a lot!