Associates/Bachelors Degree - What are your options?

[Gorehound]

I always wondered what can an Associates and/or a Bachelors Degree get you?

Do you get a good paying job or guarantee a great job easily?

I'm going to get a Bachelors Degree in U.S. History pretty soon, but I want to find out if I can get a teaching job with that, or I'm pretty much screwed and have to get a Masters Degree?

One of the instructors said I can get a teaching job as a Junior High or High School teacher, but I feel like the qualifications are much worst now for getting a teaching job!

What kind of jobs can you get with Associates and/or Bachelors Degrees in certain departments?

[VI The Sixth]

Bachelor's in Accounting straight out of college can net you a job starting at (45-55K) depending on where you live, and this would be if you get accepted to work at any of the Big 4. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Four_auditors) You'll get a bunch of benefits such as: gas payment (as auditing is a professional client service), full payment of your CPA and review course (which is necessary if you want to move up the ladder) and sometimes bonuses (depends on which firms you work for).

In San Jose, the firms pay first year financial auditors 53K and 56K for IT auditors. (1K bonus included in both)

That's if you can get into the Big 4, which is really competitive. Not sure what the government pays you, but I'm guessing anywhere from 35-45K. Smaller/local firms probably again, around 35-50K varying from location to location.

edit: Whoops but yeah, to answer your question.. accounting. A lot of options really. But the ones I am more familiar with are financial, internal and IT auditing.

[Wil]

it'll get you a foot in the door. experience will get you more money.

[Netology]

I will use my bachelor's to get into law school, anything else, would be uncivilized.

[Ducky]

A bachelors or associate degree diploma also makes for a really expensive piece of toilet paper, in case you ever feel the need to wipe your ass with something expensive.

[solace]

Bachelors in Economics + temp job experience with the government got me a job with IBM as a consultant. Holla.

[Gorehound]

Bachelor's in Accounting straight out of college can net you a job starting at (45-55K) depending on where you live, and this would be if you get accepted to work at any of the Big 4. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Four_auditors) You'll get a bunch of benefits such as: gas payment (as auditing is a professional client service), full payment of your CPA and review course (which is necessary if you want to move up the ladder) and sometimes bonuses (depends on which firms you work for).

In San Jose, the firms pay first year financial auditors 53K and 56K for IT auditors. (1K bonus included in both)

That's if you can get into the Big 4, which is really competitive. Not sure what the government pays you, but I'm guessing anywhere from 35-45K. Smaller/local firms probably again, around 35-50K varying from location to location.

edit: Whoops but yeah, to answer your question.. accounting. A lot of options really. But the ones I am more familiar with are financial, internal and IT auditing.

Thats very good info, its pretty much everybody's information on Associates/Bachelors Degree on what any profession can get you with those degrees.

That way everybody can find out if they want to go for a Masters instead of just quitting after the Bachelors.

A bachelors or associate degree diploma also makes for a really expensive piece of toilet paper, in case you ever feel the need to wipe your ass with something expensive.

Thats what I'm thinking when it comes to certain professions like my goal.

They raise the damn qualifications for teaching so much, they want to send everybody to the poor house while making them feel screwed over.

Plus, if they allow teachers to get hired with a Bachelors Degree, they also want them to have even more units to get the job, its like your earning a Masters without receiving your Masters.

[Akelexre]

I always wondere

I'm going to get a Bachelors Degree in U.S. History pretty soon,

Go get your Masters.

There are very few immediately practical technical and/or financial skills that come with a history degree; and no self respecting school would hire you unless you have some kind of education degree and/or a lot of teaching experience.

Some degrees are just like that. I'm Asian Studies, which is as worthless as you might imagine in terms of Bachelor job prospects. Cultural studies, women studies, international relations, political science, foreign languages, etc all require a Masters to be relevant.

[BEWD]

I will use my bachelor's to get into law school, anything else, would be uncivilized.

Excuse me? anything but law school is Uncivilized? :rolleyes:

Anyways, going for a Bachelor's in Computer Engineering, hear it carries more weight than a computer science degree in the game industry, while also giving you a foundation for other skills/areas.

I'm going to Saint Louis University, they also have a Graduate program for CE, but not sure if I want to be in college that long.

[thurst]

Go get your Masters.

There are very few immediately practical technical and/or financial skills that come with a history degree; and no self respecting school would hire you unless you have some kind of education degree and/or a lot of teaching experience.

not really. you can just take some alternate route classes at your closest teaching college or hit up teaching for america, or something like it to get some experience, load forgiveness and paid while you up your stats.

but to the OP poster, not saying that you're fucking up or anything, but you should have an idea of what you can/want to do with your major if you're supposed to be graduating soon.

[Mixah]

The quality of work nowadays is deteriorating, don't forget. whereas, my dad could've gotten a 40k a year job with an HSD, now you need a bachelors for the same thing.

[VI The Sixth]

Thats very good info, its pretty much everybody's information on Associates/Bachelors Degree on what any profession can get you with those degrees.

That way everybody can find out if they want to go for a Masters instead of just quitting after the Bachelors.


Yeah, for accounting, getting your Masters isn't as important or necessary. A lot of firms and private corps that hire project managers and senior management usually either look for someone who either has their CPA or Masters. Preferably, their CPA. So if anything... get your CPA over your Masters. Less time consuming and definitely less expensive.

Masters students that start off in the auditing field at the Big 4, actually only make slightly more than someone with their Bachelors. And both of their salaries eventually even out by the 2nd year.

[Wellman]

BA is only good when heading into certain career paths and usually you have to have experience to take advantage of the better jobs.

A BA in History, pretty much means your teaching without a masters. Internships and on job experience is what will really get you the great jobs. Otherwise prepare to be looking and taking temp work here and there trying to get that major spot.

[FallingEdge]

Bachelors in Economics + temp job experience with the government got me a job with IBM as a consultant. Holla.

I'm in that route except that I am majoring in CS and had an internship with IBM. I'm trying to get a consultant job too. But I might just stick with the pure technical side of things. Don't know yet. CS brings in the big bucks. 55-65k fresh out of college.

Back on topic, networking, networking, networking. That's prolly the most important thing anyone can tell you. Go out and talk to as many people as you can.

[Ducky]

Thats what I'm thinking when it comes to certain professions like my goal.

They raise the damn qualifications for teaching so much, they want to send everybody to the poor house while making them feel screwed over.

Plus, if they allow teachers to get hired with a Bachelors Degree, they also want them to have even more units to get the job, its like your earning a Masters without receiving your Masters.

I'm not saying that degrees are worthless, but depends on what field you go into, experience might be as valuable if not more valuable. Higher level education is pretty much required for moving up though, in almost any job worth a damn.

[pherai]

A bachelors degree can get you anything from working a shitty retail job, to cushy 6-7 figure incomes. You really have to be more specific than "what can a bachelors degree get you?"

[TheSix]

I think I'll be pretty safe with my Music Education BA.

[Weeks]

A bachelors degree is only a worthwhile as you make it. If you aren't in school making contacts, networking, picking up additional skills like a second language to make yourself more marketable, than it really isn't that great. Just think of it as another line on your resume, but keep tweaking

[Mixah]

I think I'll be pretty safe with my Music Education BA.

music ed huh? good shit.

[Black Chanler]

Experience and skill overshadows anything.

[epyonx]

Your educational path relies on you career to be honest. From my understanding 99% of the time of you want to be a high school teach or below you need a Masters in Education. If you wish to teach college level you need a Master's in that field of study.

I am in my third year of college studying Computer Something. That is not relevant. There are programs that help you get your Masters in Education while you teach. In NYC there is something called the " Teaching Fellows" program so if Im REAL desperate for a job I can finish my BA and go teach for 43k starting salary. Fields such as psychology require AT LEAST a masters before you can even practice etc.

Associates' degree IS a high school diploma now...
If your going for History Id say go as far as you can. Your degree doesn't have a huge job market. Do what you love but consider how you are going to feed yourself.

No degree guarantees a job. They only help you get one in the end. Your resume and who you are ALONG with the degree is what pushes you ahead of others. Coming from a better school helps, you can always tip things in your favor. Maybe your college has a partenership with a company that hires folks out of college but then again you might not have that opportunity.

Know people,network, get a mentor, search for my posts on SRK :), google that shit... Whatever you have to do to learn and get ahead of others.

BTW Mixah what can a degree in music do?

Id hate to say it but the Degree does matter for everything. You can ask for more money with a degree. Most jobs won't give any kind of management positions without it. Think of a BA as a piece of paper that states I know a lot of this ( your major) AND AND AND I can read and write. I am trying to get into IT security. There IS NO PATH or entry level job for information security. Just work somewhere and lucksack your way into security positions. There are hardly ANY BAs in computer security or even networking. Everywhere you look is Computer Science and Engineering but nothing else. My BA doesn't really matter, Im not learning what I need to know to work with information security but the BA helps me get through the door.

Get as many degrees as you can !! Stack your resume, get a mentor, look for programs !!. Every state etc. needs teachers so make them pay for your education.

I learned all this from working at a college as a part time instructor, I hope the advice is helpful. I might go down the teaching route too.

-Epyonx

[Night]

That's if you can get into the Big 4, which is really competitive. Not sure what the government pays you, but I'm guessing anywhere from 35-45K. Smaller/local firms probably again, around 35-50K varying from location to location.

I've seen mixed things about the Big 4. I personally think if that if you just interview well (and yes the degree is at least required), or you're a good looking girl you'll get the job. At my former graduating class, a girl I knew had BELOW a 3.0, was a total airhead, yet, she got an offer at EY and even went to the NY location, but I think she probably did good in her interview, plus she's pretty good looking too. The recruiting person is also pretty much 100% without a doubt a hot girl... if you're that, all you need is the degree pretty much and don't need to worry about competition lol.

It always depends on the field... things like Big 4 firms, finance/accounting and stuff like that pretty much require a bachelors, the former moreso because in order to take the CPA exam, a bachelors along with all the classes and stuff is required.

[Mixah]

a degree in music can do the same shit any other degree gets you. it depends on what you're using it for. money is the last thing i'm after... i'm thinking about getting in my car after i graduate and just drive.... see where it takes me. i have no interest in settling down and having material things...

[VI The Sixth]

I've seen mixed things about the Big 4. I personally think if that if you just interview well (and yes the degree is at least required), or you're a good looking girl you'll get the job. At my former graduating class, a girl I knew had BELOW a 3.0, was a total airhead, yet, she got an offer at EY and even went to the NY location, but I think she probably did good in her interview, plus she's pretty good looking too. The recruiting person is also pretty much 100% without a doubt a hot girl... if you're that, all you need is the degree pretty much and don't need to worry about competition lol.

It always depends on the field... things like Big 4 firms, finance/accounting and stuff like that pretty much require a bachelors, the former moreso because in order to take the CPA exam, a bachelors along with all the classes and stuff is required.

Can't say for the NY office for EY, but for PwC there were over 400 interns this summer and most of them got job offers. It isn't too hard to get into the NY office, they're always looking for fresh people. (High turn over rate..) But if you're looking to get into smaller locations like San Diego, good luck.

Yeah, it really depends on your interview. I wasn't in any clubs, I didn't have a 4.0 GPA and I had no accounting job related experience, but I still got the internship, which turned into a job offer. You also have to go through a series of 3 interviews through 2 partners and a manager. It's pretty intense, so the chances of you screwing up rise if you don't know what the hell you're doing.

The biggest thing about auditing is that you have to be able to work and get along with complete strangers. If you can't interact in a work environment... stay away from public accounting. So I'm willing to bet that girl was really charismatic.

[Night]

Do you get a good paying job or guarantee a great job easily?

I also think that if you're a boob before you get the degree, you'll still be a boob after you get it. A degree doesn't guarantee anything, but I would say that, if the job was down to two candidates and it was between one boob with a degree and one boob without, the job probably goes to the boob with a degree.

And yeah, public accounting is a field a person has to have their heart in... it's a high turnover rate field, and I never had an interest in joining a public accounting firm for a number of reasons.

As far as the OP, for education, I would think a degree would be required to teach at higher levels, and yeah, I would think a post-graduate degree would be required for teaching at a collegiate level.

[BshidoHEAT]

Any nursing degree with get you a job, any where you go there is a shortage of nurses. A regular AS/RN degree will get you work, and for 3 days a week at 40k (a low estimate) it's pretty nice.

Now passing the whole thing curriculum is a different story.

[VI The Sixth]

Any nursing degree with get you a job, any where you go there is a shortage of nurses. A regular AS/RN degree will get you work, and for 3 days a week at 40k (a low estimate) it's pretty nice.

Now passing the whole thing curriculum is a different story.

Wow only 3 days a week? Are those like 12+ hour shifts?

I know a bunch of nursing majors.. They're in another world or something. They're definitely drained by the end of semester x_x

[BshidoHEAT]

Wow only 3 days a week? Are those like 12+ hour shifts?

I know a bunch of nursing majors.. They're in another world or something. They're definitely drained by the end of semester x_x

Yes they are 12 hour shifts and yes most nursing majors are fucking crazy (I was one). If you able to will it through, and are smart enough, in two years (those two years in the program) you can be on your on doing well. But come from personal experience, to pass the major you have to have something other than money for incentive, because of it's high burn out rate, one will grow tired of it soon.

[*InVeRs3*]

Are masters degrees even worth it if you aren't in business? I mean, some people might view your masters in aesthetics of wallets or similar subjects useless in the business world. Wouldn't people see you as overqualified compared to having a B.A.?

[BshidoHEAT]

In florida if you have a masters in nursing you are qualified to teach, and as well as prescribe medicine if you have a practice. Which dramatically increases your pay.

[Unreallystic]

Here's the deal about teaching, you will need a Bach degree to start. the reason so many teachers are getting masters, is that they are required by contract to take 'x' amount of credits in order to keep getting raises every year *otherwise they hit a hard cap*. Well it makes more sense for them to instead of taking random classes, to put them towards a masters which will put a heavy chunk of more money in their pocket.

For everyone else...a Bachelors is the new high school diploma. Get over it. It doesn't mean you know jack shit...it means you know how to do 'x' amount of work under pressure and have learned how to look up/research things in that field. It isn't until someone is pursuing a masters that I assume they know anything. Hell I know multiple elec engineers that I can dance circles around even though we have the same degree. I know people with CS degrees that I can out program even with no degree. A degree doesn't specialize you in anything, its why so many people *including myself* get a degree in one thing in college, do something else, and are still successful at it.

dont' short change yourself, get a degree in SOMETHING. It pays off multiple folds.
- :bluu:

[MaybeMemories]

I just got an Honours BSc in Computer Science and Software Engineering this year [thats Bachelor of Science, not BA - Bachelor of Arts] anyway what we've been told is that a Bachelors at this day in age is just like passing your Secondary school [no sure what thats in the US, senior high school ? :S] so one MUST do a Masters to go higher up the chain

so im doing Masters MSc in multimedia, then as a graduate i hope to get a job with 30K+ and i think 40-45K will take me 3 years ATLEAST

4 years in university
1 year work experience via univ
1 year masters

6 years and all i make is a measly 30k :( [euros btw, its 43k USD ;)]

[TheSix]

Remember folks - If all else fails, you can always push that rock.

--------------------

I'm thinking of transferring to a conservatory, but from what I read, you spend more money going there than you would making at a job afterwards.

[f_man]

So if anything... get your CPA over your Masters. Less time consuming and definitely less expensive.



this is AWESOME advice...if youre looking to maximize your time and money.

to the OP - since youre a history major, i dont know what your expectations for happiness are.


No degree guarantees a job. They only help you get one in the end. Your resume and who you are ALONG with the degree is what pushes you ahead of others. Coming from a better school helps, you can always tip things in your favor. Maybe your college has a partenership with a company that hires folks out of college but then again you might not have that opportunity.

Know people,network, get a mentor, search for my posts on SRK :), google that shit... Whatever you have to do to learn and get ahead of others.

-Epyonx

some of the best job advice available ^^


And yeah, public accounting is a field a person has to have their heart in... it's a high turnover rate field, and I never had an interest in joining a public accounting firm for a number of reasons.

As far as the OP, for education, I would think a degree would be required to teach at higher levels, and yeah, I would think a post-graduate degree would be required for teaching at a collegiate level.

why is there a high turnover in the consulting/accounting field?

and ive gotta question for the OP?

what are you genuinely interested in? what do you see yourself doing? do you see yourself specific people?

[Night]

why is there a high turnover in the consulting/accounting field?


As far as public accounting goes, from the feedback I've gathered, those that decide to leave within the first few yrs are for reasons of burnout, an unfavorable work/life balance (busy season can range from around 60-80 hrs per week) and take off as soon as they get their CPA licence to either join private industry or start up their own business. Those who end up staying are the ones who endure the heavy workload and do end up okay. Gotta have the stomach for it though.

[VI The Sixth]

As far as public accounting goes, from the feedback I've gathered, those that decide to leave within the first few yrs are for reasons of burnout, an unfavorable work/life balance (busy season can range from around 60-80 hrs per week) and take off as soon as they get their CPA licence to either join private industry or start up their own business. Those who end up staying are the ones who endure the heavy workload and do end up okay. Gotta have the stomach for it though.

Yup, I've been hearing the exact same thing.

Here are the "ranks" in public accounting if anyone is heading down this path. Job roles are for financial auditors only, but the ranks remain the same for anyone going into tax/IT/internal or financial audit.

1st year/New Associate - Everyone's bitch. You do the grunt work. And yes, you might have to go on coffee/lunch runs. You'll be doing 3 things: Mindless excel stuff (glorified data entry), auditing lesser complex accounts such as: cash, fixed assets, payroll etc. or internal audit work (SOX).
Note: Not sure which firms are offering this, but if you get your CPA or CISA within 1 year at PwC they give you a 5K bonus. The bonus diminishes as time goes on.

2nd year/Experienced Associate - Hey! 1st years are now your bitch. You still need to do grunt work.

Acting Senior - Heh, you're screwed. You have senior responsibilities and duties, but you're being paid as an associate. People usually get this "promotion" by their 2-3rd year. I've heard that it's unavoidable..

Senior - Hey, you can manage some people now.. (1st+2nd years) If you just got accepted into the Big 4 this year, you MUST get your CPA to be promoted to Senior. (Only know about California, don't know about any other places..) Along with reviewing associates work papers, you'll be dealing with complex areas such as equity and revenue.

Experienced Senior - Uh.. yeah it's Senior+. Some people quit here and go into private industry. (Managing people looks good on your resume..)

Manager - I've heard it takes anywhere from 5-6 years. Great, now you're a manager. You look over the people already listed above. You'll be reviewing everyone's workpapers. It's your ass if the partner sees any errors.

Managers connect with the client AND you have to please the partner. You're really in a rough spot, the partner wants you to finish as fast as possible (the faster you finish, the faster people can be working somewhere else, the more money you generate) but you can't do a fast and sloppy job because your client doesn't want this. Since everyone is paid salary (besides interns) you''ll basically be cracking the whip. Associates hate you, seniors probably will too, but you overwork their ass to please the client and the partner. People might not ever make it out of manager, some people usually quit and go into the private industry before getting here though..

Partner - 10+ years. Congratulations! You're rich.

The pay doesn't really scale too well for associate to manager. So yeah, I agree with Night that most people get their CPA and leave.

[orka]

it's all about dat MBA. but yea, like others have already said... having a bachelor's degree is pretty much standard these days. with few exceptions, you usually need a post-graduate degree if you want to be making middle income salary (60k - 90k).

i plan to do night school next year. :/