AboutCynthia Wolfe Expertise Let me help you with questions about adult education and continuing education programs. If you are looking for a program or have questions about adult education in general, I can guide you. If you are a teacher looking for new ideas or methods, I can help. I have resources and ideas to share. I am a member of the National Business Education Association (NBEA), a professional organization devoted to the recognition that business education competencies are essential for all individuals in today's fast-changing society.
Experience I am an instructor at the University of Phoenix, working in online and classroom modalities. I am also a student at Northcentral University, where I am working on a PhD in Business Administration, with a specialty in Management. My MBA is from Troy University, 2001, and I have a BS, Environmental Science, from Troy University, 1980. Read about my experiences as an online student at my blog thinkPhD.
Question I have three associates degrees in Computer Information Systems, Business Administration, and Welding and a Bachelor's degree in Math with Computer Science. I have a felony (embezzlement) and am wanting to start a new career path. I am willing to start working on any masters program but have obvious roadblocks to many careers. I would like to teach or work with people. Do you have any suggestions of degrees I can work toward that I would actually be able to find employment with my background?
Answer Hi Pete,
Thanks for asking a question. Now its my turn to ask a few.
You have a difficult path because many jobs will not accept those with criminal backgrounds. It is a great that you have so many degrees; have you used any of them in a job? Most employers require "a" degree, but then additional ones mean little. After showing that you have "a" degree, they want to see work history - do you have work history to round out your qualifications? I think that will be key.
Again, on applications, you often have to describe the crime. You should never hide it. While you were incarcerated, did they have any programs to help you get a job once released? Did any tests indicate where your strong points were?
You must have a bachelor's to start the master's, so your only bachelor's is Math with Computer Science. Unless you want to take more courses and get a bachelors in Bus Admin (to work on an MBA), I think Math or Computer Science is your best option.
The economy is poor right now so it will be difficult to find a job because of the competition from others. However, you sound like a well-educated and strong person that is willing to look adversity in the eye. You may need to find a position that demands lower qualifications, just to get in the door and prove you are a good worker.
Good luck with your search,
Cindy Wolfe
www.thinkPhD.com
