AboutCynthia Wolfe Expertise Let me help you with questions about online programs and what is expected of an online student or instructor. I am an instructor as well as a student in an online program. If you are looking for a program or have questions about online learning 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 Hi Cynthia:
I am a 51 year old.I am just finishing my Associate Degree on Computer and Electronics Engineer Technology.If I need to bring home $75-90K per year,what would be my path education wise to prepare for such goal? Should aim higher?
By the way, I had selected you because the sharp and appropriate of your answers. I love to hear your point of view, also you need to know that my background is of Civil Engineer(I had receive transferred credits for all kind of math and physics know to mankind)I am education oriented and after got caught in Real Estate downfall my only goal is get a secure source of income. Should keep studying through Bachelors degree on Electronics and then pursue a Master?
Considering time is of the essence and monetary goal what would be my carrer path?
Thanks ahead Cynthia for taking time to search and answer my question
Merry Christmas!!
Answer Hello Jorge,
Thanks for your kind words and taking the time to ask a question. Let me first congratulate you on your Associate's degree! You and I are about the same age, so we understand the commitment and effort that you had to put into going back to school as an adult. An Associate's Degree is a great first step. I always advise my students to take the next step and earn a Bachelor's degree. This will set you apart from other job applicants! However, employers want to see EXPERIENCE, not just EDUCATION on your resume. I recommend that you find a job in IT as quickly as possible, and earn a Bachelor's while working. You can keep a Master's as a goal, but do not plan to merely go to school without working. The field you have chosen is very hands-on and requires experience to move up.
It's hard to say how much you will earn, especially not knowing your total work experience. I work at a big corporation and IT first level entrants can expect about $40-60K per year. That is short of your target but you can work up to your goal. If you have leadership, military, or management experience, this is always a plus. Many in this field are young and have no managerial experience so you could step into a managerial position and earn manager's premium (managers get paid more).
You ask, should you aim higher? I think you know my answer. Yes - always aim higher! You must have goals and aspirations for tomorrow in order to be a success today. A Bachelor's degree is certainly in your future. A Master's? I say to aim for it and see how your career builds. You may find that a Master's will not get you where you want to be. Instead, some form of continuing education or training by your employer may better suit your upward path.
I think you will be very successful in this field. You have maturity and no fear of the unknown. Let those things work in your favor as you move ahead in your career.
