Considering finishing that degree...

I have applied to two different schools for admission into their Bachelor’s of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies for an Individualized online degree program. They include Metropolitan State University in Minnesota and Empire State College in New York.

 

I had to write an essay for application to admission for one of the schools. I thought I would share it with all of you as well.

 

“At this time, I serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Uganda until November 2008. I envision my future employers may be an international development/grant making foundation, an NGO, the United States Federal Government or self employment as a consultant. After living in Alaska for five years, I have become accustomed to the developing, rural areas and prefer a simple independent life living overseas while still holding on my American culture.

 

My professional experience includes work over six years with school districts, small non-profit organizations and at the State Government level. My dedication to service learning is demonstrated through pervious leadership positions with community based groups and student organizations. It is now, as a Peace Corps Volunteer, that I gain valuable experience in the international devolvement arena. 

 

An interdisciplinary degree, online from Empire State College, will allow me to practice a new disciple in learning, It will also bring together my life and work experiences into a cohesive degree; a degree that represents me, my future and my interdisciplinary strengths.

 

Entering as a transfer student with potential elective credits already in horticulture, education and social work – My interests are now aligned to  maximize my capacity for work in the international development and public administration arenas. This could include courses in grant monitoring and evaluation, programming for capacity building, organizational or workforce development.

 

Labor market information on America’s Job Bank shows an average increase of 21 % (in Michigan) for positions such as Social and Community Service Specialists with average salaries that can more than support my desired lifestyle. Because my interest are varied, yet connected, I appreciate the opportunity to self design my degree with a mentor for added guidance and value. Weather I pursue self employment, non-profit work or public service – I know adding value to my current skills and experience will prove to be an investment with dividends beyond my imagination.”

 

Sound open ended yet convincing? There are definite undertones of my work with the State of Alaska Department of Labor. One of the best things I got out of that professional experience was a practical approach to education and training as it relates to a real job. How much education and training is really needed to do the job you want to do?  I constantly ask myself this. That, and of course… How much will it cost ;)

 

I have done pretty well for someone who does not have a degree. There is a tipping point really between using the skills and experience you all ready have and can maybe build on through on-the-job training and that added value of a formal degree from academia. Maybe it’s the allure of a higher earning potential or prestige that causes so many to jump into degree programs at the Bachelor and Master’s level.

 

For me, it’s more of a cosmic alignment. If you remember from my previous post… I have three current goals. 1. live and work overseas. 2. have a home. 3. finish a degree. I never thought I may be able to accomplish all three by doing the Peace Corps. But, as my fate would have it, it just may be possible by starting an online degree while I’m here and using the re-settling in allowance for a potential down payment upon return. J