Just wanted to share that I graduated last Thursday from DeVry University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Technical Management. I also want to give public "Thank You" to Rebecca Erickson (aka Medriver99's better half) for injecting the idea in my head to go back to college after 9 years.

Heres what happened: Cruise In-8 May 07...Rebecca and I somehow got into the subject about school. I told her I dropped out of college in 1998 and took a shortcut for computer training at Chubb Institute of Technology. I have been working full time ever since I finished chubb and just never thought of going back for a college degree. She told me immediately that my market value can double if I have a degree under my belt. Of course I replied by saying eff that, I dont like school and I was never good at college courses. She still told me it will be one of the best things I can do for myself and will be amazed on where my career can go.

For the remainder of that summer, it kind of stuck to my head. I realized I dont do anything after work, no wife, no kids, no real priorities so I technically have the time. In August I discovered many accredited schools now offer online classes which is perfect for me because I work full time M-F and i dont want to commute to school at night. The next thing I knew im registered at Devry in Sept 07! I was able to transfer the 35 credits I took 9 years ago. I also found myself more focused in my courses and I actually liked the classes! At first it was a little tough adapting to a change in my lifestyle from going home doing nothing to reading chapters and doing homework. But you know what...After a few weeks I got used to it and it never bothered me again. For the next 2 years I knocked out all of the course requirements ending up with a 3.7 GPA. When I was in school, I told myself after this, im done with school forever....nope! I decided to pursue my masters degree in Information Systems Management which begins Jan 7. I figured I might as well go for it as todays job market is so competitive it can only give me an edge and get me the position I want. My goal is to make CIO someday

So there you have it...If you are thinking about changing careers or just never finished college, give it a shot! Its never too late to go back to school!

 

Congradulations Ike. Good for you. After HS, I bounced around in the construction trades. I was living in florida, and decided to look into being a marine mechanic, taking classes at night at the county vo-tech center. That class was full, but electrical apprentice level 1 was open. I signed up, took a job as an apprentice, did my 4 yrs at night, became a journey man, blah, blah blah 26yrs later, here I am. Been in business for myself since 1990. Don't give up, finish what your started, you're never too old to learn.

 

Congratulations Ike!

You did a great thing! You'll have that masters soon!

I see a new ZR1 in your future!

Lank

 

Congratulations, way to stick to it and finish.
Always remember, some succeed because they are destined to, but most succeed because they are determined to. Ya did good

 

Copngrats

Job well done.

 

Congratulations you made are making some awesome decisions with your life.

I hated school and worked 10 years before heading back to college at night, it took me the better part of 10 years to get my degree in Information Technology. The first few courses were the hardest but once I got into my major I really enjoyed taking classes. I found both interesting and because I was able to apply in my daily work I was even more driven to learning.

Keep up the good work I hope you reach your goal of becoming a CIO someday.

 

Congrats!

 

That's all good stuff Ike. I've taken some classes at night as well. You really are so much more focused on what you are doing, and why you are doing this, when you return as an adult for classes. Congratulations on what you have acheived, and what you will be acheiving in the future.

 

Congradulations and best of luck, Ike.

 

Good work Ike.

 

Congratulations Ike! College is always a good thing, even though yes I agree you do not need it to become successful in life.

 

Thanks everyone! I appreciate it!

 

you know, that's a really uplifting post. good for you and many congrats!

 

Great life story Ike!! Good on you! Your perceptiveness and self discipline will reward you for the rest of your life.




I see a very heavily modded ZR1 in your future. Congrats!

 

Great Job...... You'll be very surprised at the doors that open once you have a Master's Degree.

 

Well said

But also you may need it to get where you want to go

Thanks, i posted it in case there may be others in a similar situation and is on the fence on going back to school.

Thanks alot! yes my latest dream car!

 

Congrats Ike!!

I'm a Chubb alum as well. I went right to work after high school and eventually I went to community college part time for a year and a half but realized I needed to work full time.

Several years later I went to Chubb and got hired by Chubb upon graduation. One of the first jobs they sent me on, the client stole me away from Chubb and I have been earning a great living ever since. I was always nagged by the fact that I didn't completely my bachelors and decided last year to make a earnest run at finishing it up. I'm ~70+ credits in so far.

Good for you!!

 

Congratulations Ike, you'll see that this will open so many doors for you in the future!!

 

Congrats!! I can imagine it wouldn't be the easiest thing to do with all the distractions that are part of life. Nice job!

Best of success to you!!

 

Congratulations

Best of luck .You can be very PROUD of yourself.
Rebecca read your post with a happy tear in her eye,she is so glad
to have had that conversation with you.


Mike & Rebecca

ZR1 in the futureI am in trouble