How does this sound for a 40 year old back to school plan?

College Majors
1

Hello,

I am finding it necessary to go back to school to better my financial situation. However, since I have to continue to work and pay for my daughter to go to college this year, I can only do a maximum of an associate’s degree. I have a degree in medical office assistance, but am looking to broaden my employability. There really isn’t anywhere for me to go within my area that seems the least bit interesting or pays well. I was thinking of getting an associate’s degree in business and completing a certificate program in Employment and Labor Laws. I am hoping to get an entry level HR position and work my way up from there. However, I am hoping the degree will allow me to get other entry level positions as well if necessary, such as bookkeeping, accounts receivable, etc. Any opinions on this? I know business degrees aren’t the best way to go, but it’s the quickest way I can see to work towards getting a HR job.

2

What is your goal? Do you want to work in HR or do you just want to get any associate’s degree that will increase your earning power? Because I can think of a couple of other associate’s degrees (all medical in nature) that have better job prospects and earning power than an associate’s in business.

I think you should look at the job ads in your area. Do any of them ask for associate’s degrees in business for entry-level positions in HR?

3

I’ve actually been seeing quite a few jobs asking for associate’s in business. Granted, most will be entry level, but I am willing to start there and work my way up. I have an associate’s in medical office assistance now, but am only making around 12/hr, and it doesn’t get much higher than that.