<p>I'm a 24 (soon to be 25) year old South African male with a 3 year Bachelor of Commerce (major in Information Systems) degree from a local university. Unfortunately, I feel my time there was wasted. I didn't learn all that much and in no way was I passionate about what I was doing. During my time there I taught myself photography and web design on the side and post-graduation have been working in those fields. </p>
<p>I'm now looking to come to the US to further my studies in the field of business, to learn what I should have learned first-time around. Unfortunately I'm not at all sure what to study. While a Bachelors in Business (majoring in Entrepreneurship) sounds appealing, I feel that doing another full (4 year) bachelors degree would be seriously demoralizing as I'd be fairly old upon entering and would only finish when I'm about 29. Also, being quite a bit older than everyone else in my class would probably make finding a job considerably harder afterwards as employers (from my experience) tend to favor young recruits. Not withstanding the fact that another 4 years of education, especially in the USA, would be REALLY expensive and I'm not sure it would be worth it either. On the other hand, I don't feel that I'm at all ready for an MBA. </p>
<p>I'm really in a pickle here and have no idea what to do. Is there anyone who has any experience with a situation similar to this and would be able to provide some advice/insight? Perhaps someone knows how universities would treat someone who already holds a bachelors degree and is looking to do a second, or whether there are accelerated bachelors+masters degrees? Any advice is really appreciated.</p>
<p>Living in the USA is something I have wanted since I was about 3 years old (I have visited about 7 times). Unfortunately there's no viable way apparent to me of accomplishing this dream, so studying there for several years is my only option at the moment. </p>
<p>I’m not really sure what my end-goal is to be honest. That’s a big chunk of the problem. My dream is to live in the US and start a business, but unfortunately that can’t be realized at the moment. While that’s unachievable, I figure I should at least learn the skills to make that possible when I do find a way to live there.</p>
<p>I’m not exactly sure of the amount I can afford to spend at the moment. My father is offering to lend me the money for a large chunk of the cost, so long as it’s ‘reasonable’. I guess around $30k a year would be along those lines. How likely is it that a private college would offer funding?</p>
<p>My college grades were pretty decent. I know that I ranked in the top 15% of my class, but I’m not sure of the exact ranking as our university doesn’t give that info out. Also, we don’t have GPA’s here. I’d have to get the grades converted to the US standard.</p>
<p>Getting funding for a second bachelors or an MBA program beyond loans would be highly unlikely. Without knowing your goal you could spend a lot of money without a payback. </p>
<p>A masters degree of some kind would probably make the most sense, but again, you should be fairly clear on what type of work you would be seeking to make a good choice.</p>
<p>I would suggest that you get some career counseling and set some goals before looking at next education steps.</p>
<p>I know that I have a very keen interest in entrepreneurship and have had since I was quite young. I started my first business selling computers when I was around 15 years old. Building that business was something I truly loved and to this day still love. Add to that the fact that great entrepreneurs/businessmen are the people in this world I admire most.</p>
<p>I’ve always thought career counselors to be a bit of a waste. How can you know whether you will truly enjoy something until you actually try it, right? That said, I should probably go see one nonetheless, just to see what they have to say. Not entirely sure how one goes about finding one though, but I’ll take a look.</p>
<p>It’s a pity you say that it’s highly unlikely I’ll get any funding for a second degree. Why is that?</p>
<p>I agree. I have worked with several and have not found their services very useful. The most they do is tailor your resume/CV yet another way, and figure that you will now find that perfect job.</p>
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<p>US economy right now is pretty horrible. A lot of aid to foreign students has been withdrawn for advance degrees.</p>
<p>IMO, your real dilemma is that you don’t know what you want to do. Sounds like you like sales though, and that is good. I would suggest you find a job doing sales that has an international flavor or dealings, especially with the US. Doing so may help you find work in the US, which implies a visa and eventually sponsorship for citizenship, after which you can start your own company.</p>
<p>Also, I don’t think a degree in entrepreneurship makes any sense. Entrepreneurship is attitude towards risk, this isn’t something you teach this is something you acquire and do. Like you said, if you want to know if you like something you try it.</p>
<p>Does that include those of us with 3 year bachelors who are looking to further our study in in another undergrad degree? I’m assuming I’d get some transfer credit from my previous degree.</p>
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<p>I’m just so damn sick of this country, that the thought of sticking it out for another year or 2 absolutely kills me. That’s why I want to study in the US.</p>
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<p>Right. I’d probably benefit more by doing something finance-related then, so I understand better that side of the business. I agree that starting a business isn’t really something that need be taught.</p>
<p>The money issue is hard in the best of times. There’s simply very little of it for internationals and no college is going to give it for a second bachelors. Even for Americans, the second degree is typically on them. And masters programs offer little aid and almost none for internationals. This is not a practical plan if you need money.</p>