I am 45 years old and currently working in the grocery business at store level. I am looking either to move up or move out of the business. Currently I have an AA in retail management. It is pretty useless unless you are lower level or departmental management. So I am applying to online degree programs to get my bachelor’s but cannot decide on a major. I would rather not do a general Business Admin degree, though that is mostly what is offered. I would rather do an Econ or Accounting degree, but cannot decide which would suit me better careerwise. Is it too late to start an accounting/business/econ career? If I stay in retail, which would do me more good?
In addition, choosing between Penn State, University Alabama Birmingham, Utah State, or Washington State, what would be your choice?
Thank You,
Greg
Hi Greg. For an on-line degree, I would choose the accounting major as it seems more of a terminable degree that can get you moved up more quickly in the workplace vs. an economics degree that would likely require an advanced degree and more education to make the most out of it. As Warren Buffett says, “accounting is the language of business”.
Out of your choices, I would also choose Penn State as it has the best reputation. After that either of your other choices are essentially the same academically.
I applaud you for wanting to continue your education. However, don’t go into huge debt for this. I’d hate to see you get your degree and then be saddled with large student loans and not be able to get a job that pays you more money.
I would also talk to your employer. See if there are any opportunities for advancement once you obtain the degree and if they would be willing to help subsidize. Never hurts to ask.
Good luck!
Thanks UCB, that pretty much agrees with my gut instinct on this. I like econ more, but at my age I need something a little more concrete. And Penn State is my number one choice. I have the same concerns financially. I want to get a degree but I do not know if I have enough time to get any real ROI. But to be honest just breaking even would be worth it.
My other option is to get a general Business Admin degree, but from what I can see these are less useful.
And as to my employer, there may be some opportunity there, but I am not sure how much they value degrees.