Education enhancement for a better CV

[TotalControl]

Not sure where to start with this.

I feel I am lacking in education. No, I don't think I'm thick or anything. I just feel that I need to do something which will look better on paper (my CV) and stay academically astute. I never went to University and never completed my A - Levels due to personal commitments. I have 11 GCSE's all A-C but at 26 feel a bit annoyed that I never properly took out the time to study.

I am currently doing a MCSE certified course, which, to be honest, isn't really a proper qualification but I enjoy it and it is related to the sector I wish to work in and also is greatly linked to my business.

I would like to do something that is not A -Level (I hated these) or Degree (too long). Something business based as my current course will fulfil the IT gap I have waiting to go on my CV. As I have now set up my own business I thought it would be a good enough reason to gain some business based qualifications.

I would really prefer the course to have no exams, as I am much better at coursework. Are there any courses that offer 100% coursework? So, would something like a BTEC national diploma thingy in business and/or management fit the bill? (Not looked into this yet)

Really after some good advice alongside personal experiences chaps. I feel like I'm getting dumber.

[bogie]

unless you are going to do an MBA from a top business school, I really wouldnt worry about it too much

I know many VPs and Director level people in big public companies that have nothing more than 5 O levels (inc myself) ...usually sucess is built on experience, attitude, and results, not what you did at school 20 years ago in an exam

naturally its always harder to suceed without the bits of paper that open so many doors when you are younger, but I reckon once you are over 25, it becomes more results/experienced based...especially in the IT world e.g I know people with multiple degrees, that have never made it further than a mediocre job on the bottom rungs of a giant corporate, and others who are multi millionaire business owners that cant even read/write very well, because someone labelled them "dyslexic" at school

Manufacturer certs are a good way of validating experience in your relevant field of expertise, and again are really door openers; they are devalued these days as so many people have done them (a bit like academic exams, when some think a modern A level paper is equiv to a 20 yr old O level one)

Actually the BTEC National in business was pretty good - I did one on day release 24 years ago it gave me a basic understanding in all aspects of running a small business..I have no idea what its like now ....

If you are working for yourself, its pretty much a case of self education, I would also check our your local college and see what they offer that would fit, other than there are loads of business books that can help with particular areas

so dont get too hung up on not having a degree ...

[Stevenj214]

What industry are you in? I'd be looking at professional qualifications if available.

[TotalControl]

Stevenj214 said:

What industry are you in? I'd be looking at professional qualifications if available.

If that was aimed at me, then I'm currently at Costco, but trying to find a job back into the IT support stages (will need to start from scratch really). If it was towards bogie, then i think he's already stated too.

Bogie - I do indeed read and try my best to keep myself up to date with as much as possible, but I just feel there is no value to paperless ability.

I will try and see if I can do a BTEC after my MCSE on behalf of my company but am not sure if this is possible?

[AJS-]

Unless you want to do a vocational degree I wouldn't worry about it career wise. From a personal growth point of view (and perhaps confidence?) then I think it's very worthwhile, but at 26 that would mean taking 3 years out of your career at a fairly important stage.

[TotalControl]

AJS- said:

Unless you want to do a vocational degree I wouldn't worry about it career wise. From a personal growth point of view (and perhaps confidence?) then I think it's very worthwhile, but at 26 that would mean taking 3 years out of your career at a fairly important stage.

I wouldn't mind doing it part time at college though. One night a week? And yes, you hit the nail on the head there. It is for personal confidence.