I pissed my 20's away in the military in an unrelated, but somewhat applicable, field.
I graduated with a CS degree in December. I was lucky enough to land a job locally during my senior year.
The truth is, I started as entry level despite all my other experience. I think I'm doing well, but that is only somewhat attributable to my past experiences in the job market. It is, of course, a factor when dealing with management, teams, leadership and all of the intangibles that are difficult to teach in classroom.
I also managed to do well in school, though that is more eye candy than anything. A strong factor in my success at my current position is the dynamic of the shop where I work. I think there are likely other management systems I would not do as well under. I also tend to take drinks from the fire hose on my own time, so that surely benefits my standing in the field.
My experience as an older grad is surely as unique as any. And I'd have to say a number of factors will determine how well your degree serves you, including your own level of motivation and the luck you have in finding the right entry level position.
I think you already know that you need the degree. If it's an option, I'd probably recommend going on for the graduate degree, and as others have said, getting as involved in a variety of projects while you pursue your studies.
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I pissed my 20's away in the military in an unrelated, but somewhat applicable, field.
I graduated with a CS degree in December. I was lucky enough to land a job locally during my senior year.
The truth is, I started as entry level despite all my other experience. I think I'm doing well, but that is only somewhat attributable to my past experiences in the job market. It is, of course, a factor when dealing with management, teams, leadership and all of the intangibles that are difficult to teach in classroom.
I also managed to do well in school, though that is more eye candy than anything. A strong factor in my success at my current position is the dynamic of the shop where I work. I think there are likely other management systems I would not do as well under. I also tend to take drinks from the fire hose on my own time, so that surely benefits my standing in the field.
My experience as an older grad is surely as unique as any. And I'd have to say a number of factors will determine how well your degree serves you, including your own level of motivation and the luck you have in finding the right entry level position.
I think you already know that you need the degree. If it's an option, I'd probably recommend going on for the graduate degree, and as others have said, getting as involved in a variety of projects while you pursue your studies.