This week on the OldPreMeds podcast, our student is looking to increase his GPA to be more competitive for med school. She wonders if she should start another degree or take more courses as part of her first degree.
This is actually a common question among non-trad people, especially for someone who is pseudo-non-trad: they are still in school but have decided at the last second to go in medical school.
You are probably in debt
A four-year degree can be very expensive. It is important to take into account the debt that you could incur by obtaining a second degree.
However, you may be able to skip general education courses with your first bachelor’s degree, which could reduce the number of credits you must take and pay. Additionally, a second bachelor’s degree may involve less debt than a master’s degree.
Career advancement
You may work in a profession that makes you happy and fulfilled. Depending on your career, a second bachelor’s degree can ensure you are up to date with advancements in your field. Or maybe you are looking to develop your skills to qualify for a promotion. For example, you might be a communications expert working in marketing. But, with advancements in the field and in technology, data is a bigger part of your job.
Then you might want to learn data analysis. You could achieve this feat by earning a second degree in computer science.
Have you been out of work for a long time due to a disability, a family emergency, childbirth or for any other reason? Things change every day in the world of work. So when you’re ready to re-enter the workforce, you may face some competition for your dream job. This is why many students choose to pursue a second degree. In this way, they can re-enter the labor market in a good position to find a job because they have the necessary qualifications.
HND/basic degree
What is a basic degree? The Higher National Diplomas (HND) and Foundation Diplomas are work-based Level 5 courses equivalent to two years of college. They can either continue directly into a career or be “retired” with further studies to obtain a full degree.
How long will it last? A full-time HND/graduate undergraduate course will take approximately two years, while part-time courses will take longer.
Evolution in a current field
Due to changes in the industry, professionals may find themselves in a profession that challenges them to develop new skills to meet the needs of their career.
Some students choose a second degree while others decide to do a master’s degree. Students should review their goals to determine the best option while continuing their education.