HWTK - University for old dogs

[out_in_front]

activeman - plenty of science done on the subject - sure we can still learn, esp if we are interested and motivated, but we tend to not be quite the info sponges we were up to that point...

I agree with the group projects comment though.. had plenty of those experiences.

[agrid]

I'm over 50 and find that my problem solving skills are as good as ever but my memory isn't so sometimes I end up solving a problem a second time, halfway through I remember that I've done this before.

A tertiary education is not just about the piece of paper or the information learn, that may or may not be relevant to your employment. Tertiary studies also teach you how to think, organize yourself and problem-solve; all thing that help in any career and life in general.

[Gippo]

By all means share away, I'm trying to garner as much feedback to help me make an informed decision as possible.....

PM sent.

[Luke]

Which industry are you referring to?

Government

[Morgs]

Just a thought Harro but, have you spoken to HR or similar about sponsored training?
I don't know if it's available, used to be that they sponsored you for 'x' years training for 'x' years employment from you.

Never having worked for a big company I'm not sure how it works but seems rather insane that they expect a degree....I have a degree, do I use it in my field of work? No! I got there by learning on the job and proving my abilities - however perhaps I've just been lucky. Experience should be of more importance, however there are places that are short sighted and value a piece of paper over know how...

Many of the managers I've known over the years couldn't organise their way out of a wet paper bag, so I do question the need for a degree. However as others have suggested, definitely look into any opportunities that your company may provide for training options, sponsorship - make it clear you are interested in investing your time in that direction - and them! There are a lot of courses out there that I know managers have done whilst in a position already that I would have thought they'd need to have done before having the job, so there could be something beyond a "degree" that you can consider.

Are there any mentor programs? If not, approach someone in that area that you think does a good job and let them know that you admire their skillset and abilities, seek advice and perhaps ask that they mentor you...they may be flattered and help steer you right. Networking can be a lot of wank, but done right can advance you if the company is set up for that sort of thing.

At the end of the day, ask lots of questions - if it's a big company then look at their main website and see what opportunities might be mentioned there.

Not sure if that's helpful, but best of luck and be sure to look into all avenues, something may well pay off without the rigmarole of a full degree.

^^ What they said ^^

Most big organisations have some kind of management development plan, BHP will be no different.

This sort of thing should be discussed with your line management in the first instance, and then maybe HR. (I would have thought it would be part of your annual review?). Have a look around on the internal website to see if you can find anything about such programs. You will get more credit if you can find out more about it first, before approaching them.

You may find that they will sponsor you to do a management diploma, and this would be a good way of finding out whether studying on a part time basis suits you. The very fact that you are proactively looking for career development should alert managers up the line that you are looking for more opportunities to demonstrate your abilities. If you want to go on and do a degree, the diploma can sometimes count towards units of the degree, and you can still carry on and do a degree anyway.

You may find that they turn you down. This could happen for a variety of reasons:
- You may have made yourself indispensable in your current role - great for job security, awful for promotion. If that is the case, start grooming someone in your team to take over from you.
- There is also the possibility that they don't think you are management material. If that is the case you have a choice, prove them wrong (which may mean going to another organisation), or settle for what you have and enjoy life.

Not sure what Gippo's issue was with Curtin, but their Business School has a pretty good reputation.

Cheers,

Morgs

[shmoo]

I have a degree, do I use it in my field of work? No!

Same for me in my line of work.

I got there by learning on the job and proving my abilities - however perhaps I've just been lucky. Experience should be of more importance, however there are places that are short sighted and value a piece of paper over know how...

I think for the VAST majority of jobs, unless you have what is (often arbitrarily) considered the minimum degree requirements, then you wont even get through to the interview stage. People know that you learn most of what you need, on the actual job but that doesn't change the fact that you need a piece of paper with a degree next to your name, or you don't ever have a chance of getting past first base.

[ReCon]

After seeing what I did getting off the bus on hot days at UWA, there is no way an old dog will be able to concentrate on any sort of educational enrichment

[Cosimo_Zaretti]

I dropped out of uni, mainly because I didn't have my shit together and still had a lot of growing up to do. In hindsight I also didn't really see any future out of the qualifications I was getting, so I was mainly going through the motions.

Coming into it as an adult with a proper work ethic and organisational skills you'll probably do well. You should have some idea why you're doing this, and you won't be distracted by all sorts of bullshit that's somehow important when you're 21.

[Phildo]

After seeing what I did getting off the bus on hot days at UWA, there is no way an old dog will be able to concentrate on any sort of educational enrichment

The first thing that you learn is that you were born 20-30 years too late.

[ReCon]

The first thing that you learn is that you were born 20-30 years too late.

What if I ,like, do some push-ups or summink??

[Texm78]

Harro,
Completed a masters in mining industry management
Via UNSW while working in WA a couple of years ago.
Highly recommend the block study format and entry isn't too difficult if you have half a brain. PM me if you'd like more info

[roadtrain]

If you were really that smart Harro - you would quit ya job - go on the sausage roll - & go surfing all day long - now thats the life - no stress - no bosses - mega beach babes !!!

[Cosimo_Zaretti]

Yeah the mega beach babes tend to lose interest in guys who are still living in their van smoking bongs in their 60s. Apart from that it's a good plan.

[GreenMeanie]

Go for it Harro.

I attended TAFE and Uni for 4 years in the early 90's. Absolutely loved it.
I wanted to be there, I wanted to learn and strangely enough I wasn't treated like a child.(Not sure if this wasn't THEIR only failing).
My last 2 years at High School (1974 - 76) were terrible. I didn't want to be there, I didn't know what I wanted to do. I started each morning with a visit to the Principal's Office and the day only got worse from there in. More often than not Ruapuna Raceway was my classroom.

The silly things we do when we are young...... CRAP! Still doing them!