Decisions...decisions, Too many choices Options

[*J~M~G*]

Hi Ladies,

Well finally 5 years after leaving school...I'm ready to go to uni.

Only problem is I don't know which degree to do.

When I left school, I fell into a really good government job and have been there ever since. But now I want to start developing my career.

I want to choose something flexible as kids are definitely on the agenda (in about 3 years time).

My options right now are Psychology, Accounting or Business. I plan on doing this part time external with a 6 to 10 year long term goal.

Financially, I am unable to complete a degree on a full time basis so a double degree is out of the question although it is quite tempting.

I want to give myself a broad degree that gives me flexibility in a variety of areas.

At the moment I work in HR. It is very people orientated obviously and I do love the interaction.

However, I am also very good with numbers and quite enjoy working out problems, understanding complex money issues, etc.

I also like the broadness that a business degree could give me (potential to develop my own business or to continue in the corporate/government sector). I also know that I could specialise in Human Resources Management or Accounting.

Right now, I am leaning towards Psychology. I could see myself in the school counsellor/social worker role. I couldn't do clinical psychology and definitely not mental health (exclusively).

But I am someone who really gives all to my job and I worry that if I went down this path that I may become too emotionally involved in certain cases. (I presume that they probably give you training for these sort of situations though.)

But I know that accounting is potentially something I could do from home but in doing so, I would lose my permanent government job in going to work for an accounting firm and definitely receive a substantial reduction in pay.

The other thing that I considered was completing the Psychology degree and completing various courses relating to accounting over time. (So not getting a degree in accounting but furthering my knowledge in that field - ie. useful for tax time, personal finances, etc)

Well if you managed to get through that...Well Done!

Can someone please give me some guidance?

Has anyone done these degrees that could give me some ideas of course structure, electives, enjoyment in completing the degree, practical use of the degree in the workplace?

Any other information I should know???

TIA

Cheers

Jess

[ellemjaye]

I did a B-Bus (Accountancy) part time, and finished my degree in 2006. I don't think you can go past a business degree in terms of flexibility and opportunity (but I am biased!!). Really the doors are wide open as it's quite broad but also well regarded.

I don't think you could do *much* accountancy work from home that would be mentally stimulating and satisfying. Mostly it's just book-keeping and small business tax stuff that you'd be working on.

I work part time in an ex-govt company which has been good as they are flexible with days/hours etc and definitely support further study - I'm finishing my CPA at the moment. Is there potential for you to stay where you are while doing your degree and move over to a diff department as you get closer to graduating?

I guess if I was thinking Psych but to then pick up business subjects/grad dips later, I'd just go straight into business in the first place.

Have you seen a career counsellor? They might be able to help you

[AnA927]

Right now, I am leaning towards Psychology. I could see myself in the school counsellor/social worker role. I couldn't do clinical psychology and definitely not mental health (exclusively).

But I am someone who really gives all to my job and I worry that if I went down this path that I may become too emotionally involved in certain cases. (I presume that they probably give you training for these sort of situations though.)

Hi Jess,

While I can't give you any info about accounting/business, I can tell you something about psychology and also social work (even though you're not strictly considering social work).

With an undergraduate degree in psych, there's not much you can do with it to be honest. It doesn't give you the skills to go straight into counselling or anything like that. An undergraduate degree in psych does not provide practical skills to do hands on work (well not much of it). Most people who wish to pursue psych also do a masters. However I really did enjoy studying psych (not the statistics part though).

Social work is different and does build your skills in counselling and other streams of relevant work. However, it doesn't technically teach you skills in detaching yourself from complex cases. While you might learn some coping techniques, it is almost an innate skill you either have or you don't (you do become better at it).

Also, it can be difficult to find permanent social work-y jobs. Many jobs are contract (1 to 3 years), which can be unsettling for people (myself included).

Best of luck with your decision, I'd also suggest talking to a career counsellor and researching the courses you're interested in.

[*J~M~G*]

Hi ellemjaye,

You have given me much to think about...

I am now moving towards the business degree.

Do you know if it's possible for me to specialise in both Human Resources and Accounting or do I have to pick just one. (Maybe if I do a few more units)

Accounting as a degree I have almost ruled out - especially when I got my tax done today - that office did not look like a fun place to work... The accountant didn't help much either as he made out that it was the most boring job in the world... (just by his attitude - I didn't tell him that I was interested in possibly doing a degree in accounting.)

With the business degree I could stay where I am and move up the ladder. With the psychology degree I could stay with the organisation but obviously going into a different role (with better pay than I am on now).

I have seen a career counsellor (he was the one who suggested Psychology or Accounting) but I am still not quite sure what to do.

I am going to a career day at the uni next weekend so hopefully I may have a better idea after that...


ETA: Thanks for your insight Ana.I definitely want to be in a permanent job. I need that stability. By the sounds of it a business degree might give me the flexibility that I want.

[CookiesandCream]

Do you know if it's possible for me to specialise in both Human Resources and Accounting or do I have to pick just one. (Maybe if I do a few more units)

Yes that is what I am doing. Have to leave for a doctors appointment but I'll reply a bit more lately.

[*J~M~G*]

Hi Ladies,

Just thought I would update you with my decision.

I found out that I could do a double degree part time.

So I will be applying for a Bachelor of Accounting/Bachelor of Business (majoring in HR and Management - the units overlap).

It will take 8 years to complete.

I had a rethink about accounting and think that it would be something that I enjoy. (Our accountant has probably been in the job a bit too long )

By doing it this way, I really have the best of both worlds and would be able to make career changes if I wanted or needed to as well as having a broad knowledge of subjects at a tertiary level that I could use in any job.

I have turned completely off Psychology. After an experience the other day, I truly believe that I would find it far too mentally draining and I just don't think I want to put myself in that position and might not be cut out for it.

Also when I went to the uni open day one of the ladies in the psychology area I spoke to was NUTS!!! Really quite crazy and tried to start a debate with my friend and I about how unemployed people on Centrelink benefits should be getting much more money and how stuffed up the government is, etc, etc... (My friend was tempted to argue but I really think she may have been a few cents short of a dollar, the way she was speaking )

I have applied for the LIFT program at my local uni which will ensure direct entry (and I won't have to apply to QTAC) so all going to plan I should be starting my degree by March next year.

Thank you all for your advice.

Jess

[AK2]

Fantastic! You'll love study, 8 years sounds like a long time but it really does fly past.

All the best

[MrsBee]

Good luck hun ... it took me 8 years to finally enroll in a course that is only going to take me 6 years to complete. So I'm glad to hear you made a decision that is right for you (in a much shorter time!!). Have fun and I hope you enjoy it