How many of you agree with the WGU advertisement IT online degree?

puppy001

YouTube - What do you need to earn your IT degree online?

How many of you agree with the WGU advertisement IT online degree?

erpadmin

puppy001 wrote: »

YouTube - What do you need to earn your IT degree online?

How many of you agree with the WGU advertisement IT online degree?

I agree with elements from all of them, but I'm more relatable with the second guy, followed by the first (even with him being 10 years on the phone in the same job....), followed by the mom at the end and then the dad.

That spot can definitely be condensed into a real 30 second spot though for TV with one person highlighting all of those points.

tpatt100

I used to think the first guy had issues if hes doing the help desk for 10 years but now a days I realize not all help desk jobs offered the same opportunities for advancement mine did.

ssampier

I'm not a WGU student, but it's an okay video. It rambles a little for the ADD suffers among us

For a real TV spot they would need to differentiate themselves from the for-profit career colleges out there.

Like this one:

YouTube - Get the education you need to get on with your life

Edit:

That poor guy, stuck at Tier 1 Helpdesk. You think with some certs he'd be Tier 2 by now.

apena7

tpatt100 wrote: »

I used to think the first guy had issues if hes doing the help desk for 10 years but now a days I realize not all help desk jobs offered the same opportunities for advancement mine did.

Where I work it's common for people to stay 4-6 years on the help desk. This is mostly because some people aren't in love with technology and simply look at it as a job (working just for a paycheck) instead of a career (working towards the next step). There are also a few who would prefer staying on the help desk because they actually like it or are comfortable being the big fish in the small pond.

veritas_libertas

apena7 wrote: »

Where I work it's common for people to stay 4-6 years on the help desk. This is mostly because some people aren't in love with technology and simply look at it as a job (working just for a paycheck) instead of a career (working towards the next step). There are also a few who would prefer staying on the help desk because they actually like it or are comfortable being the big fish in the small pond.

Yup, I also commonly see folks that would like to move up, but have no motivation to study for certifications or get a degree.

jahsoul

veritas_libertas wrote: »

Yup, I also commonly see folks that would like to move up, but have no motivation to study for certifications or get a degree.

I see your signature.....

Welcome to the dark side!

veritas_libertas

jahsoul wrote: »

I see your signature.....

Welcome to the dark side!

Thanks!

snokerpoker

I think the school is great but this ad is sub par. Looks very low budget. It still might be pretty effective as the scenarios are spot on. I'm sure it will attract new students, I just think it looks a bit cheese ball.

tpatt100

ssampier wrote: »

I'm not a WGU student, but it's an okay video. It rambles a little for the ADD suffers among us

For a real TV spot they would need to differentiate themselves from the for-profit career colleges out there.

Like this one:

YouTube - Get the education you need to get on with your life

Edit:

That poor guy, stuck at Tier 1 Helpdesk. You think with some certs he'd be Tier 2 by now.

I hate those commercials, not him exactly but the "type" of commercials. There was an Emmett one where he says something like "think going to school will take forever? Four to six years is going to come no matter what you do".

The problem is these types of schools and the commercials are aimed at the people who can least afford to go to school or lack the skills needed to succeed. They sell the idea that going to school=good job=success to people who will take pell grants and student loans that they can get no matter what and do not teach the whole package where going to school is just one part of the equation for a better job.

My wife's cousin bought into this, took out a ton of student loans and went to University of Phoenix, graduated and is still not making any money. Well dang when the economy is depressed there are less opportunities for entry level positions so you graduate with student loan debt making the same money you were making before....

erpadmin

snokerpoker wrote: »

I think the school is great but this ad is sub par. Looks very low budget. It still might be pretty effective as the scenarios are spot on. I'm sure it will attract new students, I just think it looks a bit cheese ball.

I've seen great ads from UoP and Walden on TV. WGU needs ads like those on TV. This isn't a TV spot though as it's over two minutes and needs to be 30 seconds (and the message can be done in 30 seconds with elements from all of them....not that hard).

apena7

erpadmin wrote: »

I've seen great ads from UoP and Walden on TV. WGU needs ads like those on TV. This isn't a TV spot though as it's over two minutes and needs to be 30 seconds (and the message can be done in 30 seconds with elements from all of them....not that hard).

In some ways, I would like to see more WGU ads, but I'm also glad they don't spend TOO much money on advertisements. I would much rather have them spend that money on more mentors and student resources.

Arysta

I thought the part with the woman in the bathroom was really odd/awkward. I'm a woman, and I didn't identify with that at all because I don't have kids. I'm so tired of the "all women have kids" stereotype.

Most of it was pretty awkward, actually. I'm a little embarrassed for them haha.

I just started at WGU, and I wish they wouldn't advertise much at all. I know a lot of people who automatically look down on schools who are all over the TV. I know all colleges have some sort of advertising campaign, but online schools still have that money-maker stigma. WGU should really emphasize the fact that they're a non-profit school... that was one of the biggest things that pulled me in.

ssampier

tpatt100 wrote: »

I hate those commercials, not him exactly but the "type" of commercials. There was an Emmett one where he says something like "think going to school will take forever? Four to six years is going to come no matter what you do".

The problem is these types of schools and the commercials are aimed at the people who can least afford to go to school or lack the skills needed to succeed. They sell the idea that going to school=good job=success to people who will take pell grants and student loans that they can get no matter what and do not teach the whole package where going to school is just one part of the equation for a better job.

My wife's cousin bought into this, took out a ton of student loans and went to University of Phoenix, graduated and is still not making any money. Well dang when the economy is depressed there are less opportunities for entry level positions so you graduate with student loan debt making the same money you were making before....

In a sense, I was like that. Neither of my parents have a four-year degree. I was planning to going to private for-profit trade school to earn my business and technology degrees. I stopped short after seeing the yearly cost. I figured I could get a real degree that transfers for cheaper.

I do regret not working more while in school, however.

erpadmin

apena7 wrote: »

In some ways, I would like to see more WGU ads, but I'm also glad they don't spend TOO much money on advertisements. I would much rather have them spend that money on more mentors and student resources.

---

Successful Marketing Campaign = More Enrollment

More Enrollment = More Money

More Money = More Resources (e.g. mentors, Labsims, maybe some Transcenders, improved IT infrastructure...though I won't hold my breath)

More Resources = Better Chances for Student Retention

---

Personally, I would focus on public transportation ads in all major metropolitan centers across the US.

The fact that WGU's tuition is cheaper than the cheapest state 4 year university in most states is a HUGE selling point for a number of people. TV media is ok too, but you gotta really target the demographic well...and I'm sure a list from Nielsens could be supplied to the marketing team at WGU.

erpadmin

ssampier wrote: »

I do regret not working more while in school, however.

Why would you?!

I don't want my niece touching so much as a part time job, let alone full time employment while she works on her degree. I want her to have the best shot of finishing instead of doing what her mother (my sister) and I had to do (work and disregard college).

ssampier

erpadmin wrote: »

Why would you?!

I don't want my niece touching so much as a part time job, let alone full time employment while she works on her degree. I want her to have the best shot of finishing instead of doing what her mother (my sister) and I had to do (work and disregard college).

This is actually the reason I didn't work. I was concerned about not finishing.

I actually meant like helpdesk jobs and internships to improve my resume. My resume graduating from college was pretty spare. There's only so many ways you to try to make "burger boy" summer jobs look interesting

erpadmin

ssampier wrote: »

This is actually the reason I didn't work. I was concerned about not finishing.

I actually meant like helpdesk jobs and internships to improve my resume. My resume graduating from college was pretty spare. There's only so many ways you to try to make "burger boy" summer jobs look interesting

Trust me, you'll be fine.

I tell this to anyone with a BS (or even a BA)....I would trade my career for a Bachelor's. (major is irrelevant...liberal arts, engineering, basketweaving, whatever...as long as it's from a regionally accredited university, a Bachelor's in Mayan Folk Dancing can be sold....lmao).

I would still come out ahead in that deal and within two years, if I did nothing to earn a degree I'd see six figures.

Point is, yeah internships are nice, but the fact that you earned a degree AND have relevant work experience already....you didn't need them. The value of a Bachelor's is really important to go up to the next level. (Not so much to get the job....just go to the next level).

ssampier

I want to see erpadmin take Mayan Folk Dancing. Somehow I think you'd be a natural.

I am glad WGU is around for you, though. You can work full time, get some certs, and get your degree.

puppy001

man i wish i went to uni i just have certs and work experience, i lack exprrience i wissh i listened to my teachers and finished my education.

erpadmin

puppy001 wrote: »

man i wish i went to uni i just have certs and work experience, i lack exprrience i wissh i listened to my teachers and finished my education.

You don't have to wish. Life happens sometimes, but you can always go back.

snokerpoker

tpatt100 wrote: »

I hate those commercials, not him exactly but the "type" of commercials. There was an Emmett one where he says something like "think going to school will take forever? Four to six years is going to come no matter what you do".

The problem is these types of schools and the commercials are aimed at the people who can least afford to go to school or lack the skills needed to succeed. They sell the idea that going to school=good job=success to people who will take pell grants and student loans that they can get no matter what and do not teach the whole package where going to school is just one part of the equation for a better job.

My wife's cousin bought into this, took out a ton of student loans and went to University of Phoenix, graduated and is still not making any money. Well dang when the economy is depressed there are less opportunities for entry level positions so you graduate with student loan debt making the same money you were making before....

I totally agree with this. I saw this happen at a local college I went to for a vocational program in IT. Some people in my classes were sold on the fact that you didn't need to know anything about computers, that they would teach you everything. All of these folks were older ( in their late 30's to mid 40's) and were working in some crappy job not making much money. While I understood why they were there, some of them just did not want to put in the effort to learn anything and eventually crashed and burned out of the courses. After that, they were in debt and had to continue to pay the school even though they failed to learn anything. It is sad that these types of ads and many marketing campaigns are aimed at people like this.

Arysta

erpadmin wrote: »

Why would you?!

I don't want my niece touching so much as a part time job, let alone full time employment while she works on her degree. I want her to have the best shot of finishing instead of doing what her mother (my sister) and I had to do (work and disregard college).

When it comes down to it, you need both education and experience. I think it's ideal to be able to do both at once. If a young student can carry a part time job related to their major (unrelated experience is pretty worthless), they have a MUCH better chance of getting a job when they graduate than those who don't. Obviously, if the young student has parental support and doesn't have to support themselves, that's ideal and they can work a very limited amount. Employers don't care that college grads only worked 15 hrs a week... they just care that they did it. Unless someone's carrying an absolutely ridiculous amount of credits, there is plenty of time to have a part time job.

earweed

jahsoul wrote: »

I see your signature.....

Welcome to the dark side!

You got it backwards..MS is the darkside. Cisco is bright shining light.

earweed

I liked the WGU ad. I really hate all these ads practically promising the high paying jobs and the lifestyle to go with it. I had several people working BELOW me at non IT jobs who had ITT and UOP degrees.

erpadmin

Arysta wrote: »

When it comes down to it, you need both education and experience. I think it's ideal to be able to do both at once. If a young student can carry a part time job related to their major (unrelated experience is pretty worthless), they have a MUCH better chance of getting a job when they graduate than those who don't. Obviously, if the young student has parental support and doesn't have to support themselves, that's ideal and they can work a very limited amount. Employers don't care that college grads only worked 15 hrs a week... they just care that they did it. Unless someone's carrying an absolutely ridiculous amount of credits, there is plenty of time to have a part time job.

My niece has my sister, my parents and now me (plus her brother if I need him to throw some bucks her way). [Her dad is pretty much out of the picture.] She has no excuse to not finish college. The only thing I stress to her is to never miss class. We're not concerned about her finding a job after college because she'll most likely be a teacher. She is pretty much the best candidate (in my family) to finish in 4 years (she'll be doing summers too). I wish I didn't "work" when I was in college, as I probably would have had the degree by now. BUT...I also might not have been in IT, either....catch 22. The mistakes I and my sister made in college and life are those I want her to avoid and I try to put the fear of God into her so that she graduates. After the degree, even if it takes 10-20 years to find a job, it's really ok (and believe me, it won't be anywhere near that long between the contacts I have and my sister, plus my own niece's resourcefulness).

Arysta

erpadmin wrote: »

My niece has my sister, my parents and now me (plus her brother if I need him to throw some bucks her way). [Her dad is pretty much out of the picture.] She has no excuse to not finish college. The only thing I stress to her is to never miss class. We're not concerned about her finding a job after college because she'll most likely be a teacher. She is pretty much the best candidate (in my family) to finish in 4 years (she'll be doing summers too). I wish I didn't "work" when I was in college, as I probably would have had the degree by now. BUT...I also might not have been in IT, either....catch 22. The mistakes I and my sister made in college and life are those I want her to avoid and I try to put the fear of God into her so that she graduates. After the degree, even if it takes 10-20 years to find a job, it's really ok (and believe me, it won't be anywhere near that long between the contacts I have and my sister, plus my own niece's resourcefulness).

Ah... teaching is one of the few careers where it's not all that difficult to get a job. You don't really need much more than an education to be able to start out.

I guess I have a strong opinion on the subject because I spent about 75% of my time in college when I was 18-21~ partying and watching TV. Finishing was never an issue... in fact, I never wanted to leave. I probably would have had a much less rocky road between graduation and today had I actually taken that time seriously and worked a little. I suppose it all depends on the person, though.

erpadmin

Arysta wrote: »

Ah... teaching is one of the few careers where it's not all that difficult to get a job. You don't really need much more than an education to be able to start out.

I guess I have a strong opinion on the subject because I spent about 75% of my time in college when I was 18-21~ partying and watching TV. Finishing was never an issue... in fact, I never wanted to leave. I probably would have had a much less rocky road between graduation and today had I actually taken that time seriously and worked a little. I suppose it all depends on the person, though.

I am a recovering partyholic myself. Couple that with an income most people only see when they graduate and it truly was debacuhery at its finest. One party was so bad, that when the cops came, they were a bit teed off because we didn't invite them (seriously, we always had a good turnout...) LOL. Ahhh great times. But that's something my niece need not experience. After she gets her degree she can do whatever she wants, but until then, it will be books and non-Greek orgs for her (APO doesn't count...). LMAO.

ssampier

Arysta,

Partying and watching TV is never lost; consider it getting out of your system. Some don't do that and continue to do those things when they are 30 and have 3 kids....

I was a bit more bookish; partying was never my scene. I spent time looking up obscure computer stuff and sleeping Gotta love the lazy Saturdays and Sundays days in the dorms when no student body are around.

erpadmin wrote: »

I am a recovering partyholic myself. Couple that with an income most people only see when they graduate and it truly was debacuhery at its finest. One party was so bad, that when the cops came, they were a bit teed off because we didn't invite them (seriously, we always had a good turnout...) LOL. Ahhh great times. But that's something my niece need not experience. After she gets her degree she can do whatever she wants, but until then, it will be books and non-Greek orgs for her (APO doesn't count...). LMAO.

You're a good uncle to her. I hope she appreciates it; knowing most younger* people she probably doesn't. But that's okay, too. She will someday.

I hope I can mentor my niece in the same way. She's only five, though, so I think college is a bit much for her. If I can ever convince her daddy (my brother) to go to college....

*I'm still young at the ripe old age of 29

powerfool

erpadmin wrote: »

Why would you?!

I don't want my niece touching so much as a part time job, let alone full time employment while she works on her degree. I want her to have the best shot of finishing instead of doing what her mother (my sister) and I had to do (work and disregard college).

I dunno, I think that is backwards for a lot of people, especially IT folks. School isn't really that hard and it hardly mimics the real world. I would much rather my kids get a job and get a feel for what they want to do, and then work and go to school in the field at the same time. While have an education is important, I think life provide a pretty good education, and if you can juggle a real job (not something like asking about upsizing your fries) and school, you will be more prepared than 90% of people out there. Instead of waiting for four years, deferring earning potential, and not gaining experience, you start off earning money and gaining experience. Plus, many employers offer tuition reimbursement which could greatly assist with paying for school.

Consider candidate A and candidate B, both graduated high school in 2004:

Candidate A (went to school, then started working):
- BS in Information Systems from a decent to good school
- MCSA
- Two years of experience working entry-level jobs like help desk and jr admin.
- Looking for a salary around $40-45k

Candidate B (went to school in the evenings or online while working full-time):
- BS in Information Systems from a decent to good school
- MCSE
- Six years of progressive experience, working on projects and mid-level admin work.
- Looking for a salary around $60-65K

Yes, I would expect candidate B to have worked harder on certifications than candidate A. People that have that kind of work ethic and are exposed to a working environment primarily over school will put some extra effort into their certifications. And look, candidate B is looking for a considerably greater salary which he can command because of his greater experience. They are the same age. Candidate B may have finished his degree in four years, or maybe he took all six of those years to do it. Nevertheless, he has "everything" that employers want already and he makes more. Plus, he probably has lower student loan debt, too.

erpadmin

powerfool wrote: »

I dunno, I think that is backwards for a lot of people, especially IT folks. School isn't really that hard and it hardly mimics the real world. I would much rather my kids get a job and get a feel for what they want to do, and then work and go to school in the field at the same time. While have an education is important, I think life provide a pretty good education, and if you can juggle a real job (not something like asking about upsizing your fries) and school, you will be more prepared than 90% of people out there. Instead of waiting for four years, deferring earning potential, and not gaining experience, you start off earning money and gaining experience. Plus, many employers offer tuition reimbursement which could greatly assist with paying for school.

Consider candidate A and candidate B, both graduated high school in 2004:

Candidate A (went to school, then started working):
- BS in Information Systems from a decent to good school
- MCSA
- Two years of experience working entry-level jobs like help desk and jr admin.
- Looking for a salary around $40-45k

Candidate B (went to school in the evenings or online while working full-time):
- BS in Information Systems from a decent to good school
- MCSE
- Six years of progressive experience, working on projects and mid-level admin work.
- Looking for a salary around $60-65K

Yes, I would expect candidate B to have worked harder on certifications than candidate A. People that have that kind of work ethic and are exposed to a working environment primarily over school will put some extra effort into their certifications. And look, candidate B is looking for a considerably greater salary which he can command because of his greater experience. They are the same age. Candidate B may have finished his degree in four years, or maybe he took all six of those years to do it. Nevertheless, he has "everything" that employers want already and he makes more. Plus, he probably has lower student loan debt, too.

If my niece were going into a field like IT, I'd probably be apt to agree with you. However, my niece, while technically competent as most kids her age are as she's always been around computers, isn't interested in IT work, so your scenarios really don't apply to her. I'm not worried about my niece obtaining employment as she has at least two hooks (my sister and I) that could get her a job after she graduates. My sister and I, however, will prepare her enough so that she can try out on her own first though and if she can get into teaching, then she really won't need us, especially if she pursues a career in teaching math...a subject she's both good at and will be in demand.

Speaking generally though, I do agree with your scenario, but with the condition that either candidate, A or B, has to be mentally mature and prepared to do school AND work. I will be the first to admit that at 19 through my 20s, I was not mature....I just wanted the money and be done with it. In my thirties, I realized that it was a mistake. I was, hands down, the most fiscally irresponsible person ever. The only thing I concentrated on was making sure I did my job well enough so that I could continue earning a paycheck. Now that I have outgrown my youth, I can personally concentrate on doing the things I should have done in my twenties.

My niece isn't going into IT, so she can concentrate on just schooling and whatever else. We're working hard to ensure that someone in my family "gets it right."

To speak just about me...when I graduate WGU within 2 years, this is what I'm hoping:

Candidate C (erpadmin):
- BS in Information Systems from WGU
- MCITP:EA, A+, Network+, Security+, Project+, CIW Associate (yes, really....might as well (sell it)
- Fifteen years of progressive work experience, working on projects and mid-high level admin work, supervisory experience, 9 of which has been directly invovled in supporting the PeopleSoft ERP (which is very much in demand).
- Looking for a salary around $110k-$130k, preferably in a mid-senior level management position.

Personally, I think that's doable, as I'm currently a little shy of 6 figures now....and that's with no "cah-lege"