I'm Thinking Of Getting My Degree. Anybody Else Want To Join?

mattp

I found a school where I can take online classes and recieve a degree in construction management. I am 25 years old and own a small roofing business that employees 2 other men. I think this would be a smart choice but also relieze this will take alot of time. So my question is will this be worth it in the long run or do I just keep learning as I go? The school is ITT-Tech the web site is www.itt-tech.edu/onlineprograms/bs-cm.cfm

genecarp

Stay in the field, earn as you learn, JMO

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JonM

He's from Missouri, he needs to be shown...

mattp

I forgot to tell you guys this is an online course. So Im assuming I can take these classes at night. I guess I could just take some of the construction related classes to learn the business side. Im good on the manual part of my job. I dont need to take any classes on how to install a roof. I just need some direction on running my business and it's hard to teach yourself in this area.

genecarp

Maybe for your particular situation it is not a bad idea. What concerns me about those types of coarses is the unrealistic parameters that are taught by people who have never had the practicle experiance of owning/running/and growing a business. I guess it really depends on the teacher. G There is know better teacher than experiance .

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TheBuildingFirm

why not take some evening classes at a community college?

Master Mechanic

I also was considering getting my degree in the same field with ITT tech. Then I started doing some research aboutthat school. I found out its very expensive and no one takes a degree from ITT tech seriously. Going to an actual online college is the better route, good luck. I'll be going back to school to earn the same degree but at a university so one way when I want to hang up my tool belt I'll have the experience and edcuation to get a good paying job as a project manager in some fancy hi end construction company =)

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JMD

You may want to look at business school instead of construction management. It really depends on what you want to do with the degree. If you know the construction side and want to learn more about running a business I would think you'd get more out of business school. From what the ITT-Tech site says the construction management program is going to cover topics like building codes, safety, etc and it says nothing about learning to run a business. If you want to use your degree for something else (going to work for another company) or need to learn the construction side, construction management may work for you.

rustyjames

I tend to think that online degree's just don't pull much weight. Construction, for the most part, is all about being able to communicte, face to face. You just can't get that experience in front of the computer. Also, check with your local Community College to see what they offer.

Waggz

If you wanna get better at running the business, go to a CC/JUCO and get an AD in Biz Admin or Biz Management. You will still be able to take most of your classes online. And if you ever want to go to work for a company you've got a degree that means something. This is my advice, but also the route I am taking.

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mattp

My thought was take a bunch of biz classes on top of the mandatory classes at itt tech. Im not trying to get a job for a big company just trying to get some business management advice and figured if i could get some construction related courses along the way.

MALCO.New.York

ITT-Tech teaches you how to pass tests, not how to run a business!

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Century Man

Rodney proves Gene's point.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlVDGmjz7eM

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genecarp

LMAO, THANKS

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P.J.

Mattp,
The biggest disadvantage to getting a degree online is that you miss out on the best thing about getting a degree and that's networking. Getting your degree from ITT, you are not going to make any connections - but if you actually go to an on-campus program, you will meet other people that are going to be or are already in the construction industry. Having those connections may help out down the road. In addition you may have some professors that have alot of useful experience and you will be able to use them as mentors and consultants if you need help figuring something out. A construction management program will teach you the business side of construction in terms of estimating, project scheduling, control, etc. As far as actual "small business" advice, your best bet is to utilize SBA (Small Business Association) and SCORE resources as much as possible.

MALCO.New.York

Hell NO!

The best point of attending class is the Braciola!!! The Available Meat!!!

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Something to One may be Nothing to another!

Ultimate Wisdom---------
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Paradigm1

I went to a four year college (Purdue University, W Lafayette, IN) and got my degree before I started my biz. I actually decided to go for it my last semester while taking an entrepreneur (no spell check please) class. Im only 26 now, but I see a physical change in reactions when Im meeting someone for a job and tell them I graduated from Purdue. Its like it gives some comfort that somebody my age is able to do the work. Im still in the area of the university so people know about the university. It has a great technology, and building construction mgmt program. Still- The classroom education gets you so far- but on the job is where your really understand. For me a lot of what college did was teach you to meet deadlines, manage your time, and work with others to complete a project. For the 'running a business' side of things- I try to network and talk to other mentor-type contractors and learn from them. A lot of established contractors are encouraging and helpful- and dont view me as a threat or competitor so much. If you have your biz up and running- the diploma isnt going to help too much. If you ever think you want to venture out into the industry, a degree is a must. Good luck with whatever you choose! ...and go BOILERS!

Custom Builder

A degree from your local state community college is a fraction of the cost and priceless in value compared to an ITT degree.