Don't quit great job but get that degree

Q: I'm 20 years old. I've got three years of college behind me and I work at a top company as a business analyst.

I took time off from school to do this, but to stay with the company I have to get the degree. I love my job and I believe this company has an amazing future.

Should I go back to school full time to get my degree? Or, if I leave my company and don't get the degree, what are my odds of getting hired at a similar company without a degree?

I can live for a year off my savings, but I'd prefer to keep the income flowing, invest more, save for a house and start an IRA. All of these things would go on hold if I went back to school.

Nick's reply: You have two big pieces of this puzzle in your hands already. Don't ignore them. First, you're working at a company you really like, doing work you love. That's rare in itself. Second, you have three years of your degree already done. You're on the right track. Why get off?

Since this company clearly values degrees and you'd like to stay, finish the degree without giving up the job. Take part-time classes. You'll benefit two ways. You'll protect your job, and you'll earn your degree. I would not leave your job to get the degree unless you really must — especially if you need just one year's worth of credits.

At 20, I would not worry about a house just yet. That will come. But the savings you'd spend to live while in school full time — why not invest that money now?

To minimize the time to complete your degree, look into so-called distance learning schools, where you can earn a degree online. Check with the Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board www.hecb.wa.gov and ask what schools offer accredited distance-learning programs.

These are degree programs you can take without ever entering a classroom. In some cases, you may be able to "test out" of required courses by using what you've learned on the job.

I agree that you should get your degree — but without quitting your job.

Beware of scam "diploma mills." Confirm that a school is accredited. Then you can earn a legitimate degree and keep your job.

Nick Corcodilos is author of "Ask The Headhunter: Reinventing the Interview

to Win the Job" and host of www.asktheheadhunter.com.

He can be reached by e-mail at seattle@asktheheadhunter.com or at North Bridge Group, P.O. Box 600, Lebanon, NJ 08833. Sorry, no personal replies.