Advanced Degree

PrEnder 5 - Custom 3D Printer - Right Side Extruder View showing Custom PrEnder-5 Mount Bracket holding 3/8" Cabling and BL Touch Bed Leveling Probe on White Background with a Red Norm3 3D Printed Logo on Y Carriage Plate
PrEnder 5 - 3D Printer - Right Side Extruder View showing Custom PrEnder-5 Mount Bracket holding 3/8" Cabling and BL Touch Bed Leveling Probe

Advanced Degree
of Field Experience

College Degrees and Experience Level:

  • A 2 Year Plan: – Associates Degree – Zero Field Experience
  • A 4 Year Plan: – Bachelors Degree – Zero Field Experience
  • 6+ Year Plan: – Masters Degree – Minimal Field Experience
  • 8+ Year Plan: – Doctorate Degree – Some Field Experience
  • Norm3.com – Norm III has 20 Years of Field Experience

The benefits of an advanced degree of relevant field experience compared to traditional college and university degrees can vary depending on individual goals, career paths, and circumstances.

Overall though, most companies agree that Relevant Field Experience is better than Higher Education on many levels; Especially with Information Technology and Automation.
Advantages of having Relevant Field Experience:
  1. Specialized Knowledge and Skills: Field experience often provides hands-on, practical knowledge and skills specific to a particular industry or profession. This specialized expertise can be highly valuable in certain fields, such as engineering, information technology and automation.
  2. Proven Capabilities: Field experience shows relevant working knowledge of a field or industry where results matter the most.
  3. Immediate Employability: Many professions have a high demand for skilled workers, and individuals with relevant field experience can often secure employment more quickly than college graduates who may need additional training or education in their chosen field.
  4. Hands-On Learning: Field experience often involves practical, hands-on learning, which can be a preferred style of education for fast learning individuals who thrive in this type of environment.
  5. Creative Thinking: Field experience allows outside-of-the-box ideas and practical solutions a better chance of success.
  6. Industry Connections: Through field experience, individuals can build a network of industry contacts, mentors, and suppliers who can provide guidance and support throughout their career.
  7. Cost Savings: Trade schools, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training programs are generally shorter and more cost-effective than traditional college and university programs. This can result in lower student loan debt and a quicker return on investment for education.
  8. Shorter Time to Income: Trade programs often have shorter durations than traditional degree programs, and on-the-job-training allows individuals to start earning a salary even sooner.
  9. Earning Potential: Skilled workers can earn competitive salaries and may even have the potential to earn more than some college graduates, especially if they attain certifications or licenses in their field.
  10. Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Trade skills can be a foundation for starting one’s own business. For example, a skilled programmer or web developer could establish their own contracting company.
  11. Job Security: Many professions, such as information technology, management, and automation, are considered essential services, which can provide job security even during economic downturns.

Conclusion:

It’s important to note that the choice between advanced field experience and college/university education depends on individual goals and preferences. Some employers still prefer a college degree over field experience, and certain companies still recommend advanced degrees for career advancement. Additionally, a college or university education can provide a broader, more theoretical foundation that may be necessary for certain roles, such as those in research, academia, or management.

Ultimately, the decision should be based on careful consideration of one’s career aspirations, industry requirements, and personal interests. In some cases, a combination of both field experience and formal education may be the most advantageous path to pursue.

My Education:

“Some College” with a 4.0 GPA.

I couldn’t test out of any more classes because “nobody has ever done that before”.

I was the only student obtaining professional certifications in my second year.

Turns out people can still learn and be “smart and educated” without paying for a degree.

I’ve found Field Experience along with Research & Development to be my best tools to solve problems.
Norm3 of Norm3.com