01-04-2007, 06:29 AM
Ah, the age old question.
If you're applying to big companies where you have to go through recruiters, a degree helps. If you're applying to a smaller company where your resumes are being reviewed directly by possible peers or a future boss, then they're going to care more about who you are and what you can bring to them. Not how you look on paper.
In the late 90's I got a great job offer and took it before I finished school. Later I left and when I was looking for a job I got a new one fairly quickly even though the market I was in was flooded. Almost none of the people I went to school with who had then finished their degrees were able to get jobs.
It also depends on the position your applying for. If they want you for something that they need to train you their way of doing it, they may not like the fact you have previous experience. I realize this is a different issue than what you're asking.
With seven years of experience, I wouldn't worry about the school stuff that much. From what I remember you doing, most of the stuff has changed in the past seven years anyway.
I'd do #2 or #3. Of course, I've also been saying I was going to finish my degree for the past six years.
If you're applying to big companies where you have to go through recruiters, a degree helps. If you're applying to a smaller company where your resumes are being reviewed directly by possible peers or a future boss, then they're going to care more about who you are and what you can bring to them. Not how you look on paper.
In the late 90's I got a great job offer and took it before I finished school. Later I left and when I was looking for a job I got a new one fairly quickly even though the market I was in was flooded. Almost none of the people I went to school with who had then finished their degrees were able to get jobs.
It also depends on the position your applying for. If they want you for something that they need to train you their way of doing it, they may not like the fact you have previous experience. I realize this is a different issue than what you're asking.
With seven years of experience, I wouldn't worry about the school stuff that much. From what I remember you doing, most of the stuff has changed in the past seven years anyway.
I'd do #2 or #3. Of course, I've also been saying I was going to finish my degree for the past six years.