diploma Vs Degree

[rjw_hvac_tech]

Service managers & owners does a 2yr dergee hold more wieght than a diploma/certificate ???



I am currently enroled in a Associate Degree program, that i travel 98miles one way for class and am considering transfering to a degree program that is 15miles away ( new program, was not there when i started)



Any Thoughts ????

[ryan_the_furnace_guy]

Not a Service Manager yet, but will be soon...so I will offer my two cents.

Yes, an Associate's Degree holds more weight than a Diploma.

BUT, this is not because it is going to prepare you that much more for the field, it is because it shows your ambition and drive to learn. Both are great. Many in this field have no formal education. Quite honestly you don't need it to be a good technician. There are many great technicians who don't have it as well. It does help though.

I graduated top of my class with my Associate's Degree. Thought I knew bunches. Got into the field and was as lost as a little baby. You can't learn the dynamics of doing this job in a school setting, you just can't. You can learn the theory, and that will help you to become a more well-rounded technician down the line, years down the line I might add.

What is just as important, if not more important, than a piece of paper is:
*having common sense
*thinking like a technician (school can't teach this, some people just don't think like a technician, period)
*good with customers
*independent and motivated

[JBM1000]

Most companies try to not hire green horn techs with or without a degree or diploma. Your best bet is to get an associates degree because the teacher most likely was a tech before and has hands on experience and that will convey by how you handle yourself in an interview for getting hired. Pay attention and don't be afraid to ask the teacher for the real way to conjure the info.

[ryan_the_furnace_guy]

Most companies try to not hire green horn techs with or without a degree or diploma. Your best bet is to get an associates degree because the teacher most likely was a tech before and has hands on experience and that will convey by how you handle yourself in an interview for getting hired. Pay attention and don't be afraid to ask the teacher for the real way to conjure the info.
Has anyone told you that you look like a dog with glasses?:D

[tim fox]

Not only should you get the degree, you should continue school and get a bachelors. A diploma is more respected today than blue collar experience[I know I'll get some flack but it's true]. I don't want my kids doing blue collar work when they grow up. Not that it's not an honest way to make a living, but todays society doesn't view it as significant. I've been doing this 23 years and I can see a day when I don't want to get overheated or freeze my a$$ of on a roof or get on my bad nees once again. I'm going for my degree at 43 yrs. old and I have to take courses in things I learned 20 yrs. ago. Get the degree while your young. The blue collar work will still be here when your done. Just my humble opinion.

[ryan_the_furnace_guy]

Not only should you get the degree, you should continue school and get a bachelors. A diploma is more respected today than blue collar experience[I know I'll get some flack but it's true]. I don't want my kids doing blue collar work when they grow up. Not that it's not an honest way to make a living, but todays society doesn't view it as significant. I've been doing this 23 years and I can see a day when I don't want to get overheated or freeze my a$$ of on a roof or get on my bad nees once again. I'm going for my degree at 43 yrs. old and I have to take courses in things I learned 20 yrs. ago. Get the degree while your young. The blue collar work will still be here when your done. Just my humble opinion.
Respectable position. However, you will have to find that 1 in a 1000 employer who actually values your education MORE than your ability to sell UV lights and EACs.:D

[tim fox]

Ryan, I'm talking about not planning on being a tech. forever. You are now seeing the dissatisfaction of the world of resi. service. Comm./industrial is a little better but education + the practical skills will open more doors. Besides it's great to always be learning even if it's not necessarilly for a position. If you want your own bizz. some day, bussiness courses are a must. More than a couple of great techs failed at running a bizz.