Can Auditing Be a Viable Career Option for Professionals?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the viability of auditing courses for professionals who are already employed, particularly in academic or administrative roles. Participants explore the motivations for further education and the implications of pursuing additional qualifications while maintaining a job.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the practicality of auditing courses while already employed, suggesting it may be pointless.
  • Others argue that there is no reason not to audit courses, as long as it does not interfere with job responsibilities.
  • A participant shares an observation about faculty members in graduate school who pursued additional degrees, highlighting institutional support for further education.
  • It is noted that many professionals pursue MBAs or other degrees during their tenure, although this can be challenging due to time constraints.
  • One viewpoint emphasizes the intrinsic value of learning for personal growth rather than for obtaining formal qualifications.
  • Another participant reflects on the perception that having a job might negate the need for further education, countering that continuous learning is important.
  • Discussion includes examples from the UK educational system, where some lecturers pursue PhDs or MBAs in their spare time, indicating a trend towards further qualifications in shortage subjects.
  • There are suggestions that theorists could benefit from industry-related courses, and interdisciplinary opportunities are mentioned, such as combining engineering with medicine.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of opinions, with some supporting the idea of auditing courses and others questioning its necessity. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall value and practicality of further education for professionals.

Contextual Notes

Participants' views are influenced by personal experiences and institutional practices, which may vary widely. The discussion reflects diverse motivations for pursuing additional education and the challenges associated with balancing work and study.

Who May Find This Useful

Professionals considering further education while employed, educators exploring career development options, and individuals interested in the intersection of academic qualifications and professional advancement.

ForMyThunder
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I guess that would be kinda pointless seeing as you already have a job. But can you still audit?
 
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Why not?
 


When I was in graduate school, the Department Chair earned a MS degree in (IIRC) aerospace engineering. Also, many institutions allow faculty to take (some number of) classes for free every semester.
 


It's also not unheard of for people to pursue business degrees like MBAs just before of during their tenure in administrative positions - particularly if they have a desire to go a little further on the administrative level.

In general though, by the time you get to that point, you're pretty busy to sit down for an entire course, much less another degree.
 


There comes a time when you study new things because you are want to learn about them, not because you want a piece of paper saying you studied them.

And if you think "having a job" = "you don't need to learn anything new for the rest of your life", dream on.
 


I figured "having a job"="you don't really need another piece of paper."
 


Yep...I'm with the "why not" crowd... as long as it doesn't distract you much from doing your job...'
 


In the UK you don't need a PhD to be a lecturer (= US professor) - at least in shortage subjects (IT) - but to "advance" you do. I've known many lecturers who have done PhDs in their spare time. It was well worth it for them. I've known some who have done MBAs - though not much use unless you actually want to move into business... I've know others do conversion courses to move into other areas (e.g. MSc IT to get IT lecturing jobs!)
 


Some professors should take their chances on this. Theorists could be more industry-related by taking Engineering or Applied Sciences courses. There are also opportunities in University Management or starting relations with other areas, as EE + Medicine = Biomedical Engineering.
 

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