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  • IT degree for single parents: tips for going back to school

IT degree for single parents: tips for going back to school

Going back to school for an IT degree as a single parent can help you better the lives of your children and yourself.

In today's ever-changing world, employers look for workers who stay on top of the newest technologies. 

An IT degree for single parents is a good option if you have an interest in information technology and enjoy working around computers. You can complete your degree without making a lot of changes to your life and the lives of your kids.

One of the first choices that you must make it between an IT certificate and an IT degree. The two programs vary both in terms of length and the amount of studying that you do. You need to decide which one makes a better first impression on an employer. When you apply for a job, the hiring manager only knows you by the information on your resume. While some employers might prefer someone with a Bachelor of Science, others care more about the experience and skills that you have. Some tech careers require a combination of different skills, and you might decide to finish your degree first and later complete certificate programs in different areas. 

When you decide to go back to school, you also need to decide between an online program and an offline program. An online program is generally helpful for those who have other responsibilities because you don't need to choose between homework and spending time with your family. These programs give you specific requirements that you must meet within a set period of time, and you can complete that work at any given time. Talk to the school about what you need to do to complete your IT degree for single parents, how long it takes the average student to finish, and if the school offers any support for parents such as grants or scholarships.

Working on your degree can help you gain employment as an information technology specialist later, but you need to put the hard work in now. You need to discuss the changes that you need to make with your kids, schedule your time properly and get help from loved ones. Ask friends and relatives to watch the kids while you do projects for school, and ask for help whenever you need to juggle family and school. An information technology career is a good choice for some single parents because you can do freelance work and set your own hours. Online and offline schools offer an IT degree for single parents that can help you nab information technology jobs.

Going back to school as a single parent can help you better the lives of your children and yourself. The right program is one that lets you continue working and raising your kids as you finish your IT degree for the single parent.

Photo credit: James Vaughan one via Compfight CC.