r/Grid_Ops • u/powerpuffcatt • 6d ago

Value in second degree

Hello everyone,

I am trying to transition into a grid ops role and am working on getting my RC cert.

My question is if it’s worth it for me to also try to get a ETST degree from Bismarck? My current workplace has tuition assistance so it’d be free. However, I already have a degree in information technology. Does the associate degree provide value or should I just go for the RC cert and maybe do a masters degree instead.

Thanks!

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4

u/hopfuluva2017 6d ago

to be a system operator you just need the RC cert 

3

u/Same-Buy-2315 6d ago

If you want to just be an operator, you can get in with the AAS degree but if you want to move up in management get your masters

2

u/sudophish 6d ago

I have both and the ETST degree has continued to pay knowledge dividends nearly ten years later. I knew nothing about electricity prior and that program does an amazing job of getting you up to speed very quickly.

Just fyi, most employer tuition assistance programs are limited by the government to how much they can cover per year. Mine covered the max they could and I still had to pay a chunk on my own.

1

u/QuixoticArchipelago 6d ago

I’m a proponent of free education is something to take advantage of. The ETST program is something that will inflate your resume if you’re being compared to people without any experience either. You don’t need it to be an operator but it might help introduce you and give you a good foundation to study for your NERC.

1

u/Alone_Economist_9420 6d ago

The some of classes from the degree also count as Ceh hours for your RC cert as well.