You probably know those who took their classes, earned their college credits, got their degrees and have AsNs, BAs, MAs and even one with a PhD and all have one thing in common. They have no J.O.B. In contrast, there are those who have not completed high school who are successful in business and in life. A college degree does not always equate to success.

However in the competitive market place you work in, is your success connected to having a degree and the alphabet soup behind your name? You can work toward that goal without having to sit in a classroom and paying thousands of dollars. There are programs for adult learners designed to fill your needs. The programs go by different names but all award college credit based on experience in life.

Here is how it works.

You find a college who gives experiential learning credit. In my case, I went with the least expensive, a local community college. For me, expensive was relative to actual cost and the time lost from work and the expense of travel to the college.

I then researched to see if I could transfer the credits to the university that I wanted to get my degree from. This took a bit of work. I had to get a letter certifying accreditation and then send it to my degree awarding university to make sure they would approve. On approval, I then started the process to get the college credits by challenging the classes.

In the case of my Speech 101 college credit challenge, my professor sent me a packet of the requirements. Each college will have their own unique requirements.

First I had to write a Justification. This is one page explaining the reasons why college credit should be awarded with out taking the class. Look at two or three of the examples provided by the program director to know what is required.

Then I had to provide a course of study. I made a list of the various speaker skills that are taught in Speech 101 Classes. If you have worked on those skills and to some degree mastered them, you are on your way to gaining experiential college credit for speech.

Youre not done yet. You now need to get letters or testimonials as to your skills. It is best if you get them from local business people. Request that they write these on their business letterhead.

Only a few are required. Consider giving more than what is asked for.

When you approach the person who you want the letter from, give them a copy of a list of speech skills with two or three of your skills highlighted. Ask if they would give a letter of recommendation on your speaking skills for you to challenge your college credit. Ask if they would also mind including their observations on any three of the speaker skills or especially the ones you highlighted.

For each request, highlight different sets of skills.

Their letter might say something like...

Dear Professor...,

I have observed/ heard/ had opportunity to attend/ etc...lectures by Your Name on numerous or however many occasions.

I feel they are an accomplished speaker, effective speaker. (Why)

They demonstrated exceptional skill in pace, pitch, and power. (How)

I noticed they had a wonderful way with illustrations. (An example)

I especially appreciated their introductions and the ability they had to arouse interest. (An explanation)

I feel they should receive the college credit for Speech 101 (word this however it is required)

Sincerely,

John Smith, CEO, Widgits Inc.

Next, create a beautiful presentation binder. You are demonstrating your professionalism. Let it show in your presentation. Many office stores will be able to offer numerous ways to bind your project. The finishing should cost no more than 20 dollars depending on the size of the binding.

My portfolio for an Art elective life experience credit cost a bit more. It consisted of binding numerous laminated pages of photos of my art and newspaper and magazine clippings of reviews.

If approved, you will be awarded college credit for life experience. Congratulations, youre on your way to your degree.