How many of you...

[jagec]

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats

Originally posted by: LoKe

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats

Originally posted by: LoKe
College is just to get you in debt.

Fixed

If you took the right classes, work should have that paid off pretty quickly.

Not these days when you pay 30-35k a year in tuition expenses. Plus, college degrees are a dime a dozen. Nobody gives a shit if someone has a degree anymore. It's like the High School Diploma Equivalent 10-15 years ago.

They don't care if you do have a degree.

They DO care if you don't have a degree.

 

[FoBoT]

my degree is "Human Resource Management"

i am a "developer" in I.T. , i write code. i am a code monkey

 

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: residualsquare
Quite honestly, those of you who view college as simply a means to an end are probably wasting away your education. College is the only time in your life when you will be able to interact closely with peers of an incredibly wide array of interests and abilities. Simply regurgitating facts out of a textbook and landing a good job after graduation should be the least of your concerns. I do not use a single course I took in undergrad in my current occupation, but it was all absolutely worth it.

I guess it depends on what your courses are, and what your job is. In mechanical engineering, my classes are very heavily math-oriented, simply because math predicts and describes how the real world works. I'd really hope that someone designing a bridge or machine knows which equations to use where, or what materials to use during design. Use the wrong equation, or forget to double check stresses, and people can get killed. Pressure vessels are one example - determine the stress the wrong way, and you can have a powerful explosion when the thing is pressurized for the first time. If it's something like a scuba tank, the wearer will probably have his back ripped open.

If coursework in general were truly useless, I think that free market principles would have done away with it by now. If generation upon generation went to college only to discover that the coursework wasn't worthwhile, I think the advice wouldn't be, "Go to college." I think it would be more like, "Don't waste your money. Enjoy yourself somewhere cheaper."
I'm still frankly not sure if college will be worth it. What keeps me going:
1) Lots of debt already, with more on the way, so a good paying job (as a result of completing my classes) is kind of necessary now.
2) A desire not to go back to crappy retail-level jobs.
3) Older people, who didn't go to college, saying, "I wish I'd have gone to college. Be glad you're there, and do your best."

 

[PrinceofWands]

Originally posted by: thepd7
I am baffled that anyone could make <$30k out of college. I could name of a list of 30-40 jobs that don't even require a degree that make more than $30k.

And yes I obviously didn't read the whole article. Still, around here (and I imagine in any wealthy suburb of almost any big city) teachers start over $40k.

That really bites, because as a recent grad I am not accepting anything less than $50k. Most likely offer for my field (EE) is $55-$60k. My buddy that is a ME got an offer from exxon mobil for $74k.

Well sure, if you're going to cherry pick a super well paying field. Think about how many hundreds of different degree fields there are, then ask yourself how much jobs utilizing those degrees pay. That's assuming that you're working a job related to your field, which many people aren't. If you want to take it further just look at individual income numbers and you'll see that the almost no one (statistically) makes that kind of money, despite their education level.

As for teachers, if national reviews place the 'average' starting salary at 30k, then I think you'll have to accept that the vast majority of teaching positions don't pay 40k.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Do college students really think that a degree in art history, romance languages, history or psychology will get them a job in their field?

Engineering, Business - Accounting, Biology, Computer, Chemistry majors all pretty much know they can find work in their fields.

Getting a degree in art history is worthless in my book, a waste of money & time.

My 1st day in Psych 101 class back in 1996, my professor told us why he became a psych professor. He enjoyed the subject and got his BA degree in Psych, he could not find a job so he enrolled in the Master of psych program. 2yrs later he graduated and could not find a job he liked. So he decided to go back to school and get his PHd in Psych and there he was teaching at a community college.


College definitely helped shape my views and taught me to be a well rounded person. I enjoyed classes like Cultural Anthropology, American Lit, Film as Lit, Chinese Pop Culture, and art history. I ended up being a Accounting major but I sure wish I was a cultural anthropologist living with tribes in New Guinea.

Some times you have to choose an education that will pay your bills.

 

[Engineer]

Originally posted by: Whoozyerdaddy

Originally posted by: LoKe

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats

Originally posted by: LoKe
College is just to get you in debt.

Fixed

If you took the right classes, work should have that paid off pretty quickly.

Talk to a school teacher.

It amazes me how people will go $50k in debt to land a $36k job. I made more selling TVs than most people with four year degrees do.

That's right, we don't need an educated society. They can fill all of those manufacturing jobs that we have listed....oh wait! :Q


And to the OP, I have used a little of what I have learned in my profession but have actually "learned" more of my job by being on the job than from school. School opened the door for me. Funny, my plant manager has told me at least 1/2 dozen times that he thought that I had a master's degree and I've told him no. Maybe I should just tell him yes next time to see if I get a bigger raise!

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: Oiprocs
...care whether the classes you took in college relate to your job? Some people have a career in which they use very few of the classes they took in college?

Does it matter that you paid X amount of dollars for a piece of paper? Or does the whole college experience overshadow that?

I didn't pay X dollars for a piece of paper, I paid for an education. I got an education. I learned a lot in college, regardless of whether it relates to my career (most of it does).

 

[Bill Brasky]

College is a stepping stone to graduate school.

 

[nick1985]

Originally posted by: residualsquare

Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER

Originally posted by: LoKe


That's why I said took the right classes.

What are the right classes? The goal post keeps moving so to speak. Which professions are the best to pursue now?

How do you expect someone else to tell you what the best profession is? The best occupation is one that you love doing.

Picking up shit FTW!

 

[Engineer]

Originally posted by: nick1985

Originally posted by: residualsquare

Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER

Originally posted by: LoKe


That's why I said took the right classes.

What are the right classes? The goal post keeps moving so to speak. Which professions are the best to pursue now?

How do you expect someone else to tell you what the best profession is? The best occupation is one that you love doing.

Picking up shit FTW!

Well, as the baby boomers get older and retirement homes boom....you might be right! :Q

 

[Excelsior]

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats

Originally posted by: LoKe

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats

Originally posted by: LoKe
College is just to get you in debt.

Fixed

If you took the right classes, work should have that paid off pretty quickly.

Not these days when you pay 30-35k a year in tuition expenses. Plus, college degrees are a dime a dozen. Nobody gives a shit if someone has a degree anymore. It's like the High School Diploma Equivalent 10-15 years ago.

30-35k a year in tuition expenses? Sure, if its a fucking private college.

 

[homercles337]

Originally posted by: Whoozyerdaddy

Originally posted by: LoKe

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats

Originally posted by: LoKe
College is just to get you in debt.

Fixed

If you took the right classes, work should have that paid off pretty quickly.

Talk to a school teacher.

It amazes me how people will go $50k in debt to land a $36k job. I made more selling TVs than most people with four year degrees do.

QFT. And i have a phd. Sure i get to fuck off most of the time, whenever i want, but i get paid shit. Shit. If i wanted a 9-5 in industry/corporate i would double my salary, but business/corporate types suck the sweat off my balls.

 

[homercles337]

Originally posted by: thepd7

Originally posted by: Whoozyerdaddy

Originally posted by: LoKe

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats

Originally posted by: LoKe
College is just to get you in debt.

Fixed

If you took the right classes, work should have that paid off pretty quickly.

Talk to a school teacher.

It amazes me how people will go $50k in debt to land a $36k job. I made more selling TVs than most people with four year degrees do.

who the hell makes $36k with a college degree? even teachers start at $40-45k.

Spoken like a true righty. No clue, no idea, no sincerity, no empathy, no intellect, no understanding, ... need i continue?

 

[Corporate Thug]

Originally posted by: Whoozyerdaddy

Originally posted by: LoKe

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats

Originally posted by: LoKe
College is just to get you in debt.

Fixed

If you took the right classes, work should have that paid off pretty quickly.

Talk to a school teacher.

It amazes me how people will go $50k in debt to land a $36k job. I made more selling TVs than most people with four year degrees do.

you must have gotten quite a sense of fulfillment...

 

[homercles337]

Originally posted by: Corporate Thug

Originally posted by: Whoozyerdaddy

Originally posted by: LoKe

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats

Originally posted by: LoKe
College is just to get you in debt.

Fixed

If you took the right classes, work should have that paid off pretty quickly.

Talk to a school teacher.

It amazes me how people will go $50k in debt to land a $36k job. I made more selling TVs than most people with four year degrees do.

you must have gotten quite a sense of fulfillment...

Your only sense of fulfillment is your avitar so STFU. :|

 

[PrinceofWands]

Originally posted by: Fmr12B
Do college students really think that a degree in art history, romance languages, history or psychology will get them a job in their field?

Engineering, Business - Accounting, Biology, Computer, Chemistry majors all pretty much know they can find work in their fields.

Getting a degree in art history is worthless in my book, a waste of money & time.

My 1st day in Psych 101 class back in 1996, my professor told us why he became a psych professor. He enjoyed the subject and got his BA degree in Psych, he could not find a job so he enrolled in the Master of psych program. 2yrs later he graduated and could not find a job he liked. So he decided to go back to school and get his PHd in Psych and there he was teaching at a community college.


College definitely helped shape my views and taught me to be a well rounded person. I enjoyed classes like Cultural Anthropology, American Lit, Film as Lit, Chinese Pop Culture, and art history. I ended up being a Accounting major but I sure wish I was a cultural anthropologist living with tribes in New Guinea.

Some times you have to choose an education that will pay your bills.

That's your opinion, and you're welcome to it. Personally I find it rather pitiable.

You have to do whatever you think is right for you. While you may think education is about paying your bills, other people may be fine just having it for educations sake.

My first undergrad is history, with a minor in poli-sci. It's required for me to go on to teach it, so I'd say it's going to get me a job in my field. Psychologists need a psychology degree every bit as much as engineers need an engineering degree. The problem is that you personally don't see those as worthy jobs so you're unable to find the value in the education. The error is in your perception, not their degree choices.

 

[Gunslinger08]

My degree cost me $15k in student loans. I use virtually nothing I learned in college at my job. However, it did help me get the job. I feel $15k is a small price to pay to make the amount of money I do each year.

 

[datalink7]

I have a Major in Philosophy and a Minor in Military Science. I am an Officer in the Military.

I think that my Philosophy degree applies quite a bit to my job. I can't really think of one that would apply more (History maybe?). Plus it was a very interesting degree and I had a lot of fun. I don't regret it.

However, if I go back to school someday I intend to get a degree in animal medicine.

 

[MyThirdEye]

I don't think so. My dad dropped out of college, and he now owns a branch of Century 21, and does the "Fixer-Upper" method of house renting. My parents do pretty well for themselves.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands

Originally posted by: Fmr12B
Do college students really think that a degree in art history, romance languages, history or psychology will get them a job in their field?

Engineering, Business - Accounting, Biology, Computer, Chemistry majors all pretty much know they can find work in their fields.

Getting a degree in art history is worthless in my book, a waste of money & time.

My 1st day in Psych 101 class back in 1996, my professor told us why he became a psych professor. He enjoyed the subject and got his BA degree in Psych, he could not find a job so he enrolled in the Master of psych program. 2yrs later he graduated and could not find a job he liked. So he decided to go back to school and get his PHd in Psych and there he was teaching at a community college.


College definitely helped shape my views and taught me to be a well rounded person. I enjoyed classes like Cultural Anthropology, American Lit, Film as Lit, Chinese Pop Culture, and art history. I ended up being a Accounting major but I sure wish I was a cultural anthropologist living with tribes in New Guinea.

Some times you have to choose an education that will pay your bills.

That's your opinion, and you're welcome to it. Personally I find it rather pitiable.

You have to do whatever you think is right for you. While you may think education is about paying your bills, other people may be fine just having it for educations sake.

My first undergrad is history, with a minor in poli-sci. It's required for me to go on to teach it, so I'd say it's going to get me a job in my field. Psychologists need a psychology degree every bit as much as engineers need an engineering degree. The problem is that you personally don't see those as worthy jobs so you're unable to find the value in the education. The error is in your perception, not their degree choices.

See the bold lines up above in my original post, perhaps your exact point was my point.

We all have to choose what we want more but society dictates what a more useful degree is by the amount of money one makes coming out of college.

 

[PrinceofWands]

Originally posted by: Fmr12B

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands

Originally posted by: Fmr12B
Do college students really think that a degree in art history, romance languages, history or psychology will get them a job in their field?

Engineering, Business - Accounting, Biology, Computer, Chemistry majors all pretty much know they can find work in their fields.

Getting a degree in art history is worthless in my book, a waste of money & time.

My 1st day in Psych 101 class back in 1996, my professor told us why he became a psych professor. He enjoyed the subject and got his BA degree in Psych, he could not find a job so he enrolled in the Master of psych program. 2yrs later he graduated and could not find a job he liked. So he decided to go back to school and get his PHd in Psych and there he was teaching at a community college.


College definitely helped shape my views and taught me to be a well rounded person. I enjoyed classes like Cultural Anthropology, American Lit, Film as Lit, Chinese Pop Culture, and art history. I ended up being a Accounting major but I sure wish I was a cultural anthropologist living with tribes in New Guinea.

Some times you have to choose an education that will pay your bills.

That's your opinion, and you're welcome to it. Personally I find it rather pitiable.

You have to do whatever you think is right for you. While you may think education is about paying your bills, other people may be fine just having it for educations sake.

My first undergrad is history, with a minor in poli-sci. It's required for me to go on to teach it, so I'd say it's going to get me a job in my field. Psychologists need a psychology degree every bit as much as engineers need an engineering degree. The problem is that you personally don't see those as worthy jobs so you're unable to find the value in the education. The error is in your perception, not their degree choices.

See the bold lines up above in my original post, perhaps your exact point was my point.

We all have to choose what we want more but society dictates what a more useful degree is by the amount of money one makes coming out of college.

But society is almost always wrong...both in its requirements and its conclusions. If you wish you were living with a tribe in New Guinea then why aren't you? The fulfilled person is the one doing what they want, not the ones doing what society wants.

I mean, if you really think money and society matters, then by all means knock yourself out. But if you really felt that way you wouldn't have said you wished you were a cultural anthropologist.