What is the point of College any more?

1. 58

   StacieFaceposted 12 years ago

   We spend all of this time waking up each day, going to class and maintaining good grades to FINALLY earn a degree. But what then?!
   Degrees end up just being a piece of paper we strived and sweated to get that just sit in a nice frame on our wall.
   Is it just me or is it the job experiences we have that really teach us about the job market? I feel like we spend all of this money and energy going to college to learn a foundation and then we get into our careers and its almost nothing like what we learned.
   Your thoughts?

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   1. 75

      Shanna11posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Well, I'm in college right now, so I certainly hope this isn't the case!
      
      I work as a dishwasher right now and if anything, it's solidifying the idea that a college degree will help me earn more money and a better job than washing other people's dishes.
      
      Sometimes you just have to play the game, I guess.
      
      Edit: Besides, I love college. It's a great time to get out on my own without REALLY being out on my own. I'm thousands of miles away from my family, learning how to be an adult and yet, I'm still in an environment that understands I'm still growing up-- which is much more beneficial to me personally than being introduced immediately to the working, adult world straight after high school.

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2. 58

   calpol25posted 12 years ago

   I never went to college, and went straight in to work from I was 16yrs old and I have to admit I learned alot more about life and gained alot of insight and experience in the working field that way. I have seen people who come from college in to the working field and some do struggle because what they have learned in a classroom is different to the job they usually do and so can take a lot longer for them to adapt.

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3. 58

   StacieFaceposted 12 years ago

   I hear what you are saying and am not saying college is a complete waste of time. I've learned a lot, but at the same time I feel I've learned more from my actual work. You know the saying "things are never how they seem" well thats my opinion on college. You get this idea of what a particular career field will be like based on what you learn in college, but when you get there is can be completely different. Makes me question why college is such a necessity. Internships seem to make more sense.

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   1. 58

      calpol25posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with you, internships may be the key.

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4. 0

   timmathisenposted 12 years ago

   College helps develop two important transferable skills: the ability to communicate effectively and to think critically about any subject. These skills provide the foundation for everything one does in his/her career.
   
   Besides, you get to meet lots of cool people, learn about different cultures, and grow as a person.
   
   One other thing: We're part of the most-educated generation. The value of holding a bachelor's degree has diminished because so many people have one. This makes competition in the job market difficult, especially for those with a high school diploma.
   
   These are my my thoughts on the subject, anyhow.

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5. 91

   rebeccamealeyposted 12 years ago

   My son was a high school drop in. He dropped in every day or two. He obtained a GED, attended local tech school, did internship and at 28 years old makes 6 figures as a web developer. It can be done. He is not a genius, it just takes determination!

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   1. 58

      StacieFaceposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Determination is definitely key! Congratulate your son for me, that is an amazing accomplishment at 28.
      Technical schools are internships seem to be the best opportunities to really learn and understand a field.

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6. 87

   Bill Yovinoposted 12 years ago

   A college education certainly won't hurt you, but you shouldn't mortgage your future to pay for it. Unless you graduate from an Ivy League school, the college you attend doesn't really matter much when it comes to looking for a job. An inexpensive community college is about the same as a $30k/year private school to most recruiters.
   
   If you don't have a clear career path in mind, college may not be what you need.
   
   I have a couple of college degrees and recently found myself out of work when my software engineering job was sent to China.  If I had it to do over again I would probably choose a trade school of some kind. You can't off-shore plumbing, electrical, or welding jobs.
   
   Many good careers in the health field don't require a four year degree, some don't require any college.
   
   The idea that everyone should go to college no longer makes sense now that the cost of a 4 year education typically exceeds $100,000.

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   1. 58

      StacieFaceposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Of course, education never hurts. The more we educate ourselves the better prepared we are for anything. But with that said there can be quicker and more cost effective ways to prepare ourselves.
      
      Community colleges are the way to go, but now days they are becoming almost as expensive as the universities.

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