Is pursuing a degree worth it for someone unsure of their career goals?

1. 81

   Faith A Mullenposted 11 years ago

   Is pursuing a degree worth it for someone unsure of their career goals?
   
   Taking into account the current job market, would you say that any degree is better than no degree? Is paying for school worth the time and money for someone who is undecided on their choice of career?

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2. 0

   lisasuniquevoiceposted 11 years ago

   Getting a degree is worth it even if you don't know how you're going to use it. Education has a way of opening up a whole new world to you. It's exciting, and it changes your life for the better. I have a B.A. in Communication Arts. It can be applied in several different ways. I use my journalistic skills for writing for newspapers, magazines, and internet sites, and I use my voice acting skills to produce commercial and narration voice overs. Go for it. You won't regret it ever.
   Good luck,and have fun,
   Lisa

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   1. 81

      Faith A Mullenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for your response, Lisa! I am currently working toward a BS in Communications. I liked the varied options this one degree can lead to, but have to admit, some days I grow weary.

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   2. 0

      lisasuniquevoiceposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Stick with it. It's worth it.
      Lisa

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3. 96

   chef-de-jourposted 11 years ago

   In the long run I think studying for a degree is worth the time and effort. In this current climate qualifications are going to count, no doubt. You may have to sacrifice some earning potential as you study but having a good degree at the end of three years means you will soon be able to restore parity once in a job. Many students on degree courses are unsure of their final career and only get to know in their final year once all the options have been explored.
   
   You could also argue that being at university helps broaden the visions of an individual and they get to learn of vocational opportunities they otherwise wouldn't have thought of or come across. So I would recommend studying for a degree not only for the career benefits in the medium term but for other more life enhancing reasons, like the social,cultural and all round educational benefits.

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   1. 81

      Faith A Mullenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Great input, chef-de-jour! Thanks for your response.

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4. 94

   peeplesposted 11 years ago

   For me I'd say over all it was a waste of time and money. I have two degrees and have used very little of either. I think I could have gotten a few textbooks and read them to learn the same amount I have used since then. With that said I am about to start working on useless degree number 3!!

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   1. 81

      Faith A Mullenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I'm sorry you've had a hard time, peeples! I know many people who feel their graduated major no longer lines up with their goals. It's tricky when most college students are still unsure what they want in life.

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   duffsmomposted 11 years ago

   I think starting on a degree is always a good idea.  Get the basics in and under your belt and while you are doing that, a lot of doors will open and you may find something that particularly interests you.  The more you know and are educated, the more the world opens and makes more sense.

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   1. 81

      Faith A Mullenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for your input, duffsmom! I agree that starting with the basics is a great idea for those who are still undecided.

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6. 59

   ElleBeeposted 11 years ago

   I think as long as you go for a broad enough degree that the coursework could help you in multiple career paths then it is worth the time. For example, if you were to spend your time and money on a nursing degree but were not sure you wanted to be a nurse that might be a waste of time and money. But if you were to receive a degree in English or Business or something broad, then it would probably not be a waste of time.

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   1. 81

      Faith A Mullenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the input, ElleBee! I agree. A broad major provides more flexibility in options after school.

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7. 72

   lburmasterposted 11 years ago

   If someone is undecided, I always suggest that they attend a community college for a two year degree that can hopefully transfer to a university. By the time they have looked around, talked to other students, understood different career paths; students normally have a better perspective of who they are, where they want to be in the future, and what they love to do. With an associate's and most of the under level classes out of the way, you can achieve a better job than working as a casher or waitress. The pay is better, you can be more content with your decision, and there is less pressure on you as a student at a community college.
   Also keep in mind that students normally change majors once or twice within the first couple of years. It's better to switch degree plans at a cheap community college rather than a university which costs four times as much. And ALWAYS watch for what transfers to different universities. I cannot stress that last sentence enough!

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