College Education - BA? Masters? Does any of it matter?
By srig02010
@srig02010 (53)
United States
November 28, 2010 10:20pm CST
I've often been asked this question, and these days I don't know the answer anymore. It seems more and more that a BA is worth less and less, and that if you're not planning on getting at lest your Masters that you'll have just as hard of a time getting a job as someone without a BA. What about experience? I have 12 years experience in the field I currently work in, and most people I have done work for in the past have looked at my 12 years experience as the real knowledge, and almost disregarded the fact that I have various certifications. Does a college degree even matter anymore if you have the experience. Is a BA enough in today's word, or is it becoming a necessity to get your Masters?
2 responses
@jalucia (1431)
• United States
29 Nov 10
I often wonder how much a BA is worth, too. I see a lot of people who have it and I don't know how they got it. If they hadn't told me, I would have never thought that they had any kind of college education. Then I see folks who present in an educated manner and they have a BA but are stuck in positions that you would think don't require a degree. I do think that experience is definitely knowledge and it matters in any profession. But, sometimes it's hard to get the experience if you don't have the education to get yourself in the door. So, it all seems pretty tricky to me. And, it makes me wonder if the age old debate of whether success is based on hard work or luck, is a very valid discussion.
@srig02010 (53)
• United States
29 Nov 10
I'm seeing that issue with a family member right now. She is applying to pursue her Masters, but she needs a job at the same time, and even with a BA she's having a hard time finding a job in her chosen profession. I'm seeing more, and more people who go through their 4 years to get a BA end up working in jobs that seem like they would only require a high school diploma. I guess in today's economy, and job market you take what you can get.
@Graceekwenx (3160)
• Philippines
29 Nov 10
IMHO, college degrees still matter. However, if you have landed and excelled in a job that is far from the degree that you graduated on, then it would be the experience that makes your selling point to an employer. Master is not a necessity.
