Do You Have a Degree or Wish You Had One? What Degree Is It and Has It Helped ?

@tinym8 (420)
United States
July 22, 2010 9:56pm CST
Hi, Did you receive a degree of any kind. Which degree was it and in what subject or subjects? Do you think the degree has helped you in your job or in life in general? If you haven't received a degree, do you wish you did and in what subject? What subject would you be interested in studying even if you don't want a degree? I have a B.S. degree in biology and a minor in biobehavioral sciences (biology, anthropology and psychology). I received my degree when I was in my 30's after I went to college. Before that I had received a two-year associates degree at a business school right after high school. I'm glad I went to college in my 30's and received my degree. I wouldn't change that, but I never really had a job using it. Now that I am going to be writing seriously I think that degree and the minor also will come in very handy.
2 people like this
12 responses
@gladread (30)
• United States
23 Jul 10
Hi tiny m8-- I have a B.A., with a major in English. My degree has certainly helped me get jobs in the past, although the bar has been raised over the time since I graduated, and I'd be much better off if I had gone on to an M.A. I believe that I am a HAPPIER person for having gotten a college education, which has served me as a basis for further learning throughout life. One thing that causes me a great deal of grief, though, is the tendency of employers to demand specific majors for specific jobs. A college degree is seen as job training, whereas my principal goal was always to become an educated person--then seek training in a specific job area. I would like to go on to further studies in Creative Writing, English, Law, or maybe History. Right now I don't have the money or the time, though. Fortunately, there are abundant free courses offered online where I can learn for learning's sake, even though I may not get any college credit for them. Regards!
@tinym8 (420)
• United States
24 Jul 10
Hi Gladread, So happy you have a degree in English. Sorry you have not had the chance to go on to your M.A. Sounds like you are interested in other fields now too though. It sounds to me that you are presently looking for another job? You are a talented person and I'm sure you will find one. Law sounds like the best bet for a possible new field in which to find a job. Maybe you can take some of those free online courses in that for now. Best wishes with furthering your career and your studies!
• United States
24 Jul 10
Hi davidgn and tinyn8-- I'm taking a free Arabic course and two free Spanish courses right now! There's a tremendous wealth of materials on the Internet, free for the taking!
1 person likes this
• United States
24 Jul 10
Hi Gladread, Congratulations on your degree in English! I'm glad to hear that it has helped you get jobs you have had in the past and has made you a happier person. That is so important! It IS aggravating that employers now demand specific majors for certain jobs. Sometimes you wonder what they are thinking with some of the requirements that they want. Furthering your education now for free online would never be a waste. Then maybe you can pursue college credit courses in the future. Good luck with your future endeavors!
@moog27 (60)
23 Jul 10
I have a BA in education. It was a 4 year course and was essential in order for me to become a teacher. I am currently studying for my masters degree in teaching and learning and once I have finished that I would love to do a PhD. I am not convinced that my masters will do much in terms of increasing my pay or improving my job but eventually it should help me in my quest to become a headteacher. Also, being a teacher I think education is pretty cool, so why not push myself!?!
1 person likes this
@tinym8 (420)
• United States
24 Jul 10
Hi Moog, Congratulations on your education degree! That's such a great field! Going for your masters will certainly be good for your teaching career. It's very industrious to go on for your PhD, but GO for it!! Striving for being a head teacher is a wonderful goal. Exactly right! For such a great goal why not push yourself? Go all the way. Good going and great luck with it in the future. What do you teach now?
@moog27 (60)
24 Jul 10
Thanks :-) I teach ICT in a secondary school but my training was both primary and secondary so one day I may even return to a primary school. For now though, the older smellier, grumpier teenagers are more fun!!
1 person likes this
@Sandra1952 (6047)
• Spain
23 Jul 10
Hello, Tinym8. I have two degrees - a BA in English with history and an MA in Anglo-American Literary Relations. I began to study for them in my late 40's when I was medically retired due to arthritis. I enjoyed the challenge of the study, and it also helped to keep my mind off my health problems. I met a lot of people who became good friends as well. I don't think the degree has actually helped. I wanted to lecture part time, but I had too complete a teaching certificate to do that, and I couldn't get an appropriate training subject. However, doing the degrees has certainly broadened my knowledge of English Literature and History, and I'm sure it's helped with my writing skills, as I'm able to earn a modest living from writing.
1 person likes this
@tinym8 (420)
• United States
24 Jul 10
Hi Sandra, It is wonderful you had the perseverance and stamina to get two degrees with your illness. Congratulations! I too enjoyed the challenge of the study when I was in my 30's. Biology is NOT an easy major... especially difficult were the math, chemistry and physics requirements! I'm positive your degrees help and will help your writing. The more you know about different fields the easier and better you can write about them. Do you earn your living entirely from writing now?
1 person likes this
• Spain
24 Jul 10
Hello again. Yes, you're quite right - the degrees have definitely helped with my writing. Writing is all I do, and while I don't earn enough to support myself entirely, what I do earn certainly helps, and my earnings are increasing steadily month by month.
• South Korea
23 Jul 10
if given the chance to go back to school i would pursue nursing course, it is in my opinion the most noble profession and the salary is higher among other profession. And the demand for nurses in the global market is increasing year after year.
@tinym8 (420)
• United States
24 Jul 10
Hi Embventures, Nursing is a wonderful profession. Go for it when you have the chance! You are right that it is a very noble profession and one that is always sorely needed everywhere. There is nothing like a good caring nurse. You are right that it is a good, well-paying job and it is one that you can always fall back on for the rest of your life. That is not true of many other professions.
@sender621 (14894)
• United States
23 Jul 10
I always enjoyed going to school. Unfortunately, i did not go beyond high school education. Money for college just wasn't something available to me. i would have enjoyed going to a college or university and obtaining a degree. A business degree in accounting is something i would have went after. Perhaps one day the opportunity will come for me to continue my education.
@tinym8 (420)
• United States
24 Jul 10
Hi Sender, I'm sorry you haven't had the opportunity to go to college yet. Don't give up on that dream. There are ways to achieve it. I know there are many places online you can take classes in the mean time and further your education that way for now. Education is never a waste no matter where it comes from in your life. It is never too late to become more educated. Many people have to wait to fulfill their dream of more education. Accounting would be a great field to get into. Go for some online free courses for now. Good luck with furthering your education!
@ptower76 (1616)
• United States
23 Jul 10
Hi Tinym8, i also went back to school later in life than most and earned a B.A. in Social work and also earlier earned and Associates in Humah Services. when i reached the age of 40, I realized that it would help me grow older with more dignity if I had a college degree whether I used it or not. While i have not really worked in the field besides the internships and some volunteer work, what i learned has enhanced my life and my ability to help others and as a result has enhanced the life of other as well. I believe that although one may not work in their particular field, a college education makes for a more rounded individual with basic knowledge in various disciplines which is an asset. As a writer, you will definately call upon your life's experiences and the knowledge you gained in College. I currently tutor undergrads in writing and find it both enjoyable and rewarding. Writing is a very satisfying profession and if you remember the three elements that make up professionalism (Knowledge, skills, and attitude), you should do just fine. Good luck
1 person likes this
@tinym8 (420)
• United States
24 Jul 10
Hi Ptower, I went back to school later in life too and I know it's not easy to compete with all those younger brains in the class. lol : ) Social work is a very noble field too and so satisfying, I imagine. I heartily agree that a college degree does make for a more well rounded individual. Writing will be very satisfying for me I'm sure. I never really thought of it as a "career" until now. Necessity is the mother of invention so they say. : ) We do need to supplement our income so writing is a great way to do that right now I hope. It will take time to "break in" to it, but I'm determined. Knowledge, skills and attitude sounds like a good slogan for it. Thank you for your reply and your advice.
@shia88 (4571)
• Malaysia
23 Jul 10
Hi, I am a degree holder,studied in Singapore and I have a degree in Banking and Finance. I got my degree in year 1999 and after that I worked in Singapore local company and few banks before I settled down with my husband. I love study and holding higher education level is pretty important in the society. Nowadays,competition is getting tough and without a degree holder, it might be difficult to get a better job position. Even with a degree holder, some people might end up with no job. I encourage my son to study hard and at least will get his degree in future. If I can afford, I will ask him to study in abroad rather than local university. it is good to study abroad as you will get to learn different culture and open your eyes widely to see the world and get to know more people with different cultures.
1 person likes this
@tinym8 (420)
• United States
24 Jul 10
Hi Shia, Congratulations on your degree! You are right that competition is getting more and more intense as more people become jobless. Without a degree your options in more fields become limited. You are right to encourage your son to get his degree. Many colleges in the U.S. accept foreign students in abundance. He should look into that possibility, as well as the opportunities in other countries, when he is old enough.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
23 Jul 10
I also have a degree. A bachelor of science degree in engineering. Although I am glad that I found time and effort to get that degree, I couldn't really say that this degree has helped me in my career or current profession. Except for getting me through the door, for job interviews, I wouldn't really attribute anything concrete about my degree with what I am doing now. Still, I would recommend that young people get their own degrees. As I've also heard stories where their degrees have helped them tremendously.
@tinym8 (420)
• United States
24 Jul 10
Hi Bounce, Congratulations on your engineering degree! I'm glad to hear that it has opened doors for you. A degree is something no one can take away from you. You will always have it and it may benefit you further in the future. I agree that I would also recommend that young people get one. Even if they want to go into a manual or building trade, it is still something that will possibly benefit them in their future. Usually it is harder to get when you are older because of the added responsibility of a spouse and/or children.
• United States
23 Jul 10
I was very fortunate to be part of a double degree program in college. I carry two degrees: A degree in secondary education majoring in English and Liberal Arts in Literature. It makes for a great career in teaching, but I still feel that it lacks. There are a lot of reasons why this is so. Trimester systems speed up education, but that is a notch below being barely enough to fully understand and fulfill requirements. I still inadequate in spite of the fact that I carry a double degree program and that this program gives me so much potential for a teaching career. What I wish was bundled in with my program is a course in marketing and business. I'm not in the teaching profession. My degree in Literature helps somewhat in the area of script analysis, plus our theater company has an educational goal. (Shakespeare, anyone?) However, I do wish that I am equipped with the knowledge and know-how of business so that I can earn money while do what I love. Entrepreneurship is the way to go. As far as a degree in Literature goes, it has helped hugely in my writing and in my communication skills. Among other things, Literature is great at thinking and writing and teaching about life. This ties great with what I do on stage.
@tinym8 (420)
• United States
24 Jul 10
Hi Redmaryjane, You were fortunate to be able to get a double major degree. I'm sorry you feel you lack enough business and marketing courses. There are free courses online I know. Perhaps you can find some that will help you with what you need in those fields. Is teaching in your heart as a desired profession? Or, do you love the theater enough to want to stay in that for a profession? My son loves acting and the theater. He was in a lot of productions in his high school including a few leading roles. He also loves Shakespeare. Literature is one of the best majors to have if you want to write and also for theater. That is for sure. I loved the literature teacher I had in college. She was perfect for that job and all her students loved her. Good luck with your future learning endeavors!
@reetu3 (262)
• India
23 Jul 10
ya i m a degree holder...along with my post graduation i'd two other degrees...one in accounting and one in law....and i m working due to my degrees....i like studies that's why i am very educated and i feel proud when anyone praises me for my education.....
1 person likes this
@tinym8 (420)
• United States
24 Jul 10
Hi Reetu, It is wonderful that you hold two degrees! Add me to the people who praise you for your education! I know both those degrees were difficult ones to complete. Congratulations! Do you work in either of those fields? Do you have plans for further education?
• India
25 Jul 10
hi tinym, i am an average student neither too dull nor too intelligent,i have completed my 12th class and degree also in compartmentally,but it was long back,i have studied science degree and completed arts degree finally that is also long back,after that i have done the job for 33 months,then resigned started business total loss,that is my present position of me,happy mylotting
@tinym8 (420)
• United States
25 Jul 10
Hi Mandeswar, Congratulations on your arts degree. I'm sorry your business was a loss. So, you are without a job right now? Perhaps you should try your business again in a somewhat different way. Is that a possibility? I wish you much luck in any event. Happy mylotting to you too.
@jaesine (16)
• Philippines
23 Jul 10
I have a degree in Architecture, and I am just starting to use my degree as a licensed professional architect. You don't easily get what you want at first, but once you get used to it and discover how to utilize more your profession, I think it becomes more enjoyable. At least, that's what I think and feel. :D
@tinym8 (420)
• United States
24 Jul 10
Hello Jaesine, Congratulations on your architectural degree! How great that you are now using your degree. You must be so happy and proud. It is more difficult to break into some fields than others. What type of work are you doing in your field?