College degrees? Why do I have one?
@Sandra_Hatfield (175)
United States
June 1, 2012 9:02am CST
I went to college and got a degree in Environmental and Resource Science. I graduated in 2009 but here it is 2012 and I still cannot find a career in my degree. I apply for jobs that are even entry level in the Environmental science field and they still say I do not qualify due to no experience. Problem is how do I get experience if I don't get a job in my field? I even have tried to volunteer at the local park service so that I can learn more and I can't even volunteer because I have no experience. I find this very unfair. So what do I do about this? I have thought of shredding my degree and just not telling anyone I have one. It seems to have been such a huge waist of my time. Right now I am working for a kitchen busing tables. This is definitely not what I got my degree in. Is it illegal just to not put the degree in my resume? What would you mylotters do in this situation? I have literally been searching for a job in my degree field just about everyday for about two hours a day just job searching for something to do with my degree. I cant even get in to education field because teachers are being let go left and right so there is no point in me perusing that area either. I am so lost. What do you think I should do about this?
1 person likes this
1 response
@PageTurner (2825)
• United States
1 Jun 12
Hello Sandra_Hatfield
How discouraging for you! I must say that I identify with you. I have several degrees, and yet, I have been unable to find work in my field for some time now. It is horrible.
A few years ago I ran my own business and it had nothing at all to do with my degrees. The business was very successful, but now it is gone do to divorce and I have been seeking work in my field, with no success.
I don't think it's illegal or even unethical to leave your degree off of your resume'. I think the thing you don't want to do is make up stuff that isn't true and add it to your resume'. But leaving off things shouldn't be a bad thing -- after all, you have to market yourself and if having the degree is proving detrimental, don't include it.
@Sandra_Hatfield (175)
• United States
2 Jun 12
wow well I could never afford to keep going to school. If I did I would go for my masters and then maybe have a better chance at a job but I cant afford school anymore.
School today in age are for the rich and those who can get grants and scholarships. Besides I regret going to school. I feel it was a waist. I should have done a business or accounting degree. There are quite a bit of those jobs out there.
@PageTurner (2825)
• United States
2 Jun 12
Yes, there are a lot of those sorts of jobs available. I was one of those dreamers who went to school because I enjoyed it. Not very practical, really. I made a lot more money starting businessess that had nothing to do with my degrees. Still, I don't regret them.
