What Is a Degree Worth Any More??
By Hate2Iron
@Hate2Iron (15724)
Canada
March 13, 2016 4:41pm CST
My daughter just worked her butt off to get a degree in Environmental Science! She began sending out resumes 6 monthes before she graduated and Nothing!! If she couldn't offer experience, they weren't interested. I feel sorry for her... she worked so hard, had no social life the entire 4 years, and no one is even willing to look at her. She has just picked up a part time job at a big box store. She is beginning to wonder why on earth she spent all that money to go to university. With all that she learned... she will now be watering plants for the summer. What is wrong with this country?? They tell kids to get an education... for what?? Okay, I'm getting off my soap box.
3 people like this
6 responses
@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
13 Mar 16
The "They" that want want kids to attend university are primarily liberals who recognize keeping one of their most important financial supporters, teachers unions, employed and colleges are the greatest stage for indoctrinating the young with liberal propaganda.
Basically in this day an age, a university degree is useless and I would encourage any young person to seek a trade such as plumbing. Yeah, unglamorous blue collar professions with no "cache" among the millennials that pay big $ whose services are always in demand.
2 people like this
@OneOfMany (12150)
• United States
14 Mar 16
Welders are in high demand and get paid a lot as well. You don't need an extensive degree for that. It's time society is taught what people really need these days. Or change society to accept what we've already trained.
@Hate2Iron (15724)
• Canada
14 Mar 16
I think that if she had to do it over again, she would choose a trade!
1 person likes this
@OneOfMany (12150)
• United States
14 Mar 16
@Hate2Iron I actually was interested in trade-type jobs where you use your hands because I saw value in them. But everyone was looking down on those positions and said it's a waste of education. Unfortunately if I had gone that route I would have been better off. Although I can't say I'd be happy being a welder or the like.
@Hate2Iron (15724)
• Canada
14 Mar 16
I will pass on your message and congrats to you as well! That should say tons about you that you stuck with it. Must have been hard at times. My daughter was ready to throw in the towel lots of times but she didn't!!
@ricki_911 (21625)
• Toronto, Ontario
13 Mar 16
Yep, nothing!. I went to 4 years got 4 different degrees and I work in retail. If you dont know anyone you wont get the job.
1 person likes this
@Hate2Iron (15724)
• Canada
14 Mar 16
That is part of her problem... she's really not a people person... she just wants to make a difference in the world and no one will let her! Just give her a job and watch her get down to business. That is all she is asking for! And 4 degrees... I hope things open up for you as well!!
@OneOfMany (12150)
• United States
14 Mar 16
BS in mechanical engineering and MS in environmental management. No one responded to hundreds of resumes. They don't want you unless you have everything they want, and it's amusing that 'entry level' jobs require 3-5 years experience. Perhaps they don't know what that means, because I was taught entry was no experience.
1 person likes this
@Hate2Iron (15724)
• Canada
14 Mar 16
that is what she is wondering... where on earth does she get the experience if no one will give it to her??
1 person likes this
@OneOfMany (12150)
• United States
14 Mar 16
@Hate2Iron I never found it. I gave up on looking but that doesn't mean I'm wasting my degree. I'm working on projects that I'm hoping to publish.
My degrees gave me a lot of information, but sadly no way to turn that into an immediate job. Unfortunately there is no way unless you know someone on the inside.
For now, though I hate to say it, if she can intern that would be the fastest way in. Unfortunately she'd most likely have to do one that would not pay.
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
13 Mar 16
@Hate2Iron , it is sadly the same in my country. They say that a degree is a must to get a successful high paying job, then the minute the student leaves University, they are asked what experience they have...Like the son of a friend of mine asked, "how can I get experience, if they are not willing to give me a job?". It is a vicious cycle, I hope your daughter will still find work in what she studied for.
1 person likes this
@Hate2Iron (15724)
• Canada
14 Mar 16
It is hard when you (the student) does everything that she is told she should do and then she is on her own, the minute she graduates. I hope that your friend's son finds his calling too!!
1 person likes this
@puddleglum (1380)
• United States
13 Mar 16
It took me around six months after graduating to get a "serious" job. Financially, I'm still not sure it constitutes a return on my investment. I know your daughter must feel discouraged. But I think education has worth that is not monetary or career related. It reveals new ways to think, problem solve, listen and communicate. Although some people are just naturally good at it, I know my education has helped me analyze events and situations around me so I can make better decisions and help others more effectively, when needed. Your daughter sounds like a diligent student, so I'm sure she has reaped these benefits, just as I'm sure your love and support helped her achieve them. You both have reason to be proud.
1 person likes this
@Hate2Iron (15724)
• Canada
14 Mar 16
What a nice thing to say... thank you. She's a little discouraged at the moment, but all of these kind words, I will pass along. That should make her feel a little better. :)
1 person likes this
