On my post about not understanding college students, there is some interesting discussion in the comments area. Ben said:
Why is this surprising to you? The nature of knowledge has changed drastically in the past 100 years, but society’s expectations have not. It used to be if you had a thirst for knowledge that went unmet in your home or your high school then if you had the means you went to college and LEARNED because it was the only place with books and professors who were expertly educated. Now you and I can go to any Barnes and Noble or any public library and learn anything we want to. Anything. A college education is virtually worthless but no one is willing to admit that because recognizing that would throw a wrench in too many people’s plans. People go to get their piece of paper to show how “smart” they got and leave. If you gave me four years, a library, an Encyclopedia, a Book store and the internet I guarantee you I could learn more than any pompous turd at any college in this country. It’s all about the resume now.
Gracey London responded:
I totally agree with Ben. Unless you’re going to a liberal arts university. In which case you’ll learn all about life and human beings, but probably end up flipping burgers at McDonalds after you graduate.
Is that what’s going to happen to me? Am I going to spend four years of my life getting a Bachelor’s degree, only to end up flipping burgers at McDonalds anyway? I have to admit, I know a few people that have done just that. Go to college, get great grades, get their degree… and they still can’t find a job. Are college degrees worth anything at this point?
Update: Apparently, I’m not the only one with this concern.
That’s a very interesting question. I guess it all depends in what area someone chooses to develop in. I personally received my bachelors and certain certificates in Graphic Design, yet after 3 years in the filed, I decided to work in retail instead while still freelancing on the side.
And after 5 years in retail, I make a bit more than as a designer.
I have to admit I had the same thoughts all 4 years I spent getting my BS.
A college degree today is like a high school degree used to be years ago. It’s a requirement, a right of passage, another thing that will get you considered for jobs. Many jobs require a degree, at least they say so and they use that as a way to filter candidates.
I’m still not sure if college helped me all that much since I’ve worked tech support contracts ever since graduating and one job at a print shop having nothing to do with my field of study in college (advertising). But all I can say is college for me was more about meeting people and making connections than the actual coursework. That’s just my story and I’m not the normal person so your mileage may vary.
Overall, I’d say go because while it may not open doors, it will keep them from getting closed on you.
I went to university to study philosophy, and received my bachelor’s degree with honours. I can say with absolute certainty that no amount of reading philosophical treatises on my own time would’ve helped me learn a fraction of what I eventually came to know thanks to my professors and the learning atmosphere that university classes allow.
And, I can say that I make a strong income. Even with a philosophy degree.
Someone told me once that there is almost no correlation between one’s major and one’s career anymore. Unless you’re a business major.