College degrees are overrated

BGlave · Jan 11, 2014

Everyone is so uptight about getting one. They praise it like it's something worth of high value. In highschool we are taught continuously to believe that in order to have a successful life we must first go to college and acquire a college degree.

Now hear me out. Depending on what you plan to do with your life you will need one, but more than half of the time you won't get the job you want. Now you're in this predicament of having to pay off loans if you took some and you spent all this money on books to resale at a cheaper price if you are not keeping them.

Now you're competing for a job. With a degree you will always be looked at first before someone who does not have one, but is that worth the time and money spent? The constant aggravation of stress and living unhealthy?

I am in highschool, my last year. Everything is college related at this point and it's really annoying hearing all this reiterated material that I already know about. I have to spend money on a counselor who will help me find a decent college with my shitty gpa.

Does anyone else realize that college is a business? They encourage us since we are young to continue on with school to pay off these businesses so they survive and grow bigger.

I am a big advocate of learning something new which is the only reason that I even consider going to college, but other than that it's a waste of time.

Thoughts?

SexayMistahBee · Jan 11, 2014

In my country, People whi don't go to college and get a job making coffee or so make more money than those who do in their lifetime. However, people without college/uni educations are looked down on by society.

Unless you become the next bill gates or mark zukerberg, that is

Yes, i believe that its overrated.

Slamit · Jan 11, 2014

I agree with you in a sense. Yes, in the end, it's all about what you will make. But sometimes it isn't about that. People want to pursue a career that they will love doing every day. In order for this to happen, is to have the proper skill set, knowledge, etc. Noone wants to do a job that they hate, where they work way to hard, for way too little, just to make ends meet! By going to college, they open many more paths they can take, on the other hand, just diving into the work force doesn't have as much opportunity as the first option. Most work force jobs are dead end jobs, with no real way to advance. Oh, 50 cent raise? Whoopi. I'm not going directly to college. I'm enlisted in the Marines, and I am leaving for basic next September. I'm not doing this for the money, but for the experience,for my country, and my future. Say I went and applied for a cyber security job. Another man with the same certifications as me applied as well. But there's one difference between my application, and his. I am a Marine. Employers 9 times out of 10 would choose me over the other guy. Because of how, and where I obtained my experience. I believe that the military is one of the best ways to get somewhere in life. But it's not for everyone. Some do manage good grades in college. And finances aren't always a problem. There's things called financial aid, scholarships, grants, etc. There are many ways to get through college without paying years of earnings for it. You're only looking at it from your point of view.

Jack · Jan 11, 2014

In the world today it's more about luck and who you know rather than education. It's a nice crutch but regardless of your degree, on a CV the degree itself shows that you are willing to learn and can focus which is important.

I believe the most common degree for NZ CEO's/high up businessmen is actually a fitness/nutrition degree. They're easy but still look good on paper.

Schools are still very anal about getting into university or a trade immediately after your schooling career is at its end. In today's society majority of people don't even go to university in their first year out of school (or at all) so the whole notion is outdated.

I am in a similar position as you but in New Zealand with our schooling system I have finished my last year of school 2 months ago. I however have been awarded a scholarship that ultimately pays for most of my first year of university so that plays an important part in my decision to go to university this year.

astrodomez · Jan 11, 2014

Highschools these days make it seem like whatever they tell us is the right thing to do. Memeorize this information, study, get good grades, take your ACT/SAT and do good on it, go to college and get a degree. Honestly, it is all a load of shit.

In school, it seems as if they teach us how to memorize information, opposed to actually learning the information and liking what we learn. When is the last time that you have heard someone say they wanted to go to school? Correct, never. Nobody wants to, its a prison that forces us to study information.

I think our whole school system, especially in the US (idk about other countries) is absolutely corrupt and they need to get there priorities straight. I mean, what if someone wants to work in a trade, or do something that does not involve the information that is learned.

This year, I needed an extra SS credit, but no classes were available, so I asked if I could just take an extra SS class next year. No problem right? But I was forced to take a sociology class that I had no interest in whatsoever, and it was a complete waste of time.

The schools make it seem like YOU HAVE TO go to college and that it is a priority to get anywhere in life. That is just fucked up.

Almond Joy · Jan 11, 2014

Just so you know, there are a lot of people with college degrees that are still working in minimum wage jobs.

In reality, if everyone had a college degree, it would be considered the best applicants who would get hired.

Loyal 2 da game · Jan 11, 2014

one thing that is total bullshit is "steve jobs, mark zuckerberg and bill gates were university drop outs, so you don't need school to be successful". this is complete bullshit anecdotal evidence that doesn't mean anything. all three of them only dropped out so they could focus on their ever expanding companies. look at the rest of the millionaire/billionaires in the world, a whole lot of them have done some sort of post secondary education.

so anyway, is a college/university degree 100% needed to be successful? absolutely not. can it be a helpful ingredient to success? absolutely. i'd advise that if you can take some sort of college/university course without financially crippling yourself, do it.

BGlave · Jan 11, 2014

loyal to da game said:
one thing that is total bullshit is "steve jobs, mark zuckerberg and bill gates were university drop outs, so you don't need school to be successful". this is complete bullshit anecdotal evidence that doesn't mean anything. all three of them only dropped out so they could focus on their ever expanding companies. look at the rest of the millionaire/billionaires in the world, a whole lot of them have done some sort of post secondary education.

so anyway, is a college/university degree 100% needed to be successful? absolutely not. can it be a helpful ingredient to success? absolutely. i'd advise that if you can take some sort of college/university course without financially crippling yourself, do it.

Good point and I partially agree with most people who posted.

My mother is brainwashed and will force me to go anyways. I would love to learn new material so I will go. It's just so annoying about all the propaganda that is being told about college and life.

Smaug · Jan 11, 2014

Yep I have a Degree in Business and im still working at Sams Club making about 12$/h

Degree are good to obtain but at what cost?

Usually after you get out of a 4 year BACH. Program your ass out broke and cant really further your education like you want and you have to go back to a 9-5 until you can but college is worth going to. Im currently going back for Chemistry so I can work in a plant and make some good money maybe one day become a CEO.

The Ract · Jan 11, 2014

I don't believe they're overrated, I just think times have changed and are more of a necessity now then they were 20 or 30 years ago. Today, you won't even get your foot in the door without a degree unless you have a lot of connections. The job market's so crappy, even people with degree's may only end up getting low end jobs. I just think it's worth it to get a degree.

nodnarbusn · Jan 11, 2014

I work construction with a guy who has his degree in journalism or some shit. He makes $2 less than I do haha.

It seems to mean a lot less nowadays.

IRL Seller · Jan 11, 2014

I need education. Currently I am studying law and let me tell you, if I tried to get to my goal position without going to school, I would not even be considered. Just in my first semester of schooling I have learned more than I had throughout high school. This info that I am learning will be put to good use in the future. It IS worth the cost to me.

In my state, all teachers must be certified and to do so you must have at least a BS in Education/the field you wish to teach in. So therefore it is worth it for them too.

The following careers will benefit GREATLY from a degree (as in if you want an "in" in this field you need to have a degree.... or have some shambles up your sleeve)

Law/Legal Counsel
Medical Services (Doctors, Nurses ect)
Upper Management (not needed but very helpful)
Teachers
Mathmetitions
Aero-nautical Engineers

the list does go on and on... but for many people, college will cost more than you will make per year in your career.

For me I will spend ~3 years pay on my entire schooling. However, tuition reimbursement and other factors make it worth while to me.

Entrr · Jan 11, 2014

I disagree to an extent. Pick your major well, do great in it you will be successful. Yes being happy in your job is one thing, supporting a family is another. Sometimes the sacrifice needs to be made. Luckily I love the program I'm taking and whether I transfer into Pharmacy or not the money will be good and the jobs will be available. Some people pick a major because they like it without considering the future employment opportunities. If you pick something where the demand just isn't there obviously you'd be better off without.

Loyal 2 da game · Jan 11, 2014

BGlave said:
My mother is brainwashed and will force me to go anyways. I would love to learn new material so I will go. It's just so annoying about all the propaganda that is being told about college and life.

yeah dawg, just take some general courses and see what you might like.

SmokeHut · Jan 11, 2014

In the UK people enter their adult life with around £40,000-£60,000 debt for their education. I personally didn't go to college, I went into the Armed Forces after leaving school. That didn't turn out well, so I was medically discharged for an injury. After that, I did an apprenticeship and paid for several courses in weld inspection. I now earn between £50,000-£100,000 PA without too much difficulty. This is all without going to college. I may be a lucky one of the few, but if you plan the right agenda and motivate yourself you can achieve anything.

But as for it being a business, I completely agree.

Xier0 · Jan 11, 2014

There are two sides to this. You don't NEED a college degree to get a good job, e.g. you can be a welder or trucker or some sort of trade and make very good money.

However, I think you aren't doing the other side of the argument justice. The sort of people who graduate college and go work at McDonalds either get some sort of bullshit degree (art, journalism, psych) or don't get good grades. If you actually go to college with the intention of getting a degree that you can earn with, it will pay off in the long run.

Zealot Reyes · Jan 12, 2014

You can get most of the knowledge you'd learn in college online. For free.
Im planning on getting a associates degree just so im picked over people without them when im looking for a job.

reddogwwa · Jan 12, 2014

I agree with you to an extent.

It all depends on the the job you're looking for in life. If you want to be a Lawyer, Doctor, Accountant, commercial pilot, a Business Mogul etc. . .then college is definitely needed. Not only to have a clue about what your job entails but to even get that job. No accounting firms would ever consider you a viable option if you didn't have a degree haha.

But if you're looking to do some more blue collar work then "maybe" college in the traditional sense is overrated for your specific wants and needs. I personally like vocational schools. Welding, HVAC...things along those lines you don't need a degree in and you can make a very good living. Due keep in mind you'll probably want a certificate in whatever trade you choose.

Degree's being overrated is situational.

EDIT: Found a flaw in my own statement..."business mogul". I'm pretty sure Steve Jobs, Gates, and Zuckerberg to name a few didn't complete college. That being said there are more of them but they are the exception haha. The vast majority of fry cooks can attest to that!

Hubba Bubba · Jan 13, 2014

lol you pay some1 to find you a college must be a fucked up schoolsystem in the country you live in.
In germany you can get pretty good paid jobs ( 3-5k+€ ) with just a normal school graduation. although you get more money for the same job if you studied e.g you get paid more as a banker if you studied economics