What's a Degree Really Worth?

I don't think everyone should pursue an degree, not to say that an education is not inportant, but if everyone has one, then I believe some value is lost.

I can't beleive I just said that.

Originally Posted by wet dog

I don't think everyone should pursue an degree, not to say that an education is not inportant, but if everyone has one, then I believe some value is lost.

I can't beleive I just said that.

Degree inflation, grade deflation. Things that make you go Hmmmm.

[LibraryLady]

Originally Posted by wet dog

I don't think everyone should pursue an degree, not to say that an education is not inportant, but if everyone has one, then I believe some value is lost.

I can't beleive I just said that.

Agreed.

Here's the problem though. A college education as currently defined/developed by American society is necessary for many white collar jobs because it shows you've jumped through the same hoops as your predecessors to get the same place in life/business/society.

However, just because you have the degree doesn't mean squat when push comes to shove - ie. the recession we are experiencing. NOW they're looking for experience which they can use to winnow down the field rather than just education.

The times they be a changing...

LL - opsimath - got the Masters but no experience, hence no job.

[Dozer523]

Originally Posted by HowardCohodas

I believe you to be completely wrong here. I know quite a few people who have made many life decisions where maximizing the money they would earn was nowhere near the top of their decision making criteria. I include myself in this list.

Quality of life and living my values far outrank money in my life choices. I don't have a lot of money and I'm not a Hell's Angel. Go figure.

IME it is really hard to be completely wrong about anything, I should know because I've tried*. My reason For Living says I've come "pretty damn close" a few times.
If quality of life and living your values (ie. living the way you want) is your standard of measure then then you have to ask yourself, "And how do I pay for that life style?"
Money is the universal solvent of humanity. It's how we measure ourselves against each other. (Unless you are a Monk. but I bet even they have their own gold standard -- prayers answered, miracles instigated, private cell with a window?)
In education there is a theory that people are inclined to learn in a variety of ways. Musically, kinstetically (sp), spatially, categorically, some others. Quite frankly I think the theory (it's like 30 or 40 years old now) is a load of crap. It has become the excuse of all excuses to explain the student failures caused by a refusal to do the classwork and homework. (before you go all ", MY COW,MY COW, what have you done to my cow?" I will say that the various learning styles are great teaching techniques -- Do they remember when I sing? Damn straight cuz they know I might do it again.) But there are two categories that I do care about mathematical and verbal. Because: that is what the SAT cares about and the SAT is what Universities care about. and because the ability to communicate effectively and to accurately manipulate numbers is what the majority get paid to do.
The other reason I dislike the theory is that it has never been tested in a scientific manner. The author has yet to come up with a way to isolate a variable.

//the Hell's Angels got their start in Fontana California which, by happy coincidence, is where I got my first classroom.


* okay, MAYBE the Hasselhoff thread was "completely wrong.

[FMF DOC]

I'd take experience any day over education unfortunately I don't think times are changing all that fast, at least not in rural NW Pennsylvania in fact I have found that some jobs that never use to require a degree are now. I have a daughter who will be attending college this coming fall and it’s not cheap, I just hope it pays off for her in the end.

Originally Posted by HowardCohodas

Degree inflation, grade deflation. Things that make you go Hmmmm.

Degrees yes, but grades can still be high.

My father's generation, High School diploma could get you a "good job", while a colllege degree meant a "great job".

Originally Posted by Dozer523

IME it is really hard to be completely wrong about anything, I should know because I've tried*.

I stand corrected and completely agree from personal experience.

[The Reaper]

The Angels have nothing against making money.

TR

[Mitch]

Originally Posted by Dozer523

IME it is really hard to be completely wrong about anything, I should know because I've tried*. My reason For Living says I've come "pretty damn close" a few times.
.......

//the Hell's Angels got their start in Fontana California which, by happy coincidence, is where I got my first classroom.


* okay, MAYBE the Hasselhoff thread was "completely wrong.

There you go - you see I was not completely wrong - I was at least 1 % right. You don't see the original One-Percenters checking out each other's Bikes for Alumni plates from UC Fontana. For them, life style is the whole thing.

[Mitch]

Originally Posted by HowardCohodas

I believe you to be completely wrong here. I know quite a few people who have made many life decisions where maximizing the money they would earn was nowhere near the top of their decision making criteria. I include myself in this list.

Quality of life and living my values far outrank money in my life choices. I don't have a lot of money and I'm not a Hell's Angel. Go figure.

Ok - I can go with Quality of Life - Lets consider the entire population of the US Army agan – who has the better Quality of Life – HS Grads or College Grads?

And, before you say anything, I will give you Sergeant Bilko and Elvis!

[GratefulCitizen]

A degree may or may not help you make a living.
You can make a fine living at UPS, if you're willing to work and stick it out through the early difficult times.


Drivers in my center make between 70-110k per year, with about 11-17k per year in medical benefits, 8-10 weeks/year of paid leave, and other retirement/fringe benefits.
We are paid by the hour.

My work center has 8 employees.
4 of us have 4-year degrees.
(Majors: industrial arts, liberal arts, political science, mathematics).
The other 4 had 1-3 years of college.
(Majors: engineering, chemical engineering, hotel/restaraunt mgmt, unknown).

We had a high-school dropout who worked for us for awhile.
22 years old and set for life if he was willing to stick it out for one year.
He quit.

A degree is unnecessary to work for us, but it is indicative of other traits.

[craigepo]

One other thought to consider: Attending college also allows a person to meet a lot of people. These people become effective assets for later networking.

It is good to have friends that are scattered around the business/political world.

[GratefulCitizen]

Originally Posted by Broadsword2004

My goal is to build a huge company and become a billionaire captain of industry. Money is important to me, but not my sole motivator. I mostly want lots of it for toys, luxuries, and so I have time and ability to pursue my various other interests.

One guy I admire a lot is this guy (http://www.forbes.com/2009/04/03/ban...reet-beal.html) who didn't finish college, but has accomplished a LOT.

If that's truly what you want, then start building social capital, and remember the 5 laws:

#1 – Law of Value.
Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.

#2 – Law of Compensation.
Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them.

#3 – Law of Influence.
Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people's interests first.

#4 – Law of Authenticity.
The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself.

#5 – Law of Receptivity.
The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving.

(From The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann)