7 answers
Giorgos
Student
Thessaloniki, Greece
3
Questions
Updated
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Is university degree really necessary?
Hello,
I've been wondering since I started university if it's vital for our life in the future or not. For example for me neither I finish or not I'm still getting a job because I have experience as car mechanic. I remember before starting 3 workshops wanted me to join their company (not boasting). I mean I felt so amazing to hear that and even in the thoughts. But I rejected all of them because of university. My question is if it is really worth the time. I'm halfway my second year and to be honest I had the greatest time of my life by going out with friends, having good times and making long lasting memories that I still now think of, going for cycling and hiking and the best part returning back to your own home. It's a great experience if you are good financially. However, I'm a mediocre student. I'm afraid of the time. We're talking about 4 years. I could work instead and make money and gain even more experience. To sum up, it is worth? What's your opinion upon your experience and thoughts?
Thank you!
PS: I study Aircraft Engineering and live in the EU. Since most people are from USA I want to inform you that colleges don't have tuitions. They are free in Greece and some other countries in the EU. I only pay for rents, food and commuting. Also, it's a major I don't like so much. I pursue it for its salary only.
#university #college #degree #career #college-advice #job
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7 answers
Cindie Horton
Sr. Manager - Data Privacy
29
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Cindie’s Answer
Hi Giorgos. You gave some great information that makes it a lot easier to answer your question.
One of the things I've always stressed to my daughter as she was growing up about education is the purposes of of education. My lecture was often followed by her proclamation, "Why do I study worthless subjects that I will never use in my work life?" I would explain that a formal education is about far more than the content that you are learning. About half the content you study, generally will not be used in or referred to in your work life.
So what is education about? It's about:
1. learning how to learn
2. learning how to think
3. learning how to discipline yourself to do stuff that you don't really want to do and
4. learning how to suffer.
In the US, public schools in general, unfortunately, do a poor job of teaching our kids these tenets which is a sad commentary for the use of the American taxpayer's money. It's not until kids go to college that they get an inkling of what the real world will be about. You need to constantly be learning. It does not end with high school or college. You need to be thinking about how you think. Do you know how to discern opinion from fact? Do you adopt others opinions as fact or do you come up with your own opinion and reasons for your opinion. College requires you to go above and beyond what is "required." In college, you're asked to take subjects and do projects that you really don't want to take, but you do it anyway because you know it will reap a reward. You learn discipline. And lastly, you learn how to suffer in college. It's tough...or at least it should be tough to get the grades you need or want to be competitive. You're going to suffer tough professors, relationship disappointments, how to make ends meet, etc. Life is full of suffering...more for some than others...but you never know what you'll be faced with so learning how to suffer, knowing that today's sufferings, though tough, will pass. College gives you additional time to learn all of these skills.
Now, with that said, even though you may pursue a profession or trade that, on the face of it, does not require a college degree, you never know when you might be in a position where a college degree would benefit you. For example, you may decide to purchase a garage and to eventually expand the services that the garage offers. In fact, you may be so successful, that you'll want to open other garages and eventually franchise the garages. You'll need to understand how to acquire capital and when, how to put together an effective human resources plan so that you'll attract and keep employees, how to manage the business' finances, and so on. If you take the time to garner education now, rather than later, you'll be more valuable to your employer, which could speed you along to owning your own enterprise one day. And trust me, it's a lot easier to go to school when you're young and don't have significant responsibilities (e.g. house/car payments, kids, etc.).
Another reason to get your college degree is that it makes you more valuable in the market. If/when you have to go look for a job, the person making the hiring decision will compare resumes. For the reasons I mentioned above, of the 2 candidates who are generally equal in experience, the hiring manager will hire the one with the college degree.
Lastly, one day you will have kids. It may be in your kids' best interest to go to college. As a parent, you'll be able to attest to the benefits, both tangible and intangible, for going to college, and that when they are struggling, you'll be able to attest too that if you could do it, they can do it too.
I hope you will consider staying in college. I think you will look back on it and consider it a good decision.
"Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure." --Confucius
All the best,
Cindie
One of the things I've always stressed to my daughter as she was growing up about education is the purposes of of education. My lecture was often followed by her proclamation, "Why do I study worthless subjects that I will never use in my work life?" I would explain that a formal education is about far more than the content that you are learning. About half the content you study, generally will not be used in or referred to in your work life.
So what is education about? It's about:
1. learning how to learn
2. learning how to think
3. learning how to discipline yourself to do stuff that you don't really want to do and
4. learning how to suffer.
In the US, public schools in general, unfortunately, do a poor job of teaching our kids these tenets which is a sad commentary for the use of the American taxpayer's money. It's not until kids go to college that they get an inkling of what the real world will be about. You need to constantly be learning. It does not end with high school or college. You need to be thinking about how you think. Do you know how to discern opinion from fact? Do you adopt others opinions as fact or do you come up with your own opinion and reasons for your opinion. College requires you to go above and beyond what is "required." In college, you're asked to take subjects and do projects that you really don't want to take, but you do it anyway because you know it will reap a reward. You learn discipline. And lastly, you learn how to suffer in college. It's tough...or at least it should be tough to get the grades you need or want to be competitive. You're going to suffer tough professors, relationship disappointments, how to make ends meet, etc. Life is full of suffering...more for some than others...but you never know what you'll be faced with so learning how to suffer, knowing that today's sufferings, though tough, will pass. College gives you additional time to learn all of these skills.
Now, with that said, even though you may pursue a profession or trade that, on the face of it, does not require a college degree, you never know when you might be in a position where a college degree would benefit you. For example, you may decide to purchase a garage and to eventually expand the services that the garage offers. In fact, you may be so successful, that you'll want to open other garages and eventually franchise the garages. You'll need to understand how to acquire capital and when, how to put together an effective human resources plan so that you'll attract and keep employees, how to manage the business' finances, and so on. If you take the time to garner education now, rather than later, you'll be more valuable to your employer, which could speed you along to owning your own enterprise one day. And trust me, it's a lot easier to go to school when you're young and don't have significant responsibilities (e.g. house/car payments, kids, etc.).
Another reason to get your college degree is that it makes you more valuable in the market. If/when you have to go look for a job, the person making the hiring decision will compare resumes. For the reasons I mentioned above, of the 2 candidates who are generally equal in experience, the hiring manager will hire the one with the college degree.
Lastly, one day you will have kids. It may be in your kids' best interest to go to college. As a parent, you'll be able to attest to the benefits, both tangible and intangible, for going to college, and that when they are struggling, you'll be able to attest too that if you could do it, they can do it too.
I hope you will consider staying in college. I think you will look back on it and consider it a good decision.
"Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure." --Confucius
All the best,
Cindie
This is exactly what I thought, that when an employer has to choose between 2 persons, even if they have both the same experience, he will choose the one that has "something extra" at his CV. But the problem was my dad, suppresing me emotionally by saying that "you don't have the minds to finish these kind of school and you should be better working instead" that put me in a lot of thoughts. He even compares me to other relatives, that cousins of mine left to the UK and working their arses off and making money. That put me in a very bad mood. I want them to be once really proud for me and happy! That's how my question why I asked you to give an advice, by saying that, was very helpful and for that thank you very much and for your time! I really appreciate it! Best regards!
Giorgos
You're very welcome. :) ...For me, I can tell you that there's one thing I don't regret, and that's getting my education. Oh, and I'm not the brightest bulb in the proverbial package, but I worked hard to get my grades and I got better and better at learning and organizing myself. If I may, tell your Dad, "Dad, I hear what you are saying and you have some good points, but I will be working for the next 40+ years. I may find at some point that I wish I had gotten an education, but it may be too late to go back and get it. While I can, I'm going to get it, and I'd appreciate your support. I will succeed." Best wishes!
Cindie Horton
Estelle Archer
Gynecologist
1322
Answers
United States
Updated
Estelle’s Answer
In general, having a college degree increases your income generating potential and opportunities to enter management, for example. I don't know anyone that regrets getting a college degree. For those that are not inclined towards college, trade schools are very valuable, however.
Sakina Ibrahimova
Senior International Tax Manager
5
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Sakina’s Answer
Probably depends on a person and his/her skills but degree opens many doors that would not be opened without it. I personally gained a lot from my university degree, and not just technical knowledge but also real life experience.
Michele Dias Singaretti
Developer
3
Answers
Sumaré, Brazil
Updated
Michele’s Answer
Hello Giorgos,
Yes, you should go forward and graduate!
I know 4 years look "too much time" and it is hard to complete it, but I can tell you that it is much better you do it now, when you are young. I am not sure if you intend to marry some day, have kids, but it will be so much hard for you to complete a college with a family.
The idea " I could work instead and make money and gain even more experience" is good, but you will have a lot of years to work, make money and experience after college. You will have so many opportunities after graduation, you will learn a lot of good things there.
Maybe, today, on your area, college is not so much important, but you don't know in the future. Here in my company, there are a lot of people who preferred work instead of study, and now they can not be promoted because they do not have graduation and it is a pre-requiremment to get promotion.
Yes, you should go forward and graduate!
I know 4 years look "too much time" and it is hard to complete it, but I can tell you that it is much better you do it now, when you are young. I am not sure if you intend to marry some day, have kids, but it will be so much hard for you to complete a college with a family.
The idea " I could work instead and make money and gain even more experience" is good, but you will have a lot of years to work, make money and experience after college. You will have so many opportunities after graduation, you will learn a lot of good things there.
Maybe, today, on your area, college is not so much important, but you don't know in the future. Here in my company, there are a lot of people who preferred work instead of study, and now they can not be promoted because they do not have graduation and it is a pre-requiremment to get promotion.
No I don't itend to marry it's too early for me hahaha! Thank you very much and for your time!
Giorgos
I meant in the future, not now! hahaha I meant, maybe you stop college now, and some years later you need to complete a college to get a better position on your job... I will be more difficult for you to complete a college older, with a family. Good lucky!!
Michele Dias Singaretti
Alecia Woody
Customer Success Manager
39
Answers
Roswell, Georgia
Updated
Alecia’s Answer
Yes. Especially given that you have free tuition.
Having a four year degree is absolutely crucial.
You have the rest of your life for travel and time with friends - BUT you need to be able to PAY for it, and that is what a four year degree will help with.
Having a four year degree is absolutely crucial.
You have the rest of your life for travel and time with friends - BUT you need to be able to PAY for it, and that is what a four year degree will help with.
Thank you for answering and for your time!
Giorgos
Richard A.
physician
2153
Answers
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Going to college increases your career prospects. Your life time earnings will increase. You will have more choices of career.
However in certain circumstances it is better to attend a trade school. If you know what you want to do and it doesn't require a college degree, then it doesn't make sense to go in to debt and pay for an expensive
However in certain circumstances it is better to attend a trade school. If you know what you want to do and it doesn't require a college degree, then it doesn't make sense to go in to debt and pay for an expensive
Aaron Zweig
Asset Manager
12
Answers
Plano, Texas
Updated
Aaron’s Answer
As far as opportunity is concerned, it can only help. The more educated you are, the more opportunities can open for you. Is it absolutely necessary, no it is not. If you are good mechanically you can always do this work most likely as most people are not good mechanically. What college can help with is, what if you want to own a business as a mechanic? Take courses that will help you with business acumen...If you do not like what you are studying, try to find something in line with your interests that will make it more interesting. I guarantee your grades will go up because you will be interested in what you are learning.
These days though, a college degree just may not be as important, but that certainly depends on your vocation. There are some things that a degree is a must and some that are not. Just remember though, knowledge is power. The more you know the better off you can be! Good luck!
These days though, a college degree just may not be as important, but that certainly depends on your vocation. There are some things that a degree is a must and some that are not. Just remember though, knowledge is power. The more you know the better off you can be! Good luck!