College - A Waste of time?

[test123]

Ok, so here is the question, in your current job how much of your education do you actually use?

I bet I use maybe 0.5% of my Masters education in my current position, all the company do is selling the same product over and over again with minor changes, and it is my job to copy old projects and sell them as new projects. And yes I am looking for a more interetsing job.


not me but:

[hey]

Our education system as a whole is a huge waste of time. It is absurdly inefficient. That's not to say it's not useful; it is, but it's definitely a waste of time.

[Lucavi]

Everything I use on my job, I either learned myself, or learned from the job training itself.

[RKenshin]

I'd say like 95% of all the knowledge I've attained thus far, even including all of the classes and on topics of my major, I learned more through experiences and/or self-teaching as opposed to actual books and tests. This being a Computer Information Systems major (Management minor).

But, that said, my degree was a major factor in landing my current job (which I couldn't be much happier at), through an incredibly competitive interview/application process. And that little piece of paper is also why, by the guidelines the company established in determining wages, I make hefty amount higher salary than I may have otherwise.

At the same time though, the majority of the work I do was unrelated to my degree and taught on the job.

So in the end... waste of time as far as the true educational value it provides? I'd say yes, for many people and particular majors.

But in helping you land good jobs/higher salaries? I'd have to say no, but that also again depends on the person and the major.

[hey]

But in helping you land good jobs/higher salaries? Tougher question.

That was definitely not the question. It's pretty obviously worthwhile.

[The Stig]

I think it's a complete waste of time, especially in the UK.

Now days my view on college (and by that, I mean university, in UK terms, basically 18-22 study) is that you want to waste as much time as possible before getting out there in the "real" world. Basically, waste of time = go have a good time and get yourself in stupid debt.

Of course, I can't disagree with the fact it helps secure you a job somewhat better, if on paper. But then again, if I had a long trail of experience/successful projects from my old jobs, that would look even better (experience).

[RKenshin]

That was definitely not the question. It's pretty obviously worthwhile.

The poll question - "Is college a waste of time?"
The video - "College - Waste of time"
The title - "College - A Waste of Time?"

Seems like that's part of question here, and not just "Is it worth the education?"

And I disagree on the "obviously worthwhile" comment. It varies greatly by people and majors.

Some gain more from the college experience than others. Not everyone is able to learn well on their own, or teach themselves as well as others.

Some areas of study are more likely to help you land a good job/salary than others as well too. If your ultimate calling and aspiration in life is social work, I wouldn't try to tell you that going $200,000 into debt for that PhD in social work is "obviously worthwhile" for the good jobs and high salary opportunities it would open up.

[KCem]

Many employers will look at a college/university education as simply another positive reason to hire a person. In most cases, regardless of the subject studied, the fact that a person has graduated in something shows that they are able to understand that subject at an advanced level, and are therefore (in most cases) an intelligent person, logically they should be able to learn and adapt to whatever role they're being hired for.

I work in the legal sector, and the guy who sits next to me has a geology degree, and earns more then me just because he's a graduate and I'm not. So no, I'd never agree that college was a waste of time. Unless you're an art student. Fucking bums.

[ORO]

With a few exceptions, its a waste of time and money.

[hey]

The poll question - "Is college a waste of time?"
The video - "College - Waste of time"
The title - "College - A Waste of Time?"

Did you not read anything else? The discussion is explicitly about how useful the education itself is, not the degree. In case you missed the first sentence:

Ok, so here is the question, in your current job how much of your education do you actually use?

OP's intent is clear.

And I disagree on the "obviously worthwhile" comment. It varies greatly by people and majors.

Well yes, it's true that finger painting degrees are not worthwhile, but in general most degrees that aren't obviously a huge waste are quite useful.

[miokomioko]

Eh... My field (visual arts: photography/graphics/advertising) has 4 distinct sides to it.

A) technical side: optics, digital imagery, printing, electronics, etc.
B) business side: advertising, copyright law, contracts, licensing, etc.
C) creative side: visual psychology, personal style development, aesthetics, etc.
D) the real side: working on set and/or for actual clients and art directors.

My school was, hands-down, absolutely invaluable for A and B which definitely cannot be said for a vast majority of "art schools."
Nothing can teach you C or prepare you for D... except for the few amazing opportunities I obtained specifically through school which got me a head start on these experiences.

It's a real grey area for me because my industry is definitely one that values one's actual past-client list and body of work far, far, far more than any piece of paper saying you went to college, and the most successful ones appear to have succeeded based entirely on their ability to schmooze. However, this industry is one where you will intern/assist for other professionals before you're ever given any free reign with a meaningful project of your own. Thus, the reputation of the alumni before me and how well my school taught the concepts of A and B were honestly keys for landing my said internships and bottom-tier positions. Every time I had an interview, the interviewer commented on the great success they have had with others who have attended my school. Quite the edge, I must admit...

So, having a degree from my school single-handedly got my foot in a lot of doors where my body of work was irrelevant (like Digital Technician), but it can't secure or guarantee anything in my industry because, in the end, it's the quality of work that matters.

To me, college was highly valuable for: technical knowledge, networking, real-experience opportunities, and alumni reputation. I use what I learned in school on a daily basis (voted 70~100%). Whether it's having a grasp of lens optics and their uses for different photographic situations, understanding the effects of light as it is reflected off surfaces or falls off over distances, or the strict guidelines for "creative" projects that mimicked well working for art directors.

The biggest downside of going to college was the cost (you don't want to know).

(I scoff at all the ignorant "lol art student" remarks as I sit as head of a visual department in my private office/studio on my salary and benefits. I'm such a bum, I know.)

[RKenshin]

Did you not read anything else? The discussion is explicitly about how useful the education itself is, not the degree.

Sorry for discussing something explicitly related to the topic? How dare I! I know, some gall I have.

I'll run all future posts by you to ensure they meet your standards of approval for the given topic at hand.

But uh... isn't "how useful an education is", somewhat related to whether that 'education' gets you a good job/salary? I know, I know, what a stretch.

[Tajin]

troll thread ftw, kudos for not having it sent to teh graveyard yet.

[miokomioko]

troll thread ftw, kudos for not having it sent to teh graveyard yet.

Poopdeck is pretty much the morgue. Close enough.

[Zilong]

You do realize by dismissing colleges and universities, you are alienating the majority of Ron Paul's demographic right?

[ronin sparthos]

This thread doesn't mention Ron Paul.

Is that really you test?

[The Stig]

Think of the education as an "achievement" then like in WoW.

In WoW, you can have all the hard mode experiences (and gear), but if you don't got the achievement (proof of killing/clearing X) then no one will look at you, unless you know someone on the inside.

On my realm, at least.

[Cayos]

For the most part, it depends on what you're studying in college, and how you learn best. Some people would rather be told what to learn than learn it themselves. Also, a lot of people use it to filter out the incompetent.

[Melena]

My job I could have gotten it without my aa degree, but if I ever want to be the head of the it department I have to get my bachelors degree. Luckily I got at least ten years before that. Also if I decide to leave it and get into probation department I'll need a bachelors as well.

[miokomioko]

Also, a lot of people use it to filter out the incompetent.

This is what a lot of employers have admitted to me. Graduating from college is oft just proof that you were able to commit something, were able to handle the workload, as well as followed through and put up with all the retarded formalities.