Do You Really Use Your Degree?? (Charlotte: jobs, house, college)

[andreaspercheron]

Ok folks, I have a question. This has been a topic of conversation in my house for some time, so I'm looking to the good people of Charlotte to back me up. LOL

My fiance (bless him) he's got a degree in a very limited field (Packaging Science). If any graduated in this field from Clemson - well you know what I'm talking about (yes I know Clemson is in SC).

Anyhoo - how many of you agree that you don't really use your degree for what it was intended for? I used to work for a marketing company that had analysts and none of them had a degree for that line of work.

Which then brings me to my next question - what the heck kind of job can you get with a Packaging degree??? I say just find jobs you like that require a four year degree and go with it!

Any thoughts??

[stmaarten]

Exactly, Andrea!
It's such a shame isn't it? I've told my children to forget about getting a Master's degree in any concentrated field. Instead, they should get is a well rounded education (read: Bachelor's Degree) and then learn a trade. We will need plumbers, electricians and mechanics for an eternity!

[andreaspercheron]

Its so funny that you said that, my son who just turned 18 has now changed his mind twice about what he wants to do, and who can blame him? Thats a big decision BUT my future mother-in-law and my wise advisor she is, told me to try and get him into plumbing or electric, I think she's right. We will always need them and it's a great paying job!

[Whytewulf]

My first degree is in Supply Chain Management and I have been in the field nearly my entire career, though what I learned back in college is a bit old now. I find that people with some specific degrees do use them, especially in the engineering field, but that can be risky too. If you don't know exactly usually people go business or liberal arts, which is a sound choice. I find most business people get their Masters in Business Administration, unless they are accountants. I even find trades people getting MBA's because it helps them if they want to move to a manager type level. Certifications are more important these days in your field, such as CPA, CPM, Six Sigma, etc. in the business world.

[NCyank]

My DH does not exactly use his engineering degree right now (minors in accounting and economics) but he did earlier in his career. His first jobs were as an engineer and he gained experience in a lot of engineering/manufacturing areas. Because of that background he is able to work in quality now and has additional certifications. I would say it was a key piece in his career development.

However, in his case, and in the case of every engineer I have ever met, once an engineer always an engineer whether using the degree or not. They are just hardwired.

[Dakota4791]

I use my journalism degree every day... my minor in Spanish, not so much.

[ctribucher]

I have a dual degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies. For a while, I worked as a translator for a trade association with 1/4 of their membership base in Latin America. But, I quickly burnt out on translation work, and am now working as a content specialist for my company's Web site.

So, am I using the degree in itself? No, but many of the skills I learned are highly applicable in my line of work... especially attention to detail.

[Barkingowl]

I've never used my BA in History or my MLS.

[zwally]

As a teacher, I wouldn't have a job without it- or if I didn't continue my education through other certifications or earning a Masters.

[carolina_guy]

I don't use my B.S. in Biochemistry directly (studying proteins, etc), but I do use much of the course work I studied and the degree itself has gotten me where I am today--and that's a job at USAMRIID researching infectious diseases associated with bioterrorism. So I'm more microbiology now, but it's all tied together.