Are you sorry you went to college? (graduates, assistant, career)

[curtisc83]

College was the best thing that ever happened to me. It took me from nothing (came from a poor as sh*t family) to being able to buy a 450k house in the Austin Metro area. Without college there is no way I could of pulled that off because having a BS/MA was a requirement after entry level postions.

[AnthonyJ34]

Originally Posted by TabulaRasa

I would hope that somewhere over the course of eleven years spent in a university setting, one would have availed one's self of career services, professional networking opportunities, volunteer and internship opportunities, and other sorts of benefits that prepare one for the work force, though. If you can't swing it at any point in over a decade to do any of that, I don't know what to tell you.

Maybe the OP doesn't excel at brown-nosing or schmoozing. Not everyone can stomach being a politician.

[TabulaRasa]

Using free resources and completing volunteer experiences and internships to gain career exposure and experience does not = brownnosing, schmoozing, or being a politician.

[baileytinn]

Originally Posted by A-Z16

People with degrees are having just as much of a terrible time making ends meet as those w/o. It took me 11 years to get my B.S. and I vow no more school for me!!! I still don't understand why we encourage and push education onto our children only to earn a degree and still find oneself w/o. My sister has 3 degrees and can't get a job in Human Resources because she lacks the experience. Which brings me to my next question, how is one to gain the experience if no one will give them the chance?

Yes and no. I graduated high school (and turned 18) right at the start of the great recession. I did quit my 1st job to focus more on college (really, really, REALLY stupid) and immediately regretted it when I couldn't get a job ANYWHERE. So I volunteered for 5 years (2 of them as an internship) and finally got a minimum wage job as a housekeeper. I was so proud. I got my Bachelor's Degree, but so far I have nothing really to show for it with experience besides my work as an intern.

Then I moved to Memphis where the search began all over again. I signed up for a volunteering position and hope those employment applications I sent forth come back in my favor!

[kevxu]

The present-day view of college seems to be that it is a glorified vocational school.

"Sorry I went to college", no way. I went to college in an era when being widely educated was a big part of the reason for being there. The specific professional training was actually of little value in the real world, but the fact that my education embraced many subject areas, and several in depth, meant that I could hop around in the employment field.

But just as important, it opened up so many exciting intellectual and cultural vistas that it really prepared me to enjoy life in many ways I would have otherwise never been open to I'm sure.

[A-Z16]

Originally Posted by TabulaRasa

I would hope that somewhere over the course of eleven years spent in a university setting, one would have availed one's self of career services, professional networking opportunities, volunteer and internship opportunities, and other sorts of benefits that prepare one for the work force, though. If you can't swing it at any point in over a decade to do any of that, I don't know what to tell you.

LOL! Not the traditional university setting. I would hope no one would spend that much time on a college campus. Unless they have a ton of money and can afford to do so but certainly not I.

[A-Z16]

Originally Posted by TabulaRasa

I would hope that somewhere over the course of eleven years spent in a university setting, one would have availed one's self of career services, professional networking opportunities, volunteer and internship opportunities, and other sorts of benefits that prepare one for the work force, though. If you can't swing it at any point in over a decade to do any of that, I don't know what to tell you.

Originally Posted by baileytinn

Yes and no. I graduated high school (and turned 18) right at the start of the great recession. I did quit my 1st job to focus more on college (really, really, REALLY stupid) and immediately regretted it when I couldn't get a job ANYWHERE. So I volunteered for 5 years (2 of them as an internship) and finally got a minimum wage job as a housekeeper. I was so proud. I got my Bachelor's Degree, but so far I have nothing really to show for it with experience besides my work as an intern.

Then I moved to Memphis where the search began all over again. I signed up for a volunteering position and hope those employment applications I sent forth come back in my favor!

Never give up, that's all that matters. It WILL pay off.

[TexasLawyer2000]

Originally Posted by A-Z16

LOL! Not the traditional university setting. I would hope no one would spend that much time on a college campus. Unless they have a ton of money and can afford to do so but certainly not I.

Or unless they wanted a college education. It takes a significant investment of time on campus in order to obtain a college education. It's also not as expensive as you might think.

[Mtn. States Resident]

Absolutely not! College opened doors to other advanced, higher education. I became essentially cross-trained, which allowed me a great variety in my work.

College also introduced me to students of other races, faiths and countries. College opened my mind so I could assess information and make the right decisions for me.

College isn't for everyone, but mine gave me fundamentals I still use now

MSR

[dizzybint]

College wasnt encouraged much for girls back in the early 60s, seems it was more boys who wanted or needed a career.. I wanted to go to Art College but my family thought it was silly for a girl.. so I ended up like a lot of girls in a factory, shame on them..