Perception is Everything (bachelor's, skills, doctors, degrees)

[mcb1025]

Is it a general perception that people with certain degrees are somehow more capable to perform entry-level administrative jobs than people with other degrees (e.g. a BBA vs. a BA in English)? I'm not talking about engineers, doctors, lawyers, nurses, computer scientists, or other fields that require specialized degrees. I'm talking about your run of the mill entry-level administrative/clerical job.

I've read some posts on this forum that reveal a skewed view in the sense that a BA has very little to offer in terms of job skills. There seem to be quite a few C-D users that believe the only place for a BA degree holder is serving fast food or working a lowly retail position. It's as if the very fact that you possess a BA means that you have forfeited the ability to do anything technical (i.e. operate a computer, operate office equipment, communicate with people, calculate basic math equations, make sound business decisions, learn new business concepts, etc.). I'm curious if this is the general perception.

If you believe a BBA is more capable than a BA to perform such a job, why do you think this? If you don't believe this, do you think the majority of others do? Why do you think they do?

Thanks for participating in this discussion.

[JustJulia]

I must be behind the times, because I hadn't heard of a BBA until now. No, I don't think a BBA is generally valued more highly than any other type of BA, unless a job requires a particular kind of expertise. In my line of work, English degrees are best, followed by journalism or marketing, followed by anything else. A BA in English would be more in demand than someone with a BBA.

[uptown_urbanist]

I admit, I hadn't heard of a BBA either. Maybe my perception is off, but I would not consider the holder of a BBA or any other degree to be any more qualified for the standard entry level position than someone with a BA. And no, I certainly do NOT think that having a BA somehow means that you don't know how to use a computer, create a budget, change the copier toner, or anything else.

Given that most of my friends have BAs (or MAs in non-business subjects) yet have worked in entry level positions and are now higher up the ladder but also doing work that involves things like budgets, payroll, office technology, personnel matters, etc., I think it's pretty obvious that people with BAs can do just fine.

I also know when to get help. In previous more administrative jobs I handled the basic office stuff: changing the server tape, trouble-shooting the copier, filing sales tax for the store part of the operation, Quickbooks, etc. Our accountant handled the bigger things, and I called in our IT consultant when it was necessary. Obviously for specialized needs I'd hire a specialist with the relevant training, but I've been in charge of hiring for office manager and office assistant positions, and I certainly didn't consider BAs to be lacking value.

On the other hand, a person with a BA (or a BBA) but with absolutely no other experience outside of school would be a different story. Most graduates have at least some work experience, or at least volunteering, under their belt, and that is also important.

[mcb1025]

I apologize. For further clarification, a BBA is a Bachelor's of Business Administration. They may be worded differently at different schools.