Does an academic degree mean anything?

jimmie25 · January 2012

So. I have to apply to several schools again this year. Last year I tried Helsinki's University and wasn't accepted. I applied for Geography. Most of the people I have talked to, say that I should definitely go to Uni because "it just looks better" to study sciences. The truth probably is that most people who have studied sciences end up being teachers or professors - not something I am too interested in.

Now when I have become more physically active and interested in nutriton over the past two years, I've come to think that maybe I'd be a better physician or nutritionist or even personal trainer (in germany you don't have to study these @uni). My dad said that I should not "make any stupid decisions and throw my possibilities for an academic degree away". He tends to think that it somehow makes me a better person once I go to uni, but I start to think that doing something that is actually fun and makes me happy is worth more than that oh-so-precious degree. He also keeps blabbering about the better salary but I see a lot of my friends being unemployed, one of them with a degree in maths. She flips burgers for a living.

What do you people do for a living? And is a better salary a good reason for going to uni and doing something that you might not necessarily enjoy? I'm so fed up being surrounded by people who judge you and your life's quality on your education.

dls06 · January 2012

You have to do what is right for you. :flowerforyou:

Loudmom01 · January 2012

I am going to be a teacher so I have to get a degree. Education is the most important thing to me (after family obviously) and I will never stop going to school. If I can afford it I definetely plan to get a PhD.

mrFerris · January 2012

You know, I think I would sit down with a real good friend who is totally independent and ask yourself some searching questions like, what do YOU want to do? What subjects are YOU interested in? What would YOU like to do for the rest of your life?

After asking and answering these question you will know what you should do. Oh and, don't allow yourself to answer with 'I don't know!'

Ocarina · January 2012

I highly and absolutely positively recommend (totally emphasized with bad grammar on purpose) you go to school. It doesn't really matter that you don't know what to do right away but that you go and try it. Don't outright think that your future is paved when you have a certain degree and that you can't utilize it in other jobs if you hate the first one you get. Also you should not feel pressured about whatever your salary is because you don't decide that... it's your employer who ultimately does.

You have SO MANY OPTIONS when you are in school. You get the enjoyment of learning new things in classes, even with those that don't pertain to your major. I have a history minor because I REALLY LIKE history but don't want to use it as my main degree. You also get opportunities to have exposure to internships, potential friendships, memories to make, and it gives you a sense of accomplishment when you complete your degree. It is not a means to an end, it's a part of making your quality of life better now and in the future.

As far as your parents go they are only there to want whats best for you. He went out and got a degree because it was important to him and probably is partly why you have a nice life with your family if you do. It shapes you as a person and helps you recognize what you can achieve. And employers prefer people with degrees as it can show them your work ethic and ability to finish things. Its definitely not the end all be all but there is very few reasons why you shouldn't go to college. The pros very much out weigh the cons.

Good luck!

twanthe1 · January 2012

It all depends on your career path - you have to weigh cost vs. benefit, sure there are those with degrees that are perpetually unemployed but the unemployment for those without a college degree are typically higher. I think most individuals have to choose a path that is best for them - typically having some sort of post high-school diploma is a good option. Here in America we are on the verge of an education bubble with the cost of education outpacing salaries, there are many students who graduate without hopes of paying off the massive debt they accrued in college. The combination of job competition, austerity, and the increased popularity of private-corporate owned colleges has driven up the cost of education to all time highs.

InTenn · January 2012

Some degrees are worth a lot. Some aren't worth much of anything.

If you are putting a significant amount of money out or - more importantly - BORROWING money for school, I think it is reasonable to have a business plan. How much will it cost? How much will it help you earn? How will you pay it back? Will the cost/investment be justified by a return?

I know too many people with $25-$80,000 in debt for degrees that lead to $30,000 per year jobs. You can't justify a $400 per month payment for 20 years for a job like that. Conversely, $200,000 in debt for a medical degree may not be unreasonable. Only a full-on and realistic business plan can help you work through the specifics, but know that 20 years of payments may keep you from buying a house, having the car you want, etc. You'd better have a plan for afterward.

christine24t · January 2012

I'm not sure how old you are. But if you're in high school, go to college. It's fun, you learn a lot. But if you're older and have kids and a family, why don't you go to places where you might work and ask if you need a college degree. I'll also say this: My dad works at a job right now (and doesn't have a college degree) where if he were to apply today, he would need a college degree. He is lucky that he got in before needing one.

Does an academic degree mean anything?

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