College for all - right?

[Kevy Baby]

Originally Posted by BarTopDancer

And you can guess what I won't be getting when I graduate.

Laid?

[BarTopDancer]

Originally Posted by 3894

I did have a colleague in Comparative Literature who taught "Cocktail Party Lit". The basic - and stated - goal of this survey course was to give students conversational gambits at the corporate parties they'd be attending after graduation. To my constant amazement, this course always filled.

I'd love to take that course. It would be awesome to know how to hold this level of conversation without needing to worry about screwing up somehow.

[Not Afraid]

Originally Posted by Kevy Baby

professionals and by going to trade shows and conferences.

While I agree that having a "real" degree is a plus in my eyes (from a potential employer standpoint), I would have a hard time being in a field where all resumes are reviewed by a computer.

To me, a real degree is one that teaches creative thinking - preferably a liberal arts degree.



I've done both - went to UCI for an Art History degree and went to UOP for a Business Management degree. I found both systems to have their own pluses and minuses. I didn't find the UOP education to be useless at all, but very practical and informative about other aspects of field I was already working in. It was also quite doable with my busy professional life. But, I still value my UCI education more, but it certainly didn't teach me how to be an effective Marketing Manager.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by Kevy Baby

That is a double-edged sword. If a high-school counselor told a student that they were not good enough for college, and that they should consider a vocational program, then they run the risk of a parent bringing down the wrath: "How dare you say that my child is too stupid for college."

And therein lies the issue. The only reason they'd have that reaction is because society has managed to define college as "better than" trade school. That's the articles real point, imo. "Not cut out for college" should not be de-facto "stupid".

[blueerica]

I need to re-read this entire thread when I am less tired and more sober. That said, what is sad to me has more to do with the sea change that many individuals face when they truly believe that that bachelor's degree is what they need to make the difference. I am fortunate to have many outside skills that an education can't afford (and don't make dirty jokes... ) so I know I can go along with the ebbs and flows of an economy... but when most people are dependent upon a BA or BS... I realize now that it would be like me depending upong my high school degree a decade ago.

That's what's sad to me... this perception that you're doing something special when all you're doing is just keepin' up with the Joneses.... I'm glad I knew it while I was doing it. Better than feeling duped.

[Pirate Bill]

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

The point of his article is that he woman he describes does not deserve to graduate from any college. She is made to feel that she can do it, that she has to do it in order to be successful, and that is just plain wrong on many levels. She is not meant for college.

I haven't read the rest of the thread just yet but I want to address this. I believe there is a difference between "not meant for college" and "doesn't deserve to graduate." I think people like Ms L do deserve the opportunity to go to college. Not any college though. I think entrance requirements (in all varieties) are appropriate.

College is an opportunity for continuing education. If someone fails a class I don't think it's right to graduate them, but I also don't think it's right to say they aren't meant for college. If they've met the entrance requirements then they certainly deserve to stay and work through any problems they may be having. If they have the drive to do so.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by Pirate Bill

I haven't read the rest of the thread just yet but I want to address this. I believe there is a difference between "not meant for college" and "doesn't deserve to graduate." I think people like Ms L do deserve the opportunity to go to college. Not any college though. I think entrance requirements (in all varieties) are appropriate.

Everyone deserves the opportunity, but not everyone should go. The issue is that people who would be better served by taking a different route are lead to believe that college is the "best" option and should do everything they can to attempt it. When the reality is, there are better options for some (a lot of) people and those options should get equal billing and they don't.

[Not Afraid]

I also think there is an entitlement problem with college. People tend to think that a good (or even just) a degree entitle them to a good job. When I was hiring people, I thought a college education was a plus but their experience in the field they were applying for was even more important.

[Tom]

For what it's worth, since I graduated college and started pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, not a single prospective employer has ever expressed the slightest interest in my education. Experience and (especially) recommendations are all that they have been interested in.

[Kevy Baby]

Originally Posted by Tom

For what it's worth, since I graduated college and started pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, not a single prospective employer has ever expressed the slightest interest in my education. Experience and (especially) recommendations are all that they have been interested in.

That's something that definitely varies by industry. In the printing industry, my alma mater enjoys the luxury of being a singular standout in the field. Just having graduated from there is a big plus, even 20 years later.