• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Is a College Degree Absolutely Necessary

#161
jrthebassguy said:
I'll be completing my BS in the spring (double majoring in Marketing and Management).

I hope it gets me a pretty decent job, I'm tired of not making any money. :atoz:
Click to expand...

I majored in management myself, and I found it to be the most complete collection of utterly useless courses I have encountered in my entire academic carreer in terms of their applicative value. But maybe that's just me :hiding:

My experience is that most of my friends who majored in management started to work in auditing (a lucky few ended up in the vicious world of (strategic) consulting).
 
#163
I really appreciate the advice guys!

I've been bitten by the car bug, but I've talked to alot of mechanics who do not like their job. Working on minivans and cheap cars with a four-banger does not sound like much fun. One of my friends cousin went the mechanic trade school route and still lives at his parent's house 2 or 3 years after getting out of school. My friend also pointed out that he is not the brightest person, so I'm sure skill has alot to do w. I have also talked to this guy who builds monster trucks. People bring him pickups or jeeps, and he puts lifts on them, Super Swampers, etc, and he has a blast. Building monster trucks is something I would have fun doing in my free time, but I doubt there is much of a market for it. If I get into the automotive field, I'm looking for jobs that involve souping up cars, or possibly diesel, I don't want to be doing oil changes on minivans. I'm not sure mechanicing is the right field for me.

I'd jump into carpentry in a heartbeat if my dad would teach me, but according to him I am forbidden to follow his footsteps. I already have a bit of a headstart, and I think I'd learn everything from him far better than a tech school.

As far as engineering in the automotive industry, I don't really like where things are going, and don't want to become a part of it. Cars do not need a computer in the dashboard. I think throttle position sensors, brake by wire, Driver Shift Control, etc is completely overcomplicating a car. If you want to control what gear you are in, drive a stick. Putting an extra step in between pushing the gas or the brake isn't progress either, IMO. I'm not an expert on this obviously, but I think the simpler a car is the better. I'm also biased because I love old cars.

I do hear about engineers who make 50-70k right out of school. I feel like the numbers must be exaggerated. I know a few guys that have had this kind of luck, but I'm wondering how common it is to make this much fresh out of school. What do you engineers have to say about this?

Whatever route I choose, I've got a few backup plans. I could always start pimping, rob banks, win the lottery, smuggle drugs, the possibilities are endless. I think every one of those is a solid choice. :D
 
#164
greekorican said:
As far as engineering in the automotive industry, I don't really like where things are going, and don't want to become a part of it. Cars do not need a computer in the dashboard. I think throttle position sensors, brake by wire, Driver Shift Control, etc is completely overcomplicating a car. If you want to control what gear you are in, drive a stick. Putting an extra step in between pushing the gas or the brake isn't progress either, IMO. I'm not an expert on this obviously, but I think the simpler a car is the better. I'm also biased because I love old cars.
Click to expand...

Then do it as a hobby, not a day job. That way you get to choose what you work on and how fast. I tinker with old MGs for fun. If I did it every day for a boss and with deadlines it'd stop being fun.

I do hear about engineers who make 50-70k right out of school. I feel like the numbers must be exaggerated. I know a few guys that have had this kind of luck, but I'm wondering how common it is to make this much fresh out of school. What do you engineers have to say about this?
Click to expand...

If you're good, have a little experience (interning, whatever) and pick the right type of engineering it's completely possible.

edit: maybe not this year, but when the economy recovers a bit, definitely.
 
#165
in regaurds to engineering salaries right out of school, I would say it depends on your ability to sell yourself as well as the economy. If I can make 50k right out of school, I will poop my pants where I stand , considering what I make now. The best news is put in 2-5 solid years, then look for another job.
 
#166
jrthebassguy said:
I'll be completing my BS in the spring (double majoring in Marketing and Management).

I hope it gets me a pretty decent job, I'm tired of not making any money. :atoz:
Click to expand...

I cannot stress how important it is to have strong internships if you major in those two areas. Unlike computer science or accounting, you won't have a tangible skill for getting a job after you get your degree.

I graduated with a BS in management from one of the top 75 business schools in the country. Most of my peers wound up in sales or retail right out of college. I wound up in Human Services because I had prior experience. I graduated into a recession, and it was slim pickings for Management, Marketing, and Finance. The guys who did Business Systems and Accounting found work.

Not trying to be discouraging, just helpful. Get some experience in something and/or attain a skill or certification along with that degree. It will only help. No-one hires anyone to be a boss or consultant right out of college in an industry they aren't familiar with. Unless you have an internship, experience or skill, you're looking at being a "management trainee", "customer service specialist", or "sales associate".
 
#167
My sister is a nurse and started straight out of college at $25 an hour. Every nurse I have known picks and chooses where they want to work. Maybe I knew the lucky ones, but from what I have seen is if you want job security become a nurse...

I believe determined people make good livings regardless. Nearly everyone chooses their status in life here in America and not one specific thing holds you back. You do need to set yourself up for success though. If you’re not going to college, then you need to spend that time either learning a trade or gaining work experience. Spending it on your moms couch playing bass all day might be fun, but it’ll get you no where.
 
#169
greekorican said:
I really appreciate the advice guys!

I've been bitten by the car bug, but I've talked to alot of mechanics who do not like their job. Working on minivans and cheap cars with a four-banger does not sound like much fun. One of my friends cousin went the mechanic trade school route and still lives at his parent's house 2 or 3 years after getting out of school. My friend also pointed out that he is not the brightest person, so I'm sure skill has alot to do w. I have also talked to this guy who builds monster trucks. People bring him pickups or jeeps, and he puts lifts on them, Super Swampers, etc, and he has a blast. Building monster trucks is something I would have fun doing in my free time, but I doubt there is much of a market for it. If I get into the automotive field, I'm looking for jobs that involve souping up cars, or possibly diesel, I don't want to be doing oil changes on minivans. I'm not sure mechanicing is the right field for me.

I'd jump into carpentry in a heartbeat if my dad would teach me, but according to him I am forbidden to follow his footsteps. I already have a bit of a headstart, and I think I'd learn everything from him far better than a tech school.

As far as engineering in the automotive industry, I don't really like where things are going, and don't want to become a part of it. Cars do not need a computer in the dashboard. I think throttle position sensors, brake by wire, Driver Shift Control, etc is completely overcomplicating a car. If you want to control what gear you are in, drive a stick. Putting an extra step in between pushing the gas or the brake isn't progress either, IMO. I'm not an expert on this obviously, but I think the simpler a car is the better. I'm also biased because I love old cars.

I do hear about engineers who make 50-70k right out of school. I feel like the numbers must be exaggerated. I know a few guys that have had this kind of luck, but I'm wondering how common it is to make this much fresh out of school. What do you engineers have to say about this?

Whatever route I choose, I've got a few backup plans. I could always start pimping, rob banks, win the lottery, smuggle drugs, the possibilities are endless. I think every one of those is a solid choice. :D
Click to expand...

I know people who are engineers by day, and work on cars at night. That way, they can choose what kinds of cars they work on, and how they want to do it. At least two of my colleagues have their own machine shops in their garages at home.

There are environments where it's valuable to have engineers who have worked on real things, for instance in smaller companies where engineers are involved in both design and manufacturing. It also saves us having to teach you what an #8-32 is when we hire you. :D

It's also worth pointing out that the curiosity and knack for figuring out how things work are beneficial in the sciences.
 
#170
arcaidy said:
My sister is a nurse and started straight out of college at $25 an hour. Every nurse I have known picks and chooses where they want to work. Maybe I knew the lucky ones, but from what I have seen is if you want job security become a nurse...

I believe determined people make good livings regardless. Nearly everyone chooses their status in life here in America and not one specific thing holds you back. You do need to set yourself up for success though. If you’re not going to college, then you need to spend that time either learning a trade or gaining work experience. Spending it on your moms couch playing bass all day might be fun, but it’ll get you no where.
Click to expand...

Ever read in the smoking gun what Jimmy Hendrix's drill sgt. had to say about his playing guitar "ALL" the friken time. Just saying.
 
#171
When I did not have a college degree, I was told that I was under qualified and was not considered for many jobs and I would have to have a degree. After I got my Bachelor Degree in Management, I got a few more interviews but they were for jobs that did not require a degree anyway. I was told I should have a Master's Degree to get a better job and I busted my butt to get an M.B.A. Now, I am constantly told I am over qualified because I have an M.B.A. and much experience and many places will not even interview me.
 
#173
Sorry this is long but its a lesson learned I wanted to pass on.

After a serious back injury and several surgeries as a teenager, I worked out carefully to rehabilitate myself. By the time I graduated HS a few years later, I was in very good shape. I was way better than before my injury.

That said, I majored in Exercise Science and minored in Nutrition. I enjoyed it immensely. I made A's in all my major or related subjects (the last two years). The department head (my main teacher) suggested we get certified by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). I was one of two that did that. I also did internships in cardiac rehab, Physical therapy and corporate wellness.

After that... reality of someone who actually believed the professors lies about jobs! Most employers never heard of the ACSM. All wanted to pay around $10 an hour. One job interview I had Lockheed Martins corporate wellness center paid HS students 11.75 to work in the plant during the summer and offered me 10 as a college graduate?? They said we have several here making the same, and suggested if I took the job to see if I could room with some of them to split the rent!!

I finally gave up after two years of searching the entire US and a few other countries and just worked in a factory for... $10/hr. I wasn't about to teach people what I knew for such crap wages!

After YEARS! at 37 I went back to school trying to get advanced maths out of the way pursuing a Mechanical Engineering degree.

Fortunately my plant closed down in November so I am unemployed. The state I live in will pay me to go back to school IF... its in high demand. Engineering is not in high demand as far as there concerned?? I think it is! But they will pay for nursing. I already have a medical background so that's alright. So I will give one year of my life to get an LPN. Then while probably working at night I will resume my pursuit of the Engineering degree.

If I could have only known how much stress my decision to major in a crappy major would cause just because I liked it!! All the years of hoping and praying I could just pay the freaking rent!! Rrrrrr...

It's true you have to be happy and money wont exactly make you happy, but it helps knowing that if your car breaks down you can actually afford to fix it! IF you don't go to school you may end up a few years down the line poor, broke, and one breath from living under a bridge. If your married and people depend on your income... it will make it hard if not impossible to ever return to school.

Look at all the jobs with lots of employment that seem to be in need. Look for something in that group that you would enjoy or... something close.

Your likes are working with your hands and you have considered engineering... or your family has for you. What about "Engineering Technology". It's still a 4 year degree but it has a little... less math. I think Cal 1 & 2 is where it stops. If you Google it you will see it's for people who want to do more "hands on". Basically it says people with the standard engineering degree find solutions for problems and people with the Eng Technology degree apply those solutions. I assume either could work in either area.

Hope that helped a little.
 
#175
FWIW A guy I work with kept lamenting that just because he didn't have a degree didn't mean he couldn't do (the particular job he wanted). I said I agree but it does mean you can't have the job.

He has since went back to school and finished his degree.

Sometimes we just have to realize the way it is is the way it is.
 
#176
More data that show education pays:

unemployment_degrees_chart.gif
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back