seems reasonable...

[ggiese]

I understand and, to a certain degree, agree with all dissents against obtaining a college degree. I suppose my sentiments are reflective of only my personal experience. I'm not employed in a field of my masters degree. Technically, I'm not employed in my field of my bachelor's degree. Granted, I was extraordinarily blessed enough to have the opportunity to attend college. But in hindsight, I'm wondering if the positions I've had the opportunity to work in were rewarding the idea of the degree, and not so much the degree itself.

In other words, are employers more impressed with the fact that I have that piece of paper, or more impressed that I was able to accomplish something I set out to accomplish? I tend to believe it's the latter. I say this simply because I'm not using the specific skillsets I learned in the college classroom. The skillsets I'm utilizing now are broader, such as problem solving, prioritizing, communicating, following-up - skillsets that aren't necessarily learned exclusively in college.

Again, I am only citing my personal experiences - by no means is this model ideal for anyone else.

I think you hit the nail right on the head.

Most often, depending on what you're looking to accomplish (specialized degrees would be the primary exception), the fact that you've struggled through college and been rewarded with a diploma is a sign you've accomplished a measure of success by working hard towards your goal. It at least gives the employer some measure that you know how to (using your own words) "problem solve, prioritize, communicate and follow-up" - the key components of success. Otherwise - how would an employer know you were capable of doing that, absent some kind of acknowledgement of those traits (e.g. being awarded a diploma)?

I've found that in order to break over that "hump" - in the area between being a prospective candidate versus an employee - you either have to "WOW!" the interviewers or you have to somehow communicate there is reason for them to be "WOW!". You either have to have an incredible skillset that is demonstrable (e.g. track record of accomplishment, backed up with solid evidence) and you can B.S. well - or you have to have a degree from a school that is recognized as stringent in its graduation requirements (e.g. - you did not go to "Bubba Smith's Online U").

When I first entered law enforcement - a high school diploma was a high accomplishment and sought after. I distanced myself from other candidates just because I had completed high school. Though I've seen a pretty substantial evolution in the field - leading to the best paying jobs awarded to those that have at least a 4 year college degree. It's rare to see someone lateral transfer unless they have an incredible track record. And almost impossible for someone that only has a high school diploma.

...then of course (as my grandmother often said) - there's always a need for ditch diggers. In my offspring's case - I tell them if they're not willing to invest in a college education they can always learn the phrase, "...you want fries with that?"