Why Did You Go to College?

[Robert J.]

Just wondering...

[plcscott]

That is a very interesting question. I answered both, but if asked this a couple of years ago I would have probably answered for a degree.

This makes you wonder if employers looked skills, certifications, and credentials more than degrees if as many people would even bother going to college.

My personal opinion is that most people go to college for the degree, and would much rather focus on the learning the things that are essential for his or her vocation. I think most people would avoid some of the subjects and requirements if they could.

[Jimmy Clifton]

I went to college because I didn't want to work in a factory or dig ditches for the rest of my life. Not that either one is bad, but just not for me. Additionally, I wanted a better life for myself and my potential family than my father was able to provide.

[George Brown]

This makes you wonder if employers looked skills, certifications, and credentials more than degrees if as many people would even bother going to college.

I am currently reading a whole stack of literature on degree creep, credentialism and screening theory. The majority of authors argue that it is the piece of paper that gets people in the door, fuelling the yearning and desire for degrees. A passport/ ticket to success - but whats behind it?

Cheers,

George

[Hawk]

Just wondering...


I went back to school because I felt that it was important for me to have a degree. After struggling through B&M schools and trying to work full-time I tried DL (Distance Learning).

DL was the best decision I ever made! I truly enjoy my courses and can not imagine life without being in college. DL becomes a way of life and when I'm not in a class, I feel uncomfortable.

[James Grey]

I am currently reading a whole stack of literature on degree creep, credentialism and screening theory. The majority of authors argue that it is the piece of paper that gets people in the door, fuelling the yearning and desire for degrees. A passport/ ticket to success - but whats behind it?

Cheers,

George

Initially I studied through 2 nights week doing DE, went to night school a couple of nights a week and on Saturdays, worked 40 hours a week, got married, had 2 kids, and in 10 years was a qualified Industrial Engineer, Cost Accountant and Registered Public Accountant aged 26, with 10 years experience. So College - what the hell was that? I have no undergraduate degrees as I sat for the examinations of the professional licensing bodlies. It couldn't have hurt me as I was earning $46,000 a year in 1975.

I really never went to college. I did my first Masters in 2 years by DE and the B&M boys took 6 months longer for the same degree - I went on site 1,700 KMS away for 4 days for every subject every semester. Met some wild women, lots of booze and got divorced. That masters was handy as it got me a senior tax lecturers job [we are not called professors out here]. I did teacher training and a 4 year BEd between my Uni and my employers college so I dodged college again. Then I did my MEd and dodged college again.

I would like to go to college but only to learn for the sake of learning - something totally useless vocationally. That would be so nice ...

[George Brown]

You're an absolute bloody legend Peter French. I tell you what, I should have done my PhD on your life. Problem is, no one would have believed me :lol:

Cheers,

George

[James Grey]

You're an absolute bloody legend Peter French. I tell you what, I should have done my PhD on your life. Problem is, no one would have believed me :lol:

Cheers,

George

...and my greatest strength is my humility :~( which I am SO proud of :lol:

[thestumps]

I have an Associates Degree, but if I had to do it all over again, I would have gone to a Vo-Tech sooner ;) instead. I put in 2 years of taking stupid college courses that didn't really get me anything in as far as jobs went. It seems that a two year degree just DID NOT HELP. I was in the military and found that having been in the military, I learned things that college just didn't teach. For instance, discipline, hygene, looking clean cut, being to work on time, work ethics, common respect. Things some people learn at home while others do not. I guess I was somewhere in the middle. Through the military, it helped me land a military contract job going shipboard. I saved money to RE-EDUCATE myself, and took a trade in Aviation Maintenance Technology. I currently work as an Aircraft Technician for the airlines. So why did I go to college in the first place? It was the thing most of my classmates went for. I just thought that was the thing to do. I had ZERO idea on what the real life was going to be like. Looking back, I am glad I have the two year degree, and no education is wasted education, however, you can learn more on your own by reading and advancing in your job, or proffession through job training and self study. I found out that college is not the only educator in life. A good Vocation is great to have. If you look at the Europeans, they have always excelled in good trades. They make fine gadgets, watches, instruments, chocolates, brew and have some of the best trade schools in the world. We in America view VO-TECH as low end LABOR type jobs. The best educator in life is hard work, travel, persistence, and the ability to get along with others and walk that straight line. At least, that is my opinion and has done me well.

[Tireman4]

Because without it , I can't teach. I can't finish the dream. It has allowed me not to work in a fast food resturant. That is always a good thing. Nothing against those who work there, by the way.

[Rich Douglas]

I am currently reading a whole stack of literature on degree creep, credentialism and screening theory. The majority of authors argue that it is the piece of paper that gets people in the door, fuelling the yearning and desire for degrees. A passport/ ticket to success - but whats behind it?

Cheers,

George

Have you read Diplomaism by Hapgood? Old (1971) and still utterly relevant. Maybe more so since the ideas have not only stood the test of time, but the effect seems to continue to grow.

P.S.: I'll have that other thing posted to you shortly. Sorry about the delay--crazy around the house while my wife prepares for her FNP licensing exam tomorrow! :crazy2:

[Rich Douglas]

Both.

Undergraduate: Primarily to get a degree.

Graduate: Primarily to learn, but the degree was extremely important, too.

Doctorate: Primarily to learn. The degree--because I was studying a field I loved (Nontraditional Higher Education)--was important personally, but not professionally. Turned out to be extremely valuable professionally, but that was unanticipated.

[gh2005]

I finished my undergraduate so I can get a job. Without the BS, I probably would end up a burger flipper.

I went for the masters so I can feel more competent. And yes, so I can show people that I have expert knowledge of my field in international business.

Doctorate... well, I took that because I realized MBA is dime a dozen these days. :(

[mcdirector]

Bachelors -- I went to school to get an undergrad because my husband had a PhD and I had nothing (well, I had 9 measely hours). I was not brought up in a college-going family. I wanted an education too AND to be able to keep up AND not be a complete nincompoop in professional/personal situations -- I could have cared less about a career at that point. BUT I did get a well rounded education.

Masters was to prepare me for a field. I'm trying to decide at what point I started to care about a career.

Doctoral will be what I want to learn -- even if I have to get a second masters first.

[James Grey]

Bachelors -- I went to school to get an undergrad because my husband had a PhD and I had nothing (well, I had 9 measely hours). I was not brought up in a college-going family. I wanted an education too AND to be able to keep up AND not be a complete nincompoop in professional/personal situations -- I could have cared less about a career at that point. BUT I did get a well rounded education.

Masters was to prepare me for a field. I'm trying to decide at what point I started to care about a career.

Doctoral will be what I want to learn -- even if I have to get a second masters first.

An interesting comment that you make ' ...I was not brought up in a college-going family...' Neither was I - my father made successes out of other people's business failures and beleived that his only son should follow in his footsteps. He even took me out of school at the end of year 10 to force his choice upon me. However, thanks to night school, distance education, professional cadetships in the 1960's and professions running their own exams, I defeated him in his plan for me.

So what have you done/will you be doing with your children? Has your family become a 'college-going' family? I have ensured that my 5 children and 4 step children have all had the best private education I could arrange/afford, and the best post Y12 education. To date 3 are IT engineers, 1 is an oncologist, 1 a corporate lawyer, and the last 2 are finishing degrees in health adminstration, and law/commerce.

I feel that I have done my bit - I will always support them in every way, but have given them the best foundation for their future that I could do. I do wonder what they will emphasise for their children?

[mcdirector]

Funny you should ask :D

My oldest is a second year seminary student. He graduated with a drama/history degree.

My youngest is a senior -- math/physics major. He is in a five year program and this year will receive his BS and next year his MS.

They both have plans to continue -- but they've seen me go to school or take some class all of their lives. They think that's what they should do.

(Do I sound proud? You do! :D)

[dhfr]

I realize that the problem with this thread is that the poll doesn't include the REAL reason I went to college.

(My new program is going well.)

[mcdirector]

I realize that the problem with this thread is that the poll doesn't include the REAL reason I went to college.

(My new program is going well.)

I'm glad your new program is going well. It's awfully hard to stick with them when they aren't going well.

NOW -- what was the real reason you went to college???? Curious minds want to know ;)

[imlavinia]

To get an Education & to get a bachelor degree online (http://www.aboutonlinedegree.org) are always the primary reasons to into college.

[Theodore Lamar Heiks]

I went to college because I didn't want to be stuck slamming hamburgers at McDonald's for the rest of my life.

[Redlyne Racer]

Yes, something about working in food service that puts you in a mind to pursue higher education. I was working as a busboy and dishwasher, decided I didn't want to be picking through other people's garbage the rest of my life. Little did I know that about 99% of any job is picking through OPG. :o

[thestumps]

Incidentally, MCDONALDS CORPORATION has a shttt load of ACE approved courses. I wondered if you knew that. With all the degrees you seem to have, you may have all ready utilized their courses for college credit.

I went to college because I didn't want to be stuck slamming hamburgers at McDonald's for the rest of my life.

[scaredrain]

I went so I could make more money and everytime I have added a degree, my pay has gone up!

[mcdirector]

I went so I could make more money and everytime I have added a degree, my pay has gone up!

Thats very nice ;)

[tob55]

The quest for knowledge is a lifelong process for me. I have been in education for 29+ years and still search for additional programs that I can enroll in to enhance my professional qualifications. I am a firm believe in the idea that if you are not moving forward you are in essence going backwards. Knowledge and technology is constantly on the increase and as such, my understanding of what is known is always in need of updating. My first degree was a quest. My second degree was and advance. My third degree was an accomplishment. My fourth degree was a fulfillment. My fifth degree has been a pleasure, and my future degrees will become whatever I want them to become. I am a young man and hopefully will be taking classes when I reach the point in my life that I consider myself to be golden. To me there is great truth in the statement, "you are never too old to learn."