Does a college degree correlate with getting a job?

The economy is not very good now and a bachelor's degree is sort of like a high school diploma. For every 1 job available there are 10 job seekers. When you're young parents and society tells you that going to college will guarantee you a successful life making tons of money. I'm graduating in 3 months, September, for an average private college in Manhattan with a bachelor's. I'll be looking for a job to pay back my loans. Do you think a degree will really get you a job? does it help a little? or not at all. Is it just about learning a trade?

Not any more. Employers in this crap economy care about experience now, not education (as far as 4 year degree jobs go). That's why so many college grads have been unemployed for years now or are stocking shelves if they're lucky.

Not any more. Employers in this crap economy care about experience now, not education (as far as 4 year degree jobs go). That's why so many college grads have been unemployed for years now or are stocking shelves if they're lucky.

Pirate700

20 or 30 years ago a bachelor's degree was almost a guarantee for getting a good job. For decades people would tell you the American Dream involves you doing good in school, going to college, and getting a great job upon graduation. Today, having a degree is a big help but with more people having degrees than jobs to occupy it's doing less and less. With the degree alone not being enough, experience is something that is needed to make you more competitive. Put two people with the same degree together and the one who has prior experience will usually be the one who gets the job.

I agree with what others here have said, plus I think it matters in what area you have your degree in. A degree in Engineering or Computer Science is a lot more valuable than a degree in such things as History, English, Psychology or Philosophy.

Not any more. Employers in this crap economy care about experience now, not education (as far as 4 year degree jobs go). That's why so many college grads have been unemployed for years now or are stocking shelves if they're lucky.

Pirate700

As someone who just graduated with a Bachelor's, thanks for the encouraging post. >_>

I agree with what others here have said, plus I think it matters in what area you have your degree in. A degree in Engineering or Computer Science is a lot more valuable than a degree in such things as History, English, Psychology or Philosophy.

TheMadGamer

What also sucks is as more an more colleges are going online, it further degrades their value. It used to be a degree made up for having little or no experience right out of school because it showed you have dedication and actually showed up. Now you can take your course while on the crapper.

[QUOTE="Pirate700"]

Not any more. Employers in this crap economy care about experience now, not education (as far as 4 year degree jobs go). That's why so many college grads have been unemployed for years now or are stocking shelves if they're lucky.

JML897

As someone who just graduated with a Bachelor's, thanks for the encouraging post. >_>

I imagine employers want both experience and education. Going to college is still valuable in it that it helps you build connections and presents opportunities. Don't rely on a merely a degree guaranteeing you a job, but don't underestimate its value either.

Of course, this depends on factors such as field of study, location, etc.

Not any more. Employers in this crap economy care about experience now, not education (as far as 4 year degree jobs go). That's why so many college grads have been unemployed for years now or are stocking shelves if they're lucky.

Pirate700

This pretty much explains it. Heck I know people with Masters degrees in Engineering who couldn't find a job. Granted they were international students who some companies do not want to hire b\c of they would have to process thier immigration applications which costs MONEY and a lot of headaches. But as stated above it's all about the experience, I see jobs that require 5-8 years of job experience in a particular field. That's not to say you can't get a job with a bachelors degree. As someone have stated it's also about your connections, if you did internships and so forth, the company that you did interning with often will hire you upon graduation as happened with at least 3 people I know. I don't want to discourage you but it's something to think about from my experience. Also, having a high GPA plays a major role. It's tough out their. Good luck!

No, but the type of industry that you're going for also plays a role.

Information technology, law, Business administration, and medical services are what's hiring. Entry level positions may be difficult upon graduation, but you can manage.

As opposed to say, a liberal arts degree?...good luck with that....

Nope, I know a guy who has his Masters in Psych and works in the ball pit at Chuck E Cheese. He prays for death daily.Allicrombie

you serious?

Not any more. Employers in this crap economy care about experience now, not education (as far as 4 year degree jobs go). That's why so many college grads have been unemployed for years now or are stocking shelves if they're lucky.

Pirate700

A degree is a necessity for many jobs, but it sure as hell doesn't guarantee you one.

Networking, great references, internships; these are invaluable assets when job-hunting in most fields. It's always been that way, recession or not.

Some folks don't realise this until their senior year, which is unfortunate.

[QUOTE="TheMadGamer"]

I agree with what others here have said, plus I think it matters in what area you have your degree in. A degree in Engineering or Computer Science is a lot more valuable than a degree in such things as History, English, Psychology or Philosophy.

Engineering, no problem. PS2_ROCKS

You sure about that? If you have a low GPA, employers won't hire you. Not to mention if you don't have much job experience. Just having an "engineering" degree doesn't mean that you will have a job. As others have stated, they look at internships and your connections, etc. Most engineering jobs I have seen also require you to have years of experience.

In my country, a bachelors now is like having a high school diploma. PHD is more like a bachelors.

[QUOTE="PS2_ROCKS"]

You sure about that? If you have a low GPA, employers won't hire you. Not to mention if you don't have much job experience. Just having an "engineering" degree doesn't mean that you will have a job. As others have stated, they look at internships and your connections, etc. Most engineering jobs I have seen also require you to have years of experience.

Xtasy26

[QUOTE="PS2_ROCKS"]Engineering, no problem. Xtasy26

You sure about that? If you have a low GPA, employers won't hire you. Not to mention if you don't have much job experience. Just having an "engineering" degree doesn't mean that you will have a job. As others have stated, they look at internships and your connections, etc. Most engineering jobs I have seen also require you to have years of experience.

In my country, a bachelors now is like having a high school diploma. PHD is more like a bachelors.

TailBlood

idk what country your in but in US thats becoming the norm

What also sucks is as more an more colleges are going online, it further degrades their value. It used to be a degree made up for having little or no experience right out of school because it showed you have dedication and actually showed up. Now you can take your course while on the crapper.

Pirate700

What also sucks is as more an more colleges are going online, it further degrades their value. It used to be a degree made up for having little or no experience right out of school because it showed you have dedication and actually showed up. Now you can take your course while on the crapper.

Pirate700

Yeah, **** all those losers who have might have to balance work with raising kids who have the nerve to attempt to make a better life for themselves.

It helps, but it doesn't guarantee one. For the more technical jobs (IT, engineer, architect, doctors, lawyers) you sure need one to get yourself into the door, but these days you will need a lot more to get yourself notice. Things like previous work and extracurricular exp, reference, resume and interview skills, etc

Not anymore, but it really depends on what field you're going into. Luckily I'm going into a field that always seem to be hiring so I shouldn't have too much trouble finding a job when I'm done with school.

Depends on the area of study. There's always a demand for engineering and science majors.

[QUOTE="Pirate700"]

What also sucks is as more an more colleges are going online, it further degrades their value. It used to be a degree made up for having little or no experience right out of school because it showed you have dedication and actually showed up. Now you can take your course while on the crapper.

QuistisTrepe_

Yeah, **** all those losers who have might have to balance work with raising kids who have the nerve to attempt to make a better life for themselves.

Pirate's comment was directed at the quality of the online institutions, not an insult to the ones taking them...

1. internship

2. bust your butt

3. profit

4. idk

Nope, I know a guy who has his Masters in Psych and works in the ball pit at Chuck E Cheese. He prays for death daily.Allicrombie

[QUOTE="Allicrombie"]Nope, I know a guy who has his Masters in Psych and works in the ball pit at Chuck E Cheese. He prays for death daily.LegitGamer3212

you serious?

[QUOTE="TheMadGamer"]

I agree with what others here have said, plus I think it matters in what area you have your degree in. A degree in Engineering or Computer Science is a lot more valuable than a degree in such things as History, English, Psychology or Philosophy.

Pirate700

[QUOTE="Pirate700"]

[QUOTE="TheMadGamer"]

I agree with what others here have said, plus I think it matters in what area you have your degree in. A degree in Engineering or Computer Science is a lot more valuable than a degree in such things as History, English, Psychology or Philosophy.

Candy-Star

Computer Science is incredibly hot right now in CA. Google is increasing their 2011 hires by 50%, with they tend to like to hire bachelors (although you'd need to be from a reputable school or just plain amazing). Most software/internet companies are hiring right now.

There are also tons of startups with funding looking for new graduates. So if you graduated with a CS degree from one of the better CS schools, you should be set (unless you're terrible, then you probably won't get past the interviews).

[QUOTE="Pirate700"]

[QUOTE="TheMadGamer"]

I agree with what others here have said, plus I think it matters in what area you have your degree in. A degree in Engineering or Computer Science is a lot more valuable than a degree in such things as History, English, Psychology or Philosophy.

Candy-Star

[QUOTE="Candy-Star"][QUOTE="Pirate700"]Well it also just largely depends on the current economy in your given state. Here in CA it's still almost impossible to get any job anywhere and the state, likewise, is still completely bankrupt. Go figure.

UCF_Knight

Well, it is bleak if you chose the 'wrong' major.

not all degrees are created equal, and nothingguarantee someone is willing to hire you. good luck with a BA

[QUOTE="QuistisTrepe_"]

[QUOTE="Pirate700"]

What also sucks is as more an more colleges are going online, it further degrades their value. It used to be a degree made up for having little or no experience right out of school because it showed you have dedication and actually showed up. Now you can take your course while on the crapper.

chessmaster1989

Yeah, **** all those losers who have might have to balance work with raising kids who have the nerve to attempt to make a better life for themselves.

Pirate's comment was directed at the quality of the online institutions, not an insult to the ones taking them...

It's still in the same vein of looking down at those who had to take another route. I've taken online courses as well and I enjoy it far more than the lecture st-yle format. There's really no lesser quality IMO.