College education?

[manning]

My uncle started at one of the largest nuts and bolt manufacters during the depression as a janitor. He retired as the treasurer of the company. I remember a conversation with him in 1960 and he said they used college as a screening. When the hired someone the first thing they were told was to forget everything they learned as "we will teach you everything you will need to know"

Also about 15 years ago we hired a big 10 grad and the first thing he told me was that he will be the CEO within 5 years....he didn't last 5 months. Was good at giving orders was not so good at doing the work. Turned around and hired someone going to night school. He didn't become CEO but did good work!! Became a supervisor.

 

[collegejunkie]

But he won't get a job in the investment banking business without a degree. He never would have gotten an internship without being on a degree track either, being in school or not.

I will argue that it isn't even so much the content you learn in college but the way colleges teach you to think, especially liberal arts schools that require classes like philosophy and other classes outside of your degree track. Teaching you to look at issues/problems, etc. from all side or many sides vs just the black and white thinking that most kids have that only have a high school diploma. There is also a maturity issue that goes along with going away to college, having to deal with problems and issues on your own, etc. that employers want to see. Think back to when you were 18, would you hire your 18 year old self for a position in your company now??

Obviously there are always exceptions to every rule but most 18 year old coming out of high school are not ready for the general job market.

i agree with everything you said. i am a much different person now after 3 years of college than i was when i started. and very true about the internships, etc - but i think this also comes from what you were just saying. they want proof that you are thinking differently, that you're gaining new skills and knowledge, whatever else. basically, you're right lol sorry i just worded all of that awkwardly. it's finals time and i'm taking a break, and my brain is fried.

A great question. Unless you're self-employed or born rich, it is a necessary evil. I started my business while I was still in school, and ended up relatively lucky playing my cards right.

Investment banking is difficult to get into... top grades from a top school help. I know certain employers in NYC which ONLY look at Ivy League graduates.

Snobbery has to be a part of it. Another would be the American conception that education is a measure of intelligence: It's not. Couple that in with just about everyone getting a college degree these days, you'd be at a tremendous disadvantage by NOT going to college.

yeah, i'm proud of him we do go to an ivy and he has above a 4.0. he's a really hard worker, and i'm happy for him. i don't agree entirely that it's snobbery.. students from the best schools do great work. they had to get there somehow, and they had to maintain that work ethic through more rigorous courses. i don't think there's anything wrong with wanting to select from the best for your company. i had the same conversation with the dean of a medical school who confirmed that they will look at applicants from top schools first. i'm not saying they'll pick a top 20 student with a 3.0 over someone from a different school with a 4.0, but the top school students tend to do better as a whole.

 

[Kimberly]

yeah, i'm proud of him we do go to an ivy and he has above a 4.0. he's a really hard worker, and i'm happy for him. i don't agree entirely that it's snobbery.. students from the best schools do great work. they had to get there somehow, and they had to maintain that work ethic through more rigorous courses. i don't think there's anything wrong with wanting to select from the best for your company. i had the same conversation with the dean of a medical school who confirmed that they will look at applicants from top schools first. i'm not saying they'll pick a top 20 student with a 3.0 over someone from a different school with a 4.0, but the top school students tend to do better as a whole.

Would he consider expatriating?

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I've done pretty well for myself without a degree, proving my work ethics and general ability to problem solve an asset in my ability to move up through my company.

That said, I've been going to school 1/2 time over the past few years to get my degree in International Business and Financial Services to help take me to the next level.