Questions for adults in the work force

[NY Disney fan]

Was your K-12 education enough for you to succeed in life?

Did you do something extra (in addition to your standard education) to help you prepare to succeed (ie: Saturday extra curricular activities, learning summers, etc.)

If you attended college, did your K-12 prepare you adequately for college or did you struggle?

Would you say your post high school or college training helped you for your current job more than anything else? Or a combination of things you did growing up?

What academic subjects *most* (Pick 2) offers people the most options for work force success?

 

[MelanieC]

I make more without a College education than many do with one (Obviously not all - but more than some do out of college). That said, in my line of work if I did have a College education I'd be making anywhere's from 1-4 times more than I make now.

 

[ead79]

Was your K-12 education enough for you to succeed in life? That's hard to answer given that I went on to attend college. But I would have to say that my college education was definitely important. While not absolutely necessary, college was necessary for the types of jobs I was interested in.

Did you do something extra (in addition to your standard education) to help you prepare to succeed (ie: Saturday extra curricular activities, learning summers, etc.) I took additional classes (such as an extra science class) as well as as many AP and honors classes as practical.

If you attended college, did your K-12 prepare you adequately for college or did you struggle? Yes, absolutely. However, I think a large part of the reason I was prepared was having taken so many AP classes. I was used to managing a difficult course load and having to juggle priorities long before I attended college. Also, I think my early education helped me tremendously by getting me off on the right foot with excellent study and time management skills.

Would you say your post high school or college training helped you for your current job more than anything else? Or a combination of things you did growing up? I would say that my college education definitely helped train me for my current job. Of course, many other things (not the least of which is previous work experience) played a large role as well.

What academic subjects *most* (Pick 2) offers people the most options for work force success? Hmmm, that's a tough one. I would say that an excellent grasp of the English language pays off huge dividends. Being able to express yourself well in both written and verbal communications helps in countless ways from the interview to performing your job duties. I suppose that a good grasp of basic finance/economics is also a plus, though I would consider that to be much less important than a strong foundation in English.

 

[NY Disney fan]

Did you do something extra (in addition to your standard education) to help you prepare to succeed (ie: Saturday extra curricular activities, learning summers, etc.) I took additional classes (such as an extra science class) as well as as many AP and honors classes as practical.

.

Where did you take extra science classes, in school or community college over the summers? Thanks

 

[Pakey]

I have a bachelors in accounting and a masters in business administration. I'm the CFO in a large manufacturing company. Without the education, I would not have reached this level of success. I also have a strong work ethic, taught to me by my parents, which has contributed to my success. I don't think you can get to the level I'm at without being willing to work long hours and sacrifice in other areas.

In my particular situation, I was not adequately prepared for the math once I started college. I did many AP classes in high school but was never a fan of math and only took the bare minimum in HS. Once I started college, I wish I had concentrated more in that area at an earlier age. My grades did not suffer but I had to work a bit harder in algrebra and calculus than any other classes.

I have to agree with PP who said that communication skills are most important for future employment success. Regardless of the field, a candidate has to first be able to sell themselves to potential employers.

IMHO, an education provides more opportunities but certainly doesn't measure the success of an individual. An individual can have a very successful career without having a successful life.

 

[Wall-E1]

Here's what I think. The K - 12 education is enough if the person is an entrepreneur type person.

The college degree, unless needed for a specific field (ex. doctors, lawyers, etc.) is a joke. I have a degree in Health Administration. I don't do anything in that field, but having that stupid piece of paper opened doors for me that would have been closed without the degree.

 

[englishteacha]

I went on to college, and am currently working on my Master's degree. I wanted to be a teacher, and one cannot be a teacher without at least a bachelor's degree.

I did very well in my undergrad program and felt ready for my classes. When I did have trouble, I sought help from my professors. I took college prep. classes all through high school, but no AP courses. Taking English classes, speech and drama, as well as basic math classes all help with what I do now.

My husband also has a bachelor's degree, though in his line of work practical experience is more helpful. He's an IT consultant with his own business. Having the degree helps his clients to feel he actually knows what he's doing, even though technology changes so much most of what he learned in college is now obsolete. He learned skills he needs more than information, if that makes sense.

 

[apirateslifeforme]

I think I'm a little bitter. I have 2 bachelor's degrees, in psychology and criminal justice; I graduated valedictorian, and I cannot get out of data entry. Around here, employers don't even want to talk to you unless you have several years of experience behind you. They do not care one bit about your education - every single time I manage to get an interview (for a data entry job ), they look at the "education" section on my resume and say, "Oh, you have a bachelor's degree, that's nice, I'd rather know more about your past work experience..."

 

[Christine]

Was your K-12 education enough for you to succeed in life?

Yes.

Did you do something extra (in addition to your standard education) to help you prepare to succeed (ie: Saturday extra curricular activities, learning summers, etc.)

No

If you attended college, did your K-12 prepare you adequately for college or did you struggle?

Preparation was adequate but not as good as it could have been.

Would you say your post high school or college training helped you for your current job more than anything else? Or a combination of things you did growing up?

I spent just about 2 years in college (no degree). Nothing I ever learned there contributed to my success in the workforce. Basically, what the key factor was my ability to learn just about anything, my desire and motivation to succeed in whatever job I do, and I have a really strong work ethic. I rarely take off "just because" and no matter how much I hate the task, I put my "all" into it. That has caused most supervisors to value having me as an employee.

What academic subjects *most* (Pick 2) offers people the most options for work force success?

I don't know what subjects give more options for success. Success is determined, IMO, by motivation. If you are not motivated, you can take all the courses in the world in the most popular subjects and not be a success at your job. I guess that's what you are asking??? If not, probably engineering/science/math tracks offer the most rewarding options for $$$$$.

 

[ZephyrHawk]

Was your K-12 education enough for you to succeed in life? That would likely depend on your definition of success. Could I have gotten a job right out of high school and then worked up through the ranks to be a "successful" person? Yes. But I don't know if that would have ever made me a success in my own eyes. Certainly not in those of my parents. I could have survived with just a K12 education, and maybe even been happy, but I don't believe I ever would have achieved my full potential.

Did you do something extra (in addition to your standard education) to help you prepare to succeed (ie: Saturday extra curricular activities, learning summers, etc.) I was involved in a lot of extra-curriculars, both mental and physical. I basically had something extra after school every day and most weekends. These were not generally things my parents set up for me, but challenges I gave to myself. In school I took all the AP classes allowed. I took independent study Biology because I ran out of science classes and trained myself for the Biology AP exam. Educational from my point of view, though perhaps not to others, I traveled extensively with my parents.

If you attended college, did your K-12 prepare you adequately for college or did you struggle? I attended college and graduate school. My K-12 experience prepared me completely for my science related undergrad degree, and I did not struggle in the slightest. Law school at one of the top tier universitites in the country, not so much. That I did have to push myself to succeed at, but I don't consider that a failing of my young education...rather an ennui brought on by the fact that I really don't like law and didn't figure it out until I was halfway done already.

Would you say your post high school or college training helped you for your current job more than anything else? Or a combination of things you did growing up? Umm...well, I'm a lawyer, so I'd say my post-undergrad training helped me the most. The combination of things I did growing up made me a better rounded person overall. Anyone at my firm could probably do the kind of work I'm doing everyday, not everyone can keep a major client busy and interested for over an hour at a charity function talking to him about sailboat racing.

What academic subjects *most* (Pick 2) offers people the most options for work force success? I had to think about this one. Number one, math. you cannot be a scientist, an accountant, an engineer, or even generally a good business person without a firm grounding in math. Heck, I don't even really like math, but I know how important it is. Now here's the other side of the coin: English. Too many scientists and engineers and computer geeks simply cannot get their point across with the written word. That's why they offer special "technical writing" courses in college so that engineers can fulfill their English requirements. You master both sides of that coin, you are golden.

 

[barkley]

i'm retired but i'll answer-

my k-12 was enough to succeed/survive-but not pursue the professions i was interested in. that said-when i went k-12 summer school was offered every year and i did it. this allowed me in jr and sr high to take more courses than a normal courseload would permit (i had enough units to graduate by my junior year of highschool).

extras-yes. i worked from age 16 (without a break until i retired). i took jobs that i could use the skills from to parlay into a better job. started as a receptionist in a music store/school. took the skills i got doing light bookkeeping and billing to become an assistant bookkeeper at a furniture store, used those skills to gain entry to civil service. i was also very active in community theatre. i think this was a huge benefit because i learned to become used to hearing my own voice out loud. it helped me develop public speaking skills, and it helped me become relaxed for oral interviews (esp. large panel types). i also took advantage of my highschool offering (one semester only) a couple of college courses on campus that offered dual credit (college/highschool). it gave me a taste of the difference in teaching style/expectations of highschool vs. college.

my k-12 adequately prepared me for college, though i think there should have been a greater emphasis in highschool on writing (something my dd's highschool is strongly addressing with their students).

the job i held before i retired required some college but not a degree so absent my college education i could not have qualified. the job also required on the job experience in areas relating to it, so to even qualify i needed a combo of education and professional skills. that said-those of us who held these positions would be quick to say that in order to succeed a person definatly needed more college and professional training/experience than the job required. it was apparant when someone was promoted who held just the minimum qualifications-they struggled, and sadly-unless they had a good manager who realy worked with them they did'nt even reccognize the errors they created. those of us who were able to promote within the position to the highest levels of responsibilty definatly had degrees that related to the field.

i think today the 2 most important subjects for success in the workforce are-communications (interpersonal, buisness and public-both oral and written), and technology. there is almost no industry where even the lowest rung employee does'nt have to interact with some form of technology, therefore having at the very least a basic understanding of how to use a computer is essential. i think math is a close 3rd, however-with the automation of most traditional unskilled jobs to using computerized registers and such-a person without math skills but with basic computing skills could still succeed.

 

[GoldieSaysMeep]

I went to college and got 2 degrees. My brother did not.

We work for the same company now doing basically the same thing.

He makes more than I do because he has been here longer, since he started work instead of college.

I personally think, for me, college was a waste of time and money and I’d be making more now if I’d skipped it.

 

[emma'smom]

You can only get so far in life without a good education. In the end, you can lose everything...but not what's inside your head. I could not be doing what I am doing without a college education and post-graduate education.

Education has been the key to a higher salary, job security, and vocational satisfaction for me. I have a career that is fulfilling, provides opportunities for continued learning and travel, and give me a flexible schedule---while paying the bills.

What subject is most important? I would say strong writing and communication skills will get you very far in whatever career you choose. Your writing is often the first impression you offer to people, particularly in a world where we rely more and more on written communication (e-mail, texting, etc.)

 

[lspst8]

1) Was your K-12 education enough for you to succeed in life?

I think you can be a successful person without a college education, but since, I'm a lawyer, I obviously couldn't have my current job without a college and law school.

2) Did you do something extra (in addition to your standard education) to help you prepare to succeed (ie: Saturday extra curricular activities, learning summers, etc.)

In high school, I took almost all honors/AP classes, and many of them ended up being more difficult that my college classes. I also was involved in the art club and drama club because I enjoyed those activities. I think kids should always be involved in extra activities that they enjoy, whether the activity is sports, band, chorus, drama, art, computers, etc...

3)f you attended college, did your K-12 prepare you adequately for college or did you struggle?

I did very well in college and law school, in large part due to the difficult classes I took in high school. I placed out of freshman comp because I already knew how to write well. My Calc 1 class in college, used the exact same book I used in Intro to Calc in high school. I wish I would have saved all my homework!

4) Would you say your post high school or college training helped you for your current job more than anything else? Or a combination of things you did growing up?

Again, without my degrees, my current employer would have thrown my resume in the trash. You can't be a doctor, lawyer, engineer, teacher, nurse, etc ... without those pieces of paper. I'm in a rather specialized area of the law that I mainly learned at my previous job that did not require a law degree (it did require a college degree). I majored in environmental studies and have nothing to do with that in my job. One of my good friends majored in ecology, but works a college financial aid officer.

5) What academic subjects *most* (Pick 2) offers people the most options for work force success?

I would agree with the others who said a strong command of the English language. Even in law school, there were people who thought "alot" was one word and didn't know the difference between there, their, and they're! Good writing and communication skills will help anyone stand out in the job market. I basically write all day now, and I've never once had anything returned to me for poor writing/grammar. (I am not as careful when posting online, so please overlook any mistakes I may have made )

In this day and age, I would have a hard time telling someone to not go to college or get some type of training in a skilled trade (plumbing, HVAC, electrian, cooking or beauty school). I will admit that I was raised ina an enviroment where college was expected. No one ever asked me IF I was going to college, they asked WHERE I wanted to go.

 

[ead79]

Where did you take extra science classes, in school or community college over the summers? Thanks

No problem! Here's the deal:

My freshman year in high school, my previous grades from middle school qualified me to skip freshman science (called Physical Science at my school). So I took honors Biology my freshman year. My sophomore year I took honors Chemistry as my regular science class. I also took honors Anatomy & Physiology as one of my elective classes. My junior year I took AP Biology, and my senior year I took AP Physics. I took all of these classes during the regular school year at my high school.

 

[bookgirl]

As a teacher I had to have a Bachelors of Education. When I decided to switch over to being a public librarian I could have gotten my job with out any further education but I got my Masters of Library and Information Studies so that I would have a better chance and a higher pay scale but even without the masters they required a degree of somekind to even be considered. So I would not have my job with out higher education.

However

my brother (Vice President of Marketing and Distribution) makes mid six figures with only a K-12 and lots of sales experience

my mom (Purchasing Officer for a State Agency) has only a GED and some classes on her purchasing programs every year

my step dad (District Manger of the Oklahoma City area for a Major Newspaper) has a K-12 and 20 years experience working for newspaper deliveries home routes and commercial

my best friend (used to be Accounts Payable for the largest school district in the state) K-12 only.

 

[mommy22gurlz]

I will post something that really NO ONE knows about me.... I had kind of a "crazy" childhood, quit high school in the 10th grade, had my daughter at 17, dh and I are still married. I got my GED and lucked out getting a job with a growing company when I was 24 and got into management within a year. Stayed with that company for 8 years, got laid off, am on job # 2 since that job and make fairly good money. I make more than most of my friends with degrees. The work I do is accounting, I do the equivelant of what an comptroller does, just not quite that much money. LOL

That being said, I was just LUCKY/BLESSED. My dd's are going to college...my oldest will be graduating HS this May with 40+ college hours already and then heading to U of H.

Although, It would mean so much more if I could say. "Yes I have a degree in ___________"

 

[PatriciaH]

Was your K-12 education enough for you to succeed in life? Yes

Did you do something extra (in addition to your standard education) to help you prepare to succeed (ie: Saturday extra curricular activities, learning summers, etc.) Extra Math tutoring (hated Math when younger like it now), extra summer reading classes (studying the Iliad and Odyssey, etc.), computer classes way back when AP classes.

If you attended college, did your K-12 prepare you adequately for college or did you struggle? My high school was harder and better then my college I though college was easy but hated how strict it was with attening every class even when sick etc. They lowered us a letter grade after missing 3 classes. I think school should be about learning/discussing/love of knowledge. Most colleges are a big money making business now. What a joke.

Would you say your post high school or college training helped you for your current job more than anything else? Or a combination of things you did growing up? I would say on the job learning, reading a lot, and life learning helped me the most. As well as being a creative person that can communicate well. And attitude/work ethic. (I have a few of my own businesses.)

What academic subjects *most* (Pick 2) offers people the most options for work force success? English/writing (communicating well like others said), business (business sense/understaning money.) A general business/tech degree with another language (Spanish, Chinese, Jananese, Russian, etc.) would be great!

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I worked in HR for a bank several years ago and, at the time, we were hiring Loan Officers like crazy. Many of the resumes that got through for interviews were for people who had degrees but not necessarily in business or finance. My boss said the type of degree doesn't always matter, but they do want to see candidates with degrees.

College gives you certain experiences and skills that transfer into the work environment - sticking to something and following it through to completion, meeting deadlines, researching subjects, working in groups, organizational skills, knowledge in a broad range of subjects. Most job functions can be learned, but we were looking for people who had the foundation to be good employees.

 

[Pigeon]

I absolutely needed a master's degree to even get an interview. It's non-negotiable. Now, I learned more in my first two weeks on the job than I did from my masters, but to be in the profession, a masters is required.

I was well prepared for college by my excellent public high school.

In terms of degrees giving options for success, that will depend on the time and employment picture when you get your degree, your own personal talents (getting a degree in something you hate to get a job in a field you hate isn't a long term winner) and your definition of success.