Memorials promote 'white heterosexual male supremacy,' profs claim

[bcking 3,157]

41 minutes ago, IAMX said:

More than that, people think they're entitled to a job merely because they possess a degree -- I notice this naivety is especially prominent in those with liberal arts degrees.

 

Then the real world hits.

Yes I also agree with that. They go hand in hand. People "assume" that they need to get the degree so they go to college then they are surprised when they get out and that magical piece of paper doesn't grant them a job and a 401k. 

 

To me a good liberal arts education can't forget that you are also there to train for a career. They have to go together. I loved learning about a number of different subjects and I think they all helped inform my critical thinking skills, but I also needed to make sure I was studying something that actually provided me with the tools for my career.

 

It is a little harsh but unless you want to actually be a Philosopher, being a "Philosophy Major" is going to do you much good unless it is a bridge to another degree (Law school etc...)

[IAMX 3,055]

Just now, bcking said:

Yes I also agree with that. They go hand in hand. People "assume" that they need to get the degree so they go to college then they are surprised when they get out and that magical piece of paper doesn't grant them a job and a 401k. 

 

To me a good liberal arts education can't forget that you are also there to train for a career. They have to go together. I loved learning about a number of different subjects and I think they all helped inform my critical thinking skills, but I also needed to make sure I was studying something that actually provided me with the tools for my career.

 

It is a little harsh but unless you want to actually be a Philosopher, being a "Philosophy Major" is going to do you much good unless it is a bridge to another degree (Law school etc...)

I think any degree should be considered with practical applications of how this will manifest itself as a career. My cousin, for example, got her masters in Library Sciences.. kinda funny, except after interning for a Detroit library she's now a librarian making over 70k a year. Nothing but praise for that.

[bcking 3,157]

2 minutes ago, IAMX said:

I think any degree should be considered with practical applications of how this will manifest itself as a career. My cousin, for example, got her masters in Library Sciences.. kinda funny, except after interning for a Detroit library she's now a librarian making over 70k a year. Nothing but praise for that.

Totally. I have a friend who is an assistant editor after getting an English degree. Another one with a history degree now is a film preservationist. They definitely used their degrees.

 

For everyone one of those though I know several who were similar majors (art, philosophy, history) and either don't have any career, or are doing well but it is in nothing related to their degree. 

[TBoneTX 48,248]

3 hours ago, OriZ said:

Some people graduate with a master's degree and are still dumb as a rock.

From years ago, I still vividly remember seeing the resume of an incipiently graduating PhD chemical engineering student.  He prominently mentioned his "doctorial" degree.  When I pointed out his error, he began arguing with me.

[TBoneTX 48,248]

2 hours ago, bcking said:

My idea of a relaxing evening is to reread 12 Caesars or something similar.

A surgeon and his wife were sitting in their living room at home, quietly reading.  The wife said, "Honey, who tore the pages out of my new book?"  The surgeon slapped himself on the forehead and said, "Sorry, Dear -- the back of your book was labeled 'appendix,' and I took it out without thinking."