Korean Job Discussion Forums

teachteach · Joined: 26 Mar 2008

Who regrets not going to Harvard? Actually, many foreigners here, like myself, went to universities that no-one would really consider first rate.
In my case, I could have gone to a better school, but I didn't want to spend a lot of money. In retrospect, I would have had a smoother time in life had I had gone to a school like that. I was always jealous of my high school students who got in to Seoul National or Yonsei, because I didn't think they were any better or smarter than me.
But then again, going to Korea was a growing up experience and gave me the ability to tackle what I do now.
Any regrets or introspection from the rest of you?

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Accept for the fortunate few who capitalize on lucky breaks, the better part of the human race live lives with parameters confined by the sum of their decisions. Luck favours the perpared.

Regrets? Nah. Still looking forward, not back.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Except. Eeesh.

Countrygirl · Joined: 19 Nov 2007 Location: in the classroom

I regret not studying harder and not getting a better degree. What else are you going to do with an English BA except teach English. I regret not applying for an education degree right out of highschool because it would have been easier to get in then than now.

I regret a lot, but considering I am the first one to go to University, it makes sense that no one was able to give me advice or direction.

I will go back to school part-time when we move back and fulfill my dreams slowly. I actually hope my daughter will go to Harvard or another great school. She's got the smarts for it. I will go into debt to help support my children through school rather than make them work while studying like I had to.

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

I suspect that if I had learned a trade, like plumbing, I would be a lot happier. But my parents wanted the best for me. They wanted me to get a college education, and pushed me in that direction. They had no way of knowing that plumbing jobs would one day pay far better than any job I'd get with my BA.

sarbonn · Joined: 14 Oct 2008 Location: Michigan

Graduating from West Point opened up a lot of doors for me, but my go it alone attitude pretty much closed them back up again. Going back to school, I went a completely different direction and did grad school several times, coming up with numerous graduate degrees that were all pursued for knowledge rather than what I'd get at the end of it (as in a job). About a decade ago, I really fell into a "I hate all things money" routine, and I've never completely gotten out of it. I'm now back here in Korea after having been here 20 years ago while in the Army, and while I'm getting paid a very good salary, it really doesn't mean all that much to me these days. I've been in somewhat of a holding pattern while trying to launch a writing career for about a decade now; I think if I gave up that dream, I'd probably jump off a bridge or something after.

the_beaver · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

I won't say I regret not going to Harvard (at that time it was something in excess of 30,000 a year), but it would have been really cool.

teachteach · Joined: 26 Mar 2008

I know more than a few wayguks back from Korea who switched to trades and are quite happy.

agoodmouse · Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Location: Anyang

I graduated from a top 15 university in the U.S., did work study, got some scholarship monies, never missed a class, and graduated with honors. Of course, I was rejected from some better ranked schools, but that's life. I feel good about my university days. College is what you make of it. One transfer girl I knew got kicked out of Princeton for coke and was admitted to my school after a while. Most came to my school because they didn't get into the Ivies. A lot went to Choate and Exeter for high school (i.e. $30,000/year) and entered my university. I went to a public school Smile

I feel successful about those days, and am not one of those people who look back in regret.

As for the "smoother life" you think you might get having graduated from a top ranked university, it's more about experience and skills now in the U.S. rather than from where one graduated. I'm not saying it's always like this, especially as regards IB (i.e. investment banking). The Harvard name will get you in the door quicker than most, but so will having top notch grades and an excellent track record.

NoExplode · Joined: 15 Oct 2008

agoodmouse · Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Location: Anyang

I'm not. All I'm saying is I disagree with nearly everything the OP said.

earthbound14 · Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Location: seoul

I'm here more out of choice rather than a lame degree from a lame university. I didn't go to the best school, but I went to a good one and I got a good degree.

I wish I'd put my degree to more use rather than coming here. I've tended to enjoy trying many different things rather than sticking it out within one feild. If I had to do it over again I may have chosen get more experience with my degree rather than trying so many things. No one cares what you've done if it doesn't relate in some way to the job you are applying for.

But I had a good time, learned a lot and can't really regret it. All things considered my life has been pretty cool and I've done many things those who are more career oriented never do.

So it's a catch 22.