Korean Job Discussion Forums

[asmith]

Is it worth the paper it's written on?

Or is there a facet of higher education which is just another giant ponzi scheme?

[cwflaneur]

[AgentM]

I think it's worth it. It could enable me to start working my way up the public service ladder, at least it would if governments in Canada were hiring right now. In any event, my degree will enable me to go to Korea and earn decent money.

[Clockout]

It's worth something. I wouldn't have this job without it and would probably still be working at a liquor store or doing construction.

[redaxe]

Oh, mine is worth a LOT. If I were still in Seattle, with no BA degree, I'd be struggling to get a job as a barista at Starbucks (lots of baristas and waiters in Seattle have BA degrees). A Bachelor's degree is an absolutely necessary bare minimum to get a salaried job these days.

[gaffe]

Why are you so depressed? If the world's going to implode, enjoy these last few delicious moments of excess. Soju?

[madoka]

[DCJames]

EVERYONE and their little sister has a college degree now.

It doesn't mean much now.

[kinerry]

[tatertot]

I just have to chime in here. I hate the "I wouldn't be earning anything back home" or "a college degree isn't worth anything" threads. I have a BS in electrical engineering and my first job paid $67,000/year. I have friends that were making $80,000/year after graduating and some are now making more than $100,000/year after graduating only three years ago. If you get a general studies, philosophy, political science, psychology, etc. degree, of course you aren't going to be earning a lot. Those degrees don't mean anything because they don't prepare you for well-paying jobs.

Maybe the complainers should have just picked a better major when they started college. I wouldn't have any trouble finding a job back home right now paying more than $75,000/year. To those who would, perhaps you should get some marketable skills. It isn't anybody's fault but your own that you can't find a job. Of course, you might say why am I working in Korea for the equivalent of about $20,000/year? That's because I didn't enjoy my job and enjoying life is more important than any amount of money. You just have to examine your priorities and decide what is most important.

[kinerry]

[AgentM]

[bry0000000]

I'd say it is because:

1) It's a virtual travel ticket. Never been outside the US (except for Canada) but I've always wanted to. ESL is the only way I'll be able to really afford to travel.

2) I take what I've learned with me. Sure, my history classes may not count much towards a job, but I wouldn't trade what I've learned in class for the world.

3) My school taught me how to get a job. Internships and portfolio building have kept me secure even during the depression. Although I am unemployed at the moment, I feel confident that I could land a job here if I wanted. My desire to go abroad and live for a while is stronger than my desire to settle down here... at least, it is for now.

[cwflaneur]

Instead of all "my major is superior" condescension, remember that most of the alleged "useless" bachelor degrees are really supposed to be the necessary first step prior to post-collegiate study, whereafter the real career begins. If someone just majors in psychology and then goes into world, that's another matter. Two very different situations.

[Clockout]