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That degree ain't worth #$%#@!?Sep 06 '01 Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line Education goes far, but it's you who has to take that big step to truly utilize it. The important tenet in life is not "I've got to get a job." Because we want to stay with the standards of living we are accustomed to, or wish to ameliorate these standards, our saying in the 90s and 00s has become "I've got to get a job that pays well and that I actually like!!" I tend to view fresh graduates as having four options: 1) find a job that you adore but leaves you practically penniless; 2) find a job where the boss is a prick, deal with his attitude, and get paid a lot but not have enough time to spend it; 3) go to graduate school; 4) marry well. Well, the first option I ruled out was number four. I tried an option that wasn't even on the list: I got a job working at a firm where I gained a lot of experience but had to deal with low pay and equally low treatment from superiors. I stayed with it for a while, and then decided life was too short (trite, I know) to waste my time doing such, couped up indoors all day, especially not since I studied a major contrary to my parents' wishes, which they are still bitter about to this day. I quit my job and applied for graduate school. In doing so, I did nothing but delay the inevitable: get a job. A college degree could have meant more had I chosen another major. I wish this was not so, but society has not created a niche where people with humanities majors can fully utilize their specialities and get adequately paid for these services. Look at the education department - teachers are so poorly paid, more so than in other sectors. A Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or Biology Major has an easier time finding a stable job. New and developing technology is constantly needed. These kinds of firms are numerous and not only so, but they actively recruit, coming to college job fairs or posting job opportunities on websites and career centers. An English or American Studies major (what is American Studies, anyway?) takes bigger chances, goes through more ups and downs, but eventually will find the same. If one wants to go into Communications, it's nothing but internships for a while. But it's okay because it's the ending point that's most important. The key is that you've got to take that step, that chance. My advice is to think about what you want to do and go for it. Now this sounds very trite, I know, but I'm going to write about it anyway. Be prepared but be willing to take chances, and especially to take that one big step. Here was a recent conversation between my professor and I: HIM: What undergraduate major did you have? ME: I was an English major. HIM: Why? ME: I liked reading books. I liked writing. I don't know...freedom to make my own choice and me wanting to do what I wanted no matter what...I was young, you know. HIM: (laughing)...Why did you decide to go to grad school, then? ME: 'Cuz dreamers gotta eat! It's true - we all have bills to pay and we all have to eat (that is, if we want to achieve that American dream). But do not loose sight of what you want to do as well. Opportunities exist - you just have to take advantage of them. You have to be willing to give some things up, take chances, put yourself out in the open - it's a scary position, but it's doable. I guess it comes down to three quick tips: 1) Be active. People won't know who you are unless you mingle a little. So post your resume on websites and send resumes out. What's the hurt except for a 34 cent loss if the business doesn't call you back? Get to know people at the office even though you are not a socializer because you never know - the person you meet in the restroom might be interested in the small talk and take a professional interest in you. 2) Be informed. Don't stick your head in the ground! Know what's going around you and what's going around in the world. Not only is this good for small talk during interviews, it gives a good impression to people, that you're versatile, smart, and care about more than yourself. (As long as you don't present the information you know in a cocky way.) 3) Be civil. Delusions of grandeur do not make a person especially easy to work with. Don't lose sight of who you are. People who like you are more willing to recommend you to others. Hope this helped.  |
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