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Friday, March 11, 2011

College Degrees...

After I graduated high school, I went to a community college. I was not the type of person who wanted to go away to school and really, the local community college offered what I wanted.

About a semester shy of graduating (It was a 2-year degree) I was forced to drop out due to finances.  At the time this didn't seem like a big deal because I had a career in the very thing that I was going to school for and all was right with the world.  


Fast forward 20-something years and I am screwed.

What I guess I don't understand about the whole college degree thing is that if I had graduated and had my 2-year degree in Fashion Buying and Merchandising, how the heck would that be helpful if I have changed direction and am applying for positions in English/Language Arts teaching? 


I was looking at a position to teach on-line and they want to know if I have a degree.  I mean, clearly I don't but if I did, it would be in a completely unrelated field!  So how is that any different than not having a degree at all?  Does that make sense?  Basically, I'm looking at it as not having a degree in the career that you are looking in to should mean that you don't have a degree no matter what.  I'm taking a ton of on-line classes toward learning all about the degree that I WANT to have, shouldn't that count?

Just another way for me to NOT get a job...Crazy!

5 comments:

freakyroo said...

I've found that the category of your degree doesn't always matter a whole lot. It's the fact that you have the piece of paper.

I have a cousin that graduated with a degree in history, but he's working in a software company doing sales and tech support.

I think for teaching they would want a degree for your related field, but it still doesn't make sense.

Irene said...

That is frustrating, and I agree it makes little sense! Just keep thinking that there must be the perfect job out there for you, and soon you will find it!!

Good Luck!

Petula said...

Hmmm... well, one of the things I've learned is that you can often parlay experiences into your field. Without completing your degree I know that presents a barrier. There has to be some way to show your knowledge and expertise in the area from what you're learning. I wish I could be of more help.

I've been working in my career for so long and have stuck so closely to that and everything is related. Although I have been able to use skills acquired to "convince" hiring managers that I'm proficient in the field I'm interviewing for. Good luck with this; I'm sure there's a way to do this. What about visiting a couple of employment/career blogs (about.com?) to inquire on how to do this?

Unknown said...

It stinks because anyone who has the piece of paper is automatically considered qualified even though they don't know jack about the field.

I have faith you will find the perfect job/career for you.

Lin said...

That's because no matter what degree you major in, those first two years are basically general education classes that make you well-rounded. A degree also shows that you have skills in learning, commitment, and higher education--no matter what your field of study. A degree is still better than no degree in the eyes of a future employer---take it from me, I work in Human Resources.