DEGREES of Separation

[Pol]

How important is a college degree in this working world? I pursued a degree out of interest, but dropped out because my college professors were either late or didn't show up for class at all. I now have a six figure salary, but still feel cheated from the college experience.

[wordsmith]

It may or may not be necessary, depending on what you do, where you do it, and plain old luck and/or connections.

One thing for certain is that it is more likely to prevent you from being excluded from many opportunities, when the degree is the benchmark that is set.

As far as the opportunity of experiencing higher ed, and whether or not you're missing out if you don't go that route, it's really individual to the person and their situation. I know plenty of folks whose experience was fairly lackluster, and those who took the opportunities before them and ran with them, and had the experiences of a lifetime. It's all in what you make of it, what choices you make for yourself, if you choose well, and how much you're willing to put into it.

[yankeeyosh]

Well, I think that the majority of college students see a degree more as a "means to an end"; rather, they are just there because it is a "requirement" to get a good job. Granted, the college experience can be fun, and most grads enjoyed their time in school to at least some degree. However, I would suspect that a large fraction of students would NOT attend if a degree was not required to join the "rat race". And the reason for all this? Tuition.

[dacrunkest]

If I could be a professional student, I would. It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to major in because I was interested in SO MANY things. But I also learned that I could pursue learning in areas of interest outside of a college (and therefor costly) atmosphere.

For instance, I am looking at getting a practical masters degree and at the same time studying my passions and interests (ie, music, art and history) on my own and at my own pace.

All you need to get the "learning" aspect of college is a library card or internet connection and some smart friends to discuss things with. The part of college that you missed out on (the "student experience") may be already behind you anyway...nontraditional students at colleges/universities don't often get into the "student life" as much (drinking, parties, eating out every night, etc).

[Pol]

Thanks for the responses. I didn't even stop to consider that the Wonder Years are not always exceptional or meaningful for everybody.

A few years ago, I was at a party with a friend. Three lawyers were criticizing my career choice and slamming me for not having a degree. At the time, I held my tongue out of respect for my friend, but today would have been different.

A degree defines people, as sadly as a job does sometimes.