Does a degree help?

[Globalti]

To continue in the "degree not needed" theme, my brother-in-law has now reached the dizzy heights of Chief Executive of a large NHS hospital simply because he's excellent at the job and an all-round Good Bloke. He started as an ICU nurse (which is where he met my sister) and worked his way upwards. He is liked and respected by everybody from the cleaners to the consultants because they all know he talks sense. He earns quite a lot of money and deservedly so because it's an extremely stressful job with huge reponsibilities.

No degree.

 

[marzjennings]

I would say a degree these days is a basic prerequisite for just getting an interview for a job. 20 years ago a degree may have carried more value, but there were also more good opportunities for those who didn't have a degree. Now some companies stipulate that a degree is part of the minimal requirements for hiring almost any staff member. Our company does and fortunately for me our HR department only implemented this policy after I was hired.
I've had friends with over 20 years experience not even offered an interview because they don't have a degree.

If one's chosen career path doesn't need a degree, then of course don't bother.

If looking to follow a professional career, eg engineer, then a bachelors is essential and a masters or PhD may be required.

If no idea at this time, then get the degree just incase, 'cos it would be maddening to be denied an opportunity just because one is missing a piece of paper.

Plus going to Uni is one if the best experiences in life.

 

[Hitchington]

I have a BA hons. in Fine Art, so for me it was never about improving my job prospects, if only I'd done something more "useful". lol

 

[jonny jeez]

Maybe it's just me, but I think the question might be starting from the wrong place. Going to university is a great life experience, true, but how about 'What are you so deeply interested in that you'd want to spend time getting a degree in it?'

I think this is a good point and the answer is, well nothing yet. At least nothing in a specific line. She has a clear desire to work in a particular sector but no vision of what role or ultimately what life. This is where my understanding of a degree can help, as its a little multi-purpose and allows a multitude of career approaches, whereas an apprenticeship follows a very focused role...which at the end of the day she may end up not liking.
.
Also, picking up on another point about a degree... I don't think all apprenticeships offer a degree (I actually didn't know any of them did) but rather a qualification, like chartered surveyor or the like

 

[jonny jeez]

I'm not sure.
A lot of people I know have a degree and can't get work, but then again, employers seem to routinely ask for a degree for jobs, IMO, that don't really require one!

This does seem to be shifting now. PWC and Goldman Sachs allow only 50% intake from post grads, the rest MUST come from apprenticeships....apparently.

The big firms seem to be revolting against allowing education establishments to take money of off students in return for a limited value degree and prefer to encourage students to earn the company, and themselves, cash whilst they qualify on the job.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Also, picking up on another point about a degree... I don't think all apprenticeships offer a degree (I actually didn't know any of them did) but rather a qualification, like chartered surveyor or the like

We have M&E apps at our place, it's HNC HND stuff. Once qualified you're into a pretty good level, job and cash wise, better than a wanky degree from a third-rate poly.

 

[jonny jeez]

Looking from a purely practical point of view - nowadays a degree is pretty much required to even get a foot through the door, .

I'not sure it is...that's the point really. sure in some roles its a given but a lot of employers seem to be turning their backs on for-the-sake-of-it, low value degrees

 

[Milkfloat]

I'not sure it is...that's the point really. sure in some roles its a given but a lot of employers seem to be turning their backs on for-the-sake-of-it, low value degrees

I guess it depends on the job, you won't get too far up the ladder working for a big company without the necessary qualifications, but I guess you can start at the ground floor and pray. Where I work and would like to work, to be a Director, I need an MBA, thus I have hit my ceiling as I cannot turn myself into an 'MBA person'. A couple of years ago we had a big clearout of people because although they all had degrees they were not relevant. This was irrespective of talent and ability - it was a crazy decision, but one that large corporations often take.

I will try an encourage my kids to go to Uni, partly because it should be the best time of their lives and partly to give them more chance of succeeding. if they really don't want to go, then I hope they get a trade and have the confidence and drive to eventually setup on their own and dream big.

 

[Hill Wimp]

My dad did a street masons apprenticship..in the Bacup area in the late 50's..
he used that trade to get a highways inspecter job in Deal..then moved to cambridgeshire highways dpt..

then decided that jacket and tie was not for him...he then set up a very sucessfull business laying roads and footpaths with 40 men working...

So i have him to blame for the shite roads in Deal then ?

 

[Piemaster]

To contrast 2 different paths - my Brother -in - Law and me, We're similar ages -50ish
Me: Engineer Cadet (seagoing apprenticeship) BTEC HND after 4 years, 3 in full time education, academic and hands on, including 1 year on ships travelling the world. Subsequent professional qualifications put me some way above degree level.

BiL. Left school at 16 wanting to get out of education as soon as possible, variety of jobs since, mostly with Inland Revenue. He has just completed a degree as he found he just wasn't getting any further up the pole on his previous experience alone. He's now having to choose between job offers and has told me he wishes he'd had the full Uni experience

If looking to follow a professional career, eg engineer, then a bachelors is essential and a masters or PhD may be required.

For a shore based job yes. As above I don't have one and it''s not made any difference - it's a different path. There is a degree entry route into my industry now. Although my experience of those entering by that route is the academics tend not to know one of a hammer from the other. There is of course an advantage if changing careers - happens a lot as there is a lot don't stay at sea for life.
Until fairly recently becoming a full Member of the Institute of Marine Engineers was difficult unless you had a degree, thus excluding nearly all sea-going engineers from being anything other than Associates.

 

[sight-pin]

Found my apprenticeship papers and my city & guilds certificates the other day as a motor vehicle tech, (diesel mechanic)
The only degree's i have are the ones on my thermometer

 

[Drago]

Got under and post grad and they've never done me any favours, though I've never really tried to do much with them.

 

[PK99]

my experince.

D1 straight A student in everything... oxford/engineering.... niche processes improvement consultancy....2 1/2 years in (age 26) 65k job in ftse100 hq finance dept.
on the way leadership roles in uni society. traveling in usa/south america/africa. work on charity projects. work in upscale us golf club.
Degree gave both qualification and scope for wide range of experinces

D2 not quite polar opposite. 5 years behind. currently in placement year. straight B student across the board. dyslexia/processing speed issue. zero confidence in ability. has blossomed both personally and academically at uni. has recognised that her soft people skills are just as important as her sister's academic skills. is getting glowing praise in placement job.
university has given her space to find herself and her niche. she now has positive ideas about optons available to her in the wider world that she couldnot even have thought about when leaving school.

 

[Archie_tect]

That was the last time Rocky saw someone called Richard...

 

[Archie_tect]

3 degrees here... snow is falling, snow on snow.... snow on snow.