Is education overrated now that it doesn’t guarantee a job after completion?
It’s become popular to claim that a degree isn’t necessary, and for some, that’s true. However, the median salary for someone with a college degree is significantly higher. You can check out the statistics here: https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2023/data-on-display/education-pays.htm.
FranklineSamwel3 said:
@Blair
Correlation is not causation. Smarter, richer, and more motivated people tend to earn more.
Hiring managers use degrees as an indicator of intelligence and motivation. Most moderately high-paying jobs require a degree.
FranklineSamwel3 said:
@Blair
Correlation is not causation. Smarter, richer, and more motivated people tend to earn more.
Hiring AIs will automatically reject resumes that don’t meet certain criteria.
Has a college degree ever guaranteed a job, except for professional degrees? Many people struggle with career planning and end up choosing the wrong major or don’t know how to break into their desired industry. This is common in the arts, humanities, and even STEM fields. A Bachelor’s degree shows you are educated, but it doesn’t guarantee employability without understanding the field and networking.
@Chris
Great post! It’s funny you were downvoted. Career planning? What’s that?! Many science fields require a PhD for the best jobs.
EduVibeTrailblazer said:
@Chris
Great post! It’s funny you were downvoted. Career planning? What’s that?! Many science fields require a PhD for the best jobs.
If you want to help others but not be underpaid, get a Master’s in a relevant area. If you aim to innovate, pursue a PhD. Many college majors lead to vague career paths without concrete plans.
EduVibeTrailblazer said:
@Chris
Great post! It’s funny you were downvoted. Career planning? What’s that?! Many science fields require a PhD for the best jobs.
A lab helper can earn good money with less stress. I know people with degrees who make less than me in similar roles.
@LucyPiper
Exceptions exist, but most people won’t do well without a clear plan. Job satisfaction also matters, not just salary.
It’s likely better to view the lack of a college degree as a significant wage penalty rather than expecting rewards or guarantees from having one.
People who skipped college often think in limited ways. This has led to trends like UFC and NASCAR dominating popular culture.
The narrative has shifted. Twenty years ago, people were told to drop out of high school to succeed. Now, it’s about dropping out of college. Many of us were convinced hard work would pay off without a degree.
College is what you make of it. Statistically, it leads to higher earnings, but your degree choice and involvement matter. Networking and learning critical skills are vital.
Good education enriches your perspective. Higher-paying jobs that you love can be an added benefit.
The job market is tough, but higher education builds essential skills like reading, writing, and meeting deadlines.
A college degree doesn’t guarantee a job, but it opens doors to opportunities. It’s important to understand both the benefits and limitations of your degree.
More people have degrees now than ever. As a result, having an undergrad degree is less distinguishing, which makes finding a job harder.
Considering your writing skills, I’d suggest college if it’s an option for you.
Education is valuable, but many formal institutions offer degrees that are overrated.