College degree . . . College educated . . .

[notsomuch]

First of all, let me say this is not about anyone, anywhere - it just came to mind the other day, and I began to wonder what people think when they hear the term "college degree" or "college educated."

So, three questions:

1. What "degree" comes to mind when you hear someone say they have a college degree?

2. When someone says they are college educated, do you assume they have graduated from college or that they have attended college, but may not have graduated? If you think it means they have graduated, see #1 above.

3. Do you think your responses are influenced in one way or the other by whether or not you have a degree (whatever "degree" means)? NOTE: I'm not asking you to indicate whether or not you have a degree.

My responses (which I realize are worth about as much as the air I'm breathing as I write this.):

1. For me, and I guess it's just my background and upbringing, but when I hear college degree, I tend to believe it is a bachelor's degree. By the same token, I'm aware that there are many who would be quick to say it means an associate's degree.

2. I tend to believe it's an indication that the person has attended college, but has not graduated.

3. Yes. I think I am influenced by whether or not I have a degree, but I'm not sure why.

Of course, in the whole scheme of things, especially for purposes of conversation here, these questions mean absolutely nothing and there is no significance at all to how the questions are answered. I'm just curious.

[Guest122610]

I’ll bite. This is interesting to me as well. I do know that a degree (four year) is valued throughout the world; some groups want a higher degree. I expect my kids to all get at least a BA.

That being said, I do know that it is much more important to those that have degrees. It is definitely not a measuring stick for anyone’s intelligence or ability. Regrettably, I did not complete my education. It is only an issue now that I am in a position that most college grads will not reach. I have mentioned in interviews that; “I did not finish my degree, but I have had to terminate EE’s with a Masters degree in Engineering, for not being able to successfully perform their duties”.

The problem is that many young people come out of college looking for companies to give them their reward. They do not realize that it only gives them a chance…

[esteban0415]

i think both should be one in the same, as in they should have graduated with a 4yr college degree. now if youre referring to the statements on provider advertisements, i interpret it to mean "i am not a dumb ass".

lets not turn this into an age vs experience debate, as the younger age group are grossly outnumbered here =)

[oleguy]

Yes, I've got a bachelors degree but never really used it. Life's experiences and what you do and how proficient you are at your given occupation to me determines the success of a person. I've know many educated people that are so screwed up in their liberal thinking that don't have the slightest idea what makes sense or not. One lady that I used to work with had her degree and went ahead and finally passed the exam for a CPA after about 4 tries and I swear she was the dumbest woman I ever met. Absolutely not one lick of common sense. I'm sure we all have stories like that of people that we know.

[cptjohnstone]

to me a degree only means you are so smart, not smarter than the next guy

I have an MBA and an accounting degree and both have paid dividents

[TexTushHog]

1. B.A. or B.S. unless i know that they are in a technical field like engineering or in business.

2. I would normally associate "college educated" with at least a batchelor's degree.

3. Yes, probably.

[pyramider]

Originally Posted by oleguy

Yes, I've got a bachelors degree but never really used it. Life's experiences and what you do and how proficient you are at your given occupation to me determines the success of a person. I've know many educated people that are so screwed up in their liberal thinking that don't have the slightest idea what makes sense or not. One lady that I used to work with had her degree and went ahead and finally passed the exam for a CPA after about 4 tries and I swear she was the dumbest woman I ever met. Absolutely not one lick of common sense. I'm sure we all have stories like that of people that we know.

The grim reality is the candidate needs the degree to get the interview. My company will not interview a person without a bachelors. Right or wrong its reality. Many companies do the same thing.

[Guest071613-2]

Too bad things aren't based upon IQ scores, I'd be kicking ass and taking names.

[steverino50]

Originally Posted by Dannie

Too bad things aren't based upon IQ scores, I'd be kicking ass and taking names.

There is something to be said for that, Dannie. And COMMON SENSE which is not always so common .

[The_Waco_Kid]

1. What "degree" comes to mind when you hear someone say they have a college degree?

Basket Weaving.

2. When someone says they are college educated, do you assume they have graduated from college or that they have attended college, but may not have graduated? If you think it means they have graduated, see #1 above.

I only consider this appropriate if you actually gradiated

3. Do you think your responses are influenced in one way or the other by whether or not you have a degree (whatever "degree" means)? NOTE: I'm not asking you to indicate whether or not you have a degree.

I do and I have.

[b2flyer51]

A college degree is only proof that you had the money, time, and access to a college education -- and the ability to complete the degree process. Nothing more.

Unfortunately, as someone noted above, the HR processes in most companies require the degree as a sort of "ticket" to entry. Think of this as being the equivalent of the person at the theatre taking your ticket (and their knowledge and backgrounds are just about equal in both roles).

On a personal note, the US Government was kind enough to let me spread the experience out over a 10 year period with a jungle campout in the middle. Used the GI Bill for the serious part of the education . . .

Flyer

[The_Waco_Kid]

Remember those old Abe Lincoln commericals? No sheepskin, no job. today, it would be nearly impossible to get a good job without an education which doesn't mean you are actually any good at a particular job. I've mostly considered a college education a matter of determination more than anything else, and only a starting point at best.

[cptjohnstone]

my ex was 1/4 Otoe Missourian and she got her undergrad and master's paid for by the tribe. Her brother got a stipend because he was a male. Now when my first daughter was born I figured surely within 18 years they would change the head rights to 1/8, they did but it took 30 years
btw my two daughters get about $700 a quarter from their casino