quote:

Employers aren't necessarily looking for the credential of a college diploma as they are looking for the ability for a potential employee to be able to do some creative thinking for him or herself.

Mark, I fought this battle for years in high tech. Although I was more interested in what a person could do there was ALWAYS a problem with HR round filing any applications when the applicant did nothave a degree.

I also insisted any job description include the phrase "...or equivalent experience." right after the degree requirements.

In theory Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, the two founders of Apple Computer, were not qualified to work there.

quote:

In theory Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, the two founders of Apple Computer, were not qualified to work there.

Neither would The world's wealthiest buzzard be qualified for a position in his company due to lack of a degree and for his police record.

Working on my B.S. in nursing. Just passed the halfway point. Then I am applying to Physicans Assistant school.

I work in an ER now and plan on staying in emergency medicine

I am currently working on my Bachelor in General Studies Degree. I have about 3 semesters to go.

Okay...I'm too lazy to search on Bill's record in New Mexico. What was the arrest for and why does he look like he's posing for the annual school picture?

According to the TheSmokingGun.com, Gates was arrested for a traffic violation. The details have "dissappeared".

AA in Liberal Arts...
Just started my BA in Public Administration.

2 phd's(post hole diggers) both in the shed ..in back of the house ..i had built 7 years ago..by my plans.

thank you school of Hard knocks
big rock and toss..semper paratus

This message has been edited. Last edited by: spacecowboy1,

"We don't need no education.
We don't need no thought control.
No dark sarcasm in the classroom.
Teacher leave the kids alone.
Hey, teacher leave the kids alone!
All in all it's just another brick in the wall.
All in all you're just another brick in the wall."
-Pink Floyd

alriiiiiiiiight mark..lol

I never really was a big pink floyd fan..i feel we all need a education..and no doubt..college is ok for some...but really there are alot of unemployed college people out there too.

I just believe that just like the CoastGuard is,nt for everyone..niether is college..the CoastGuard generally costs you nothing but time..and the pay offs are always worth it...college rather you finish or not ..starts you off in the RED and rather it pays off or not..is questionable

sucess can be found without college..maybe it is harder...but not everyone can afford to go..imho I know i could,nt...

Although I'm not dumping on education, I do think that these days, institutional education leaves much to be desired.

Tuition and fees that are way out of hand; professors, instructors and teachers that either don't know how to teach or, don't really care - just as long as the salary check keeps coming in.

Don't get me wrong, there are still some excellent educators out there. But they are becoming a rare commodity and as such, many students really don't get their money's worth. A diploma from an instution of higher learning doesn't necessarily mean that one is educated.

I feel that the best form of education is self-directed and the best place to get it is either the public library, bookstores (both new and used) and the Internet. While you may not get concrete credits for this form of education nor, will you receive a diploma, you will receive something that might not be obtainable in today's politically charged (and politically correct) colleges and universities - an education.

(And it won't put you in the poorhouse or in debt up to your ears with education loans.)

I agree that many educators are not top in their field and a diploma does not demonstrate that you are educated. But, there are many skills that can be sharpened even in a less than perfect college course. I don't know how many senior enlisted I have met that have terrible writing and presentation skills. Many are very smart, but they are nearly unable to write a coherent paragraph or speak in front of a group of people. I have found these skills are practiced to some extent in most courses. That, plus the increase in potential salary, would seem to me make a diploma a worth while investment; even if your not as edumakated as you could be.

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I don't know how many senior enlisted I have met that have terrible writing and presentation skills. Many are very smart, but they are nearly unable to write a coherent paragraph or speak in front of a group of people.

I learned much concerning the craft of writing as a Radioman by editing and making corrections to the writing of Commissioned Officers, most who were academy graduates. While they might have been competant ship handlers and engineers, their writing skills left much to be desired.

The skills that I learned in this "school of hard knocks" served me well during my undergrad years at California State University Sacramento with a double major in History and Economics.

Still today, there are too many young persons just coming out of high school and into their freshman year of college who need to take remedial courses in English grammar and writing.

The No Child Left Behind program was supposed to remediate this but it appears that young persons are still showing up for classes not prepared for college.

Okay! I'm a late bloomer! I didn't start working on my degree full time until I retired from the CG. I'm currently majoring in Biblical Studies (Church Ministries) with concentrations in Office Administration and Christian Counseling. I recently earned an A.S. in Office Administration.

I am currently employed at my church's rescue mission as a evening/weekend supervisor. So far it seems as if I'm using a lot of the same skills I learned as a Yeoman--mostly being a 'people' person.

Katie

Without a doubt, there are some rates that lend themselves better to writing and speaking. There are wizards with wrenches and masters behind the wheel, but give them an award to write or presentation to give and you wonder if they are victims of No Child Left Behind! Personally, I believe writing and communication skills are equally as important to senior enlisted as is technical proficiency. That’s were the school of hard knocks leaves off and higher education begins. That’s just my opinion.

are_em_wun, no offense intended, but you seem to be dancing to a different tune then you are singing. This leads me to believe you have A) Found the rare, very good educators and want to get as much from them as you can; B) you are a glutton for punishment or 3) you don’t completely believe your previous posts about the uselessness of the institutionalized education system.

AAS in Technical Studies.

Currently working on a BS in Electrical Engineering Technology. Just remember if it's got engineering, or technology in the name, and it's not accredited by ABET, it's crap.

Earned my BS in Political Science with a minor in English from North Carolina State in 2000. Don't regret it a bit, because in the end, I think it helped me get into NDIC's Master's program (the major).

For a little while after graduating from State, I thought I may have been better served with a degree that perhaps had more "real world" usefulness, but time has given me perspective.

I'm in the first semester working on my Business Management degree.

There is certainly nothing wrong in the least with furthering your education. However, I have to add this story.

My older sister went off to college and got her degree in business. She got a job in marketing somewhere in Massachusetts. Years later, when she asked how much I made with US Customs, she was very frustrated to learn I was making much more than she was.

Here I had served six years in the Coast Guard after high school, then was lucky enough to get picked up as a Marine Enforcement Officer. I eventually made it up to a GS-12 step 5. With all the different types of pay, ie; Sunday, night, holiday, OT, FLSA, AUO, it all added up.

Meanwhile, she was paying off her degree.

Hey, if my older son chose to go to college or the younger chooses to, I'm all for it. I think I got very lucky in my career. My oldest chose to enlist in the Marines last year.

On another note, anyone who is taking college, I like to suggest that you take Spanish. It can really come in handy if you plan on doing or continuing law enforcement afterwards. Not to mention how much it can help with our wonderful Immigration Policy of today...

I just remembered. While in the Coast Guard, I did take a college course in Florida Law. Maybe that's why I made so much money later!

Don

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 21yrsUSCGUSCS,

SpaceCowboy...
I was the kid who graduated from high school, went to college, ran out of money, so I joined the Coast Guard to pay for it. I didn't go for 6 years, but I finally went back.

I am getting out of the CG in a couple years, so I started up with school again. I get my associates in Visual Communication in September and start my BA in Graphic/Web Design. I am not in debt because I use TA, GI Bill and get any and all scholarships I can. I think I have only spent $500 on school this last year, if even that.

I think that school is important, and I can't remember who posted "You are your best teacher" and all that jazz, but I couldn't disagree more. I have learned so much more about business from teachers who have experience and other resources FROM COLLEGE.

If you have the time while you are in I would highly recommend attending. Who cares if it is just a piece of paper because that paper shows the hard work, and commitment you put in to finish your education. You can get a bachelor's in 2 years from a regionally accredited school (Regional accreditation is the best kind.) Who wouldn't want that?

Hobab