http://www.classesandcareers.com/education/2008/05/02/education-vs-experience-dont-kid-yourself/ Education & Career Advice and Tips Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:42:34 +0000 hourly 1 http://www.classesandcareers.com/education/2008/05/02/education-vs-experience-dont-kid-yourself/#comment-6652 Rhonda Thu, 22 Apr 2010 09:04:54 +0000 http://www.classesandcareers.com/education/2008/05/02/education-vs-experience-dont-kid-yourself/#comment-6652 What you speak of is the luxury of choice. I forgot to mention that part because I just noticed the cartoon that accompanied the article. "...decided to work at McDonalds" is a statement that can only be made by someone who knew of no one who had no choice but to prematurely enter the workforce due to survival and necessity. . What you speak of is the luxury of choice. I forgot to mention that part because I just noticed the cartoon that accompanied the article. "…decided to work at McDonalds" is a statement that can only be made by someone who knew of no one who had no choice but to prematurely enter the workforce due to survival and necessity. .

]]> http://www.classesandcareers.com/education/2008/05/02/education-vs-experience-dont-kid-yourself/#comment-6651 Rhonda Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:56:47 +0000 http://www.classesandcareers.com/education/2008/05/02/education-vs-experience-dont-kid-yourself/#comment-6651 Though currently in graduate school, I will admit that higher education depending on the institution is merely an expensive study in conformity. When one speaks about "experience", it depends on the type of experience and what type of learner that individual is. You said this: "It gives students exposure to knowledge, concepts, and people that they would never have known otherwise. Beyond just career success, education imbues individuals with awareness beyond their day-to-day world. I believe this trait is called being well-rounded." I believe that section is called being rehearsed as most college graduates seem to be. You are a professor who is promoting your job. What would make you think learning can only happen in school. It is truly an elistist concept. I studied anthropology and did dances around my professors due to my extensive out of school learning and discovery which came way before college. Most of my classmates just looked on and seemed only to be able to complete assignments. I had a mix of both (60% experience and discovery/ 40% education) Some of the most intellectual and worldly people I know did not receive higher education. While I am one semester away from my graduate's degree and believe in education, I cannot generalize individual experiences. I find that there should be a balance of both. Most college students graduate by simply doing as told. The world would be a different place if they actually retained the information taught and had the drive to be self-learners (as in seeking out knowledge, new experiences and information). Being a self-learner does not mean you are learning from yourself!! I see you have taken that term too literally. It means having initiative. Therefore, this topic is subjective. Statistics simply prove that employers due to conventional thinking choose college graduates. However it does not mean that an experienced individual who has initiative, believes in self-discovery and has had work experience in a required field is not the best candidate. Lastly, in a country that refuses to make higher education affordable for many families and professors and administration who believe they are working for you, to consider college the end all be all explains the inequality seen daily. I have peers who are over their heads in college debt and some who could not continue due to finances. It had nothing to do with dedication or hardwork. Many had no choice but to go into the work-force. Many of my bachelor and graduate degree holding peers cannot find work. They simply hold onto the belief that a degree will get them some where. However in the meantime, Sallie Mae and Citibank are calling. They cannot pay or their payments are late due to unemployment. They get bad credit. In 2010, some jobs check credit scores as hiring procedure. The point of my rambling is simple. It is far more nuanced and complex than setting up a one-dimensional binary and arguing your point. Rhonda I had hell in undergrad with professors who never understood that I need my full-time job at a small management company and my part-time job as a waitress. I had immigrant parents. I had no choice. Though currently in graduate school, I will admit that higher education depending on the institution is merely an expensive study in conformity. When one speaks about "experience", it depends on the type of experience and what type of learner that individual is. You said this:
"It gives students exposure to knowledge, concepts, and people that they would never have known otherwise. Beyond just career success, education imbues individuals with awareness beyond their day-to-day world. I believe this trait is called being well-rounded."
I believe that section is called being rehearsed as most college graduates seem to be. You are a professor who is promoting your job. What would make you think learning can only happen in school. It is truly an elistist concept. I studied anthropology and did dances around my professors due to my extensive out of school learning and discovery which came way before college. Most of my classmates just looked on and seemed only to be able to complete assignments. I had a mix of both (60% experience and discovery/ 40% education) Some of the most intellectual and worldly people I know did not receive higher education. While I am one semester away from my graduate's degree and believe in education, I cannot generalize individual experiences.
I find that there should be a balance of both. Most college students graduate by simply doing as told. The world would be a different place if they actually retained the information taught and had the drive to be self-learners (as in seeking out knowledge, new experiences and information). Being a self-learner does not mean you are learning from yourself!! I see you have taken that term too literally. It means having initiative.
Therefore, this topic is subjective. Statistics simply prove that employers due to conventional thinking choose college graduates. However it does not mean that an experienced individual who has initiative, believes in self-discovery and has had work experience in a required field is not the best candidate.
Lastly, in a country that refuses to make higher education affordable for many families and professors and administration who believe they are working for you, to consider college the end all be all explains the inequality seen daily.
I have peers who are over their heads in college debt and some who could not continue due to finances. It had nothing to do with dedication or hardwork. Many had no choice but to go into the work-force. Many of my bachelor and graduate degree holding peers cannot find work. They simply hold onto the belief that a degree will get them some where. However in the meantime, Sallie Mae and Citibank are calling. They cannot pay or their payments are late due to unemployment. They get bad credit. In 2010, some jobs check credit scores as hiring procedure.
The point of my rambling is simple. It is far more nuanced and complex than setting up a one-dimensional binary and arguing your point.
Rhonda
I had hell in undergrad with professors who never understood that I need my full-time job at a small management company and my part-time job as a waitress. I had immigrant parents. I had no choice.

]]> http://www.classesandcareers.com/education/2008/05/02/education-vs-experience-dont-kid-yourself/#comment-5885 Matthew Fri, 12 Feb 2010 06:46:22 +0000 http://www.classesandcareers.com/education/2008/05/02/education-vs-experience-dont-kid-yourself/#comment-5885 An excellent article! An excellent article!

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