For those of you who have gotten college degrees, do you actually use it?

Question

I have heard that only 10% of people who get a degree actually end up using it. lol, what a waste of time and money. if you have a degree, do you actually use it to make money? what is it, what do you do, and how much money do you make with your degree? do you think it was worth it?
or... if you have a degree and dont use it... what happened?

Answer 1

It does help you achieve a higher paying job...but I don't think a lot of people use their college degrees at work.

Answer 2

I do have a degree, but I do not work in a field where it was intended. However, I use it everyday with how I relate to people. Attaining a degree is not necessarily about the course of study as much as it is about broadening a knowledge base and finishing what you started. Mathematically and Analytical my skills were very well developed so people thought I should become an engineer. I majored in Political Science and Economics with a Philosophy minor (Emphasis was Humanities). This was a good start for Law School most would think, however, I became a Project Manager for a large Construction Company (using my mathematical and analytical skills). My degree has given me the ability to relate to people with differing views and find the best possible solution once I get input. If you use college to broaden your horizons, it will always be a benefit.

Answer 3

I am getting a degree, and plan to use it. This does not pertain to me, yet. However, I can give you two different scenarios. My brother is in engineering. He is now earning his PHD. He uses his degree. I don't know how much money he makes, but I do know it is plenty to be more than comfortable. On the other hand, I had a friend who earned a degree. It was an English degree. That's it, not teaching, or anything else. English. She couldn't use it for anything. The last I knew, she was working with MR/DD patients making a measely $7.50 an hour.

Answer 4

I think it depends on what you get your degree in. I got my degree in physics and math, and yes I use it cause I'm in grad school for a PhD in physics. I want to be a professor. I have other options and a whole range of slaray options depending on where I want to go. Most of the people i know with scientific or technical degrees are using it in some way (or else they didn't try). Those with non-technical degrees seem to be having a harder time using it. So it just depends on what your degree is in.

Of course, too many college students get a degree without thinking about what they want to do with it. That's a big problem. Not planning ahead.

Answer 5

I think a big part of that statistic is people who go to school just to go. They get a degree in whatever their friends are getting, and then end up doing something else with your life. I'm in school for Architectural Design, and I know that I can make triple the money with a degree. The time and money is worth the knowledge and prestige in the industry to me.

Answer 6

By learning what the world is all about and how to go about doing things in life--- an education is never wasted.

The trick to earning a degree is to keep your eyes open for all possibilities, not just your major/minor.

I majored in accounting and minored in finance....Today, I am the founder and President of my own production company for theater. Had I not went to college and studied a full curriculum, it would never had happened.

My advise...an education is never wasted.

Answer 7

Yes I am a middle school teacher. I use the skills and knowledge I learned everyday. I have a bachelors and a masters degree. I can not imagine being who I am without what I learned in college.

Answer 8

I have a bachelours degree in Accounting. I am a Senior Acct for a homebuilder. I was an accounting manager for 3 years, got burnt out and decided to take a step back.

Answer 9

all my friends have college degrees and everyone in my family has their college degree...everyone except me....But 0% of them use it...I make more money than they ( not bragging ) But shoot!! Arent they supposed to make more than me?? I dont know really...

Answer 10

i use my degree and what i learned in college for my job... and you must be smoking crack if you think i'm going to share with the entire world my salary. was it worth it? sure... besides education, had a good time in college.