Does anyone feel that a Bachelor's degree has not helped you get a better job?

Question

I graduated from a very prestigious and very expensive 4 year college with a degree in Psychology and I am doing a job that people with high school degrees are doing. I dont understand why my degree doesn't set me apart? I realize I dont have a ton of experience (I graduated a year ago) but its almost like my BS doesnt even matter! Can anyone relate? How did you overcome this?

well, MATT, i have been WORKING since I graduated. What else do you think I would be doing? Sitting on my butt waiting for someone to call and offer me a job? I have talked to my professors, I have gone through the career center-they dont have any leads for me in Pittsburgh, which is where I live. I applied for about 100 jobs and ended up with this one. And thus my question.

Answer 1

This is often true. There are some fields that you can't work in anymore without a graduate degree (psych is definitely one of them). There are some employers who like to hire people with degrees, even if the degree has nothing to do with the field the job is in. For jobs with the government, having a degree automatically qualifies you to apply for a better job (at a higher pay grade) than someone with equivalent experience.

Graduating from college proves that you can assimilate information quickly and make sense of it. It shows that you can stick with things and complete them. Just remember that when you're applying for jobs and sell those qualifications to the employer. Look for jobs where the employer will recognize and value what you bring to the party. That's the sort of place that you want to work in anyway, right?

Answer 2

I do not have a Bachelor's degree, however, I know many people that do. A few of these people have done great things with the degree that they have earned. Others have not. A few that I know work at WalMart or like places.

The ones that went on to bigger and better things, worked hard and did not quit or just settle with what live gave them. They went to interview after interview to find the dream job. Some moved to other states. Simply, they did not give up.

Answer 3

So, when you were at this supposedly prestigious school what did you think was going to happen when you got out? That someone would just hand you a swell job?

What can you DO that other people cant do? Because unless you have a great answer to that question it's hard to imagine why anyone would hire you.

What have you done in the year since you graduated to get job skills? What is your plan? Didnt they tell you in school that failing to plan is planning to fail. What's your five year goal?

Stop feeling sorry for yourself, get it in gear and go out there and prove that the admissions guys that let you in to Presige U. didnt make a big mistake in the first place!

Answer 4

Oftentimes, the success you have after earning your BS directly relates to the extra effort you put in while earning it. Did you participate in any internships, meet with you school's career office, work directly with any of your professors. Those are all excellent ways to begin preparing for your career. Also, the type of degree you earn makes a huge difference. I figure that for a degree in psychology, it makes a big difference if you have a master's or your PhD to make a real difference in your earning potential.

Answer 5

You just have to start working, as soon as people realize besides the knowledge you have the know-how, you will have more patients than you can see each day.
Start by doing some voluntary work with the church, giving some couple of hours of a day in a week will give you free advertisement throughout the congregation... and the one who gives gets more in return. You will get advertisement, experience and satisfaction.
Best of luck!