Why do you need a degree? Should I quit school?

Question

I was always a good student, I got into a good university on a scholarship, studying computer engineering. However, I couldn't study because I could never figure out why I should get a degree.

Why is it? Is it to get a job? I've worked on a lot of commercial projects, and I got those jobs based on pure talent and skill, nobody asked for my degree, and I got paid as much as a "real" engineer would have.

And if I don't want to get hired, I don't need a degree to set up my own company, do I?

So why does everybody always say that you need to have a degree? So I'm thinking, wouldn't it just be a better idea to quit school and spend my time doing something more productive?

OK, I think some more details are needed to explain the situation better.

I understand the value of thinking, and learning. I got into the best university in my country, on scholarship, because of doing well in international science competitions. I'm not just your average lazy college student.

My problem was that I never really had a good reason to invest in college. Now, after 5 years of going to college, I've passed only 2 years worth of courses. I go to class now, and I see that everybody is 3-5 years younger than I am. I'm just so different, I can't make any connections, and frankly I'm just sick of it and can't stand the thought of being stuck here for another 2 years. My life is worth more than that.

In truth, I don't feel the need to get hired. I'm much too independent for that. I think I can do a lot of things on my own, as I always have, and I don't understand how wasting another 2 years of my life will help.

Answer 1

hahaha, sorry....no, it's not to get a job. It's to get the BEST job and make sure you always have an Ace in your sleeve. A good degree makes you HOT for any company, at any time. It will take away some stress.

It's also to LEARN! Do you think you KNOW everything, already? Especially if you mention strating up a company. It's like saying "I will play tennis with the big-shots, without having any knowledge of the more refined, insider tactiques that tennis players employ. You need ALL the ammunition you can get, if you want to be successful in the LR. Certainly you want to at least get the basics, not reinvent the wheel!"

Also, believe me, 4 years of university life matures most people without them even knowing -through various scenarious/classes and interractions; you learn a lot about yourself -likes, dislikes, where you're good at, how good your tech skills are, how good your communication/negotiation skills are..you have a chance to take foreign language classes..or classes on whatever pushes your buttons -Space travel, Botany, Religion, Sociology...garden variety, so that you're not completely one-sided in your KNOWLEDGE of the world.

It's great that the companies you've worked for didn't ask for a diploma. But some will. You don't want to be called a liar (by omission).

So I guess I understand what you're saying but in this case, a diploma is also a compromise, a way of indulging the rest of the world, if you want to fit in and not forfeit your chances for the BEST.

Another reason..security/safety net. For some people, the idea in itself, of having a college education, soothes them and gives them support in times of need. It's something to fall back onto. It's something to be proud of, like "hey, I did that! I have made it through 4 years of college..It's an achievement."

ps: just in case you ever feel a need to get a PhD..they DO ask for your documentation from undergrad school, so there's no way to avoid it:) Why PhD? So you can teach others, access funds/grants, research...





**I've seen your additional comment...well then, do what's best for yourself! Your happiness, well-being and peace of mind are more important than anything else and everybody's life is different. Whatever you choose to do, I wish you the best! Besides, at least in the US, you can always go back to complete a degree, at any age..

take care!

Answer 2

A degree is proof that you've not only acquired a certain mastery of the topic, but that you were able to withstand the rigors of college study. You don't climb a mountain to get (and stay) at the top - you climb it prove that you are capable of climbing the mountain, and are therefore capable of climbing other mountains.

Also, higher degrees generally tend to result in higher salaries (about 20%) and improved networking connections.

Sure, you can get a job without a degree, and develop valuable work and real-life experience four to five years before your peers. And some people have even been wildly successful without a degree by committing to their brilliant ideas.

But I've never seen college damage someone's prospects. The most valuable part of education is not WHAT you learn, but HOW you learn - college teaches you how to think logically and creatively, how to apply critical analysis to any information that comes your way. That will be far more useful to you in the long run than any short-term financial gain.

Answer 3

Why not do both? Work in your field and continue your education. I have been in outside sales for 16 years and now more than ever employers and your new customers want to see that you finished your education. It's getting harder than it used to be to get a job with out a college degree. Here is an example go to Monster.com or Careerbuilder.com and look at the jobs in your field. Check the requirement and count the number of listings that you see that say "No education required". It's a very competitive world that we live in and the more you know the more choices you have. I hope you stay in school, you have come this far. Why not finish what you have started?
Good Luck.

Answer 4

The best answer I can give you is that a degree does nothing for you except prove that you can jump through hoops. You will be taken more seriously as a "real" engineer with a degree. I decided that I didn't need a degree to succeed at life, and wound up working at a $15/ job with no real hope for advancement. I went back to school and got a degree as a Mechanical engineer. Today I started a job that pays almost double that.

Answer 5

This is fine if you will always be satisfied with an entry level position. If you want to advance, you will need talent and proof that you know what you are talking about. The fastest way to prove education and training is with a degree.
From a financial standpoint, it will never be cheaper to get a degree than right now. Every year, EVERY YEAR, tuition costs rise much faster than everything but medical costs. Do it now and get it over with. Then you will be less likely to lose a job to the next hot young talent that comes along right behind you.

Answer 6

Ultimately higher education gives you the opportunity to use your intelligence creatively in a risk free environment. I don't doubt your skill with regard to engineering, you might consider going to school for business knowledge. Perhaps knowledge in another field may help you achieve more with your current skill set. Just a thought. Good luck with all that you do.

Answer 7

because for some stupid reason, someone decided that people who go to college are smarter than people who don't. now, this is open to debate. let's look at our wonderful decider-in-chief. he went to yale, or harvard, or one of those ridiculously expensive schools, yet you'd never know it by just listening to him talk. he sounds like one of the stupidest motherf***ers on this planet, but there he is, president if the US. 'course, his daddy bought the presidency for him, so if your family is filthy rich like the bush family, don't worry.
statistically, people with college degrees make more money, but if you have common sense and you have the drive, you can be successful without a degree.