I'm only talking from personal experience. I got my masters in political science and got a decent job at a social work agency where I work as a supervisor. However, my brother only finished high school and makes three times as much - he works for a mutual funds company. This doesn't really bother me, but it raises a question on all the hard work that I put into my education.
2007-09-02 06:11:23 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
You have pieces of the answer in your own question.
1) You have an MA in poli sci and are directing a human service organization. Even with an MA in a non human service related field you have risen to a management position, you MA undoubtedly contributed to this.
2) Your brother works for a mutual fund company but it does not sound like he has risen to management and it is quite likely that he won't.
3) Education and graduate education specifically prepares one to think and analyize and your sucess is an indicator of this.
4) Finally to compare salaries between professions and areas is almost impossible. But I think if you brother went back for an MBA in financial planning...her would make 4 times or more what he makes now.
DA
2007-09-02 17:32:03 · answer #1 · answered by Dr_Adventure 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I believe that your brother got a lucky break. The average salary among high school grad is 20k + lower than a college grad. If most people could get away better with just a high school diploma, you wouldn't see as many people going to college. Your brother just struck gold in the job market.
People with masters usually, unless if you have a master's degree in the fine arts (MFAs only average $5 more a year than a person with a Bachelor's!), make more than the bachelor's and so on.
The high paying jobs are out there. You can probably find a better job if you looked around. Then again, you said that it really doesn't bother you.
2007-09-02 06:22:54 · answer #2 · answered by ArmedSquirrel 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As someone with a masters degree in a social science, you should know the difference between anecdotal and statistical evidence. Sure, there are people who did not go to college who make good money. A good many professional baseball players likely fall into this category. Statistically, however, people with college degrees generally do better economically. I should add that getting a job is not the only reason to get a good education.
2007-09-02 06:24:57 · answer #3 · answered by Ace Librarian 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I feel your pain. I'm a teacher with 8 years of college (124 undergraduate, 36 graduate hours). I'd tell you how much money I make, but you'd die laughing. However, I would not trade my years of study for diamonds or gold. I am the educated person I always envisioned. Your only problem is that you haven't found the right job yet. Get out there and look! You are the winner in the family!
2007-09-02 06:25:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well in some 'lucky' cases high school graduates can make more then a college graduate.
The biggest problem your brother has is if he ever wants a different job. Or gets laid off, or wants to move to a new state. He has no degree to back him up. You have options of places to work and things because you have a degree.
2007-09-02 06:19:59 · answer #5 · answered by Kitkat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on what you are studying. In general, no, college is not overrated. There are so many jobs out there that no one could ever get without a degree from a college. However, there are many jobs out there (social work is one that I've heard of) that don't pay that well but you need a college degree in order to obtain that job. I know I wouldn't be able to get into the field I like (mathematical biology) without a degree.
2007-09-02 10:25:57 · answer #6 · answered by Rockit 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No I don't think so! Your brother got a really good opportunity. However, what if he ever wants to change his career path. A lot of jobs want to see a bachelor degree to see a committment level.
All my friends without degrees are making 2-3 times less than me.
2007-09-02 06:54:58 · answer #7 · answered by elims4ever 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on your field/career, I suppose. If you were looking for big bucks, maybe you shouldn't have majored in political science.
My personal take on this is that you shouldn't look at the money, but whether your path will give you fulfillment in life.
2007-09-02 06:16:29 · answer #8 · answered by Dynamic Fetch 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
college = not overrated
your brother = lucky bastard
college is a worth while investment in most cases. I am sure you would not have made it to supervisor had you not gone.
2007-09-02 06:18:27 · answer #9 · answered by Beau P 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋