I know somebody who just graduated with a BA in economics 4 months ago and she is now an administrative assistant & receptionist according to her linkedin profile. Is that the best a college graduate could do? I didn't even go to college and I make her than her.
Judy
depends on what you major in, and what kind of job you want to have
Anonymous
Yes, it's fun! If you don't want to grow up, college is the best place to be!
L
Assuming the person you know finished college in 4 years... We don't know what you were doing when she started college. We don't know what you do, today. You've had at least a four-year head start. In 10, 20 or 30 years, where will you be? Where will she be? Remember, she just started and took an entry level job. Her potential to move higher (with the degree) up the corporate ladder is better.
Since we don't know what you do, it is challenging to understand what your potential might be. For all we know your making more than she does will last for about 2 years. She has the potential to get promoted or get a new job that uses her degree. At that point you both may be making the same amount of money. In a few years, she may continue to get promoted or move to other companies as she climbs the corporate ladder... Or not.
The whole point of a degree is to provide a solid foundation in the degree field - and the degree needs to be in an area that is productive useful - like your friend's degree. Getting a degree in underwater gender based basket weaving studies is not going to help anyone very much (except the people teaching the classes).
Personally, I think a better mix of some with college (and advanced) degrees in useful topics + others with vocational training & certifications + others will continue to provide a mix of knowledge and skill (and limited formal scholastic training) to allow us a broad employee base.
Bestowing a PhD (of whatever useless area of study) along with their $200k student loan which will never get paid back on a person will do nothing but provide a drain on society.
Providing vocational training (plumber, construction, HVAC, farmer, communications network, solar, home repair, etc.) will provide replacements to the shrinking (white and blue collar) middle class.
mrdgal04
It depends on the field and the connections you have already. On average, yes college graduates usually make more money than people who don't go but it is all about getting the most out of college and networking in the field you want to be in. Unfortunately for college graduates, 1 internship doesn't cut it for experience to get an entry level job.
Anonymous
can really depend upon your major as well as the job market and whether you're willing to relocate for a job. In this case, she got a useless degree. Business degrees are a dime a dozen and aren't in high demand. There's a lot of competition for a small number of decent positions.