Is a College Degree Still Valuable Today?

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#1Feb 16, 2024, 12:44 AM
Anyone else getting the vibe that a degree doesn’t mean much these days? In the US, over 40% of grads are in jobs that don’t even require one. And in the UK and Canada, youth unemployment is crazy high. It’s like every job attracts over a hundred applicants.
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#2Feb 16, 2024, 06:07 AM
It really varies. Healthcare always needs workers. Dentists, nurses, doctors? They’re golden no matter what happens. But for other fields, it feels like you need to be super specialized, and that takes time and money.
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#3Feb 16, 2024, 10:34 AM
Location matters a lot. If you’re in a place where jobs demand degrees, then a degree is key. But in countries that value experience over formal education, having a degree doesn't mean much.
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yield_2021Full Member
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#4Feb 16, 2024, 03:57 PM
There’s this saying going around in my country that “school is a scam.” But honestly, I think degrees do hold value because they provide formal education. Not everyone is cut out to work for companies some end up becoming employers themselves.
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fork42Hero Member
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#5Feb 16, 2024, 07:16 PM
Yeah, it totally depends on the industry. Like healthcare needs degrees, but tech jobs can often be filled with skills and portfolios instead of degrees. I studied economics and honestly, I would’ve picked something more practical instead.
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lonealphaNewbie
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#6Feb 17, 2024, 01:00 AM
Honestly, degrees are pretty overrated now. Companies want skills, not just a piece of paper. Back in the day, they’d hire top students and train them. Now it’s like students drop loads on tuition only to find out later it doesn’t help much.
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its_matrixSenior Member
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#7Feb 17, 2024, 06:33 AM
I get what you’re saying, but degrees still have value for certain jobs. For the more competitive positions, you might not even get a look without a degree. And sure, a lot of grads don’t need one, but there are still plenty who do.
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0xMinerNewbie
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#8Feb 17, 2024, 09:40 AM
A degree is still important. Graduating means you’ve learned a profession. School isn't about getting rich; it's about skills and knowledge. Without that degree, many jobs limit your options.
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nick.orbitFull Member
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#9Feb 17, 2024, 10:04 AM
Totally agree, some jobs just can’t be filled without a degree. Like in health care, you need that qualification to even get started. But yeah, some roles do ask for experience on top of the degree.
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basedcoinNewbie
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#10Feb 17, 2024, 12:10 PM
It really depends on your goals. If you’re just looking for a job, it might not be worth it. But if you’re after personal growth or passion, there’s still plenty of value in going to college.
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#11Feb 18, 2024, 09:06 AM
For some jobs, certificates are a must. If you want a government job, you need proof of your qualifications. Even easy jobs want to see you’ve got a certain level of education.
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greg2015Legendary
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#12Feb 18, 2024, 01:21 PM
Yeah, job demand is definitely linked to what degree you hold. IT and health jobs are always hiring, while others seem to be fading. Traditional parents still push for degrees as a sign of success.
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0xByteMember
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#13Feb 18, 2024, 06:37 PM
If you want a long-term career like teaching or being a doctor, a degree is essential. But if you’re okay hopping jobs, skills may matter more. There are so many opportunities on social media now!
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#14Feb 18, 2024, 10:19 PM
You’re right, it depends on the person too. Some thrive with a degree, others don’t need one to succeed. It’s all about how you capitalize on your situation.
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ch4d2014Member
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#15Feb 18, 2024, 11:11 PM
Certain positions still require specific degrees, especially in government. Private companies are more chill about it, but for technical roles like doctors or engineers, you need that degree.
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kevin_atlasFull Member
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#16Feb 19, 2024, 04:12 AM
As just a piece of paper, it’s often not worth what you pay. But if you actually absorb what you learn, it can set you up for success. You can self-learn online too, but proving that knowledge is a challenge.
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0xGangMember
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#17Feb 19, 2024, 05:07 AM
In terms of prestige, degrees are still valuable. But many see them as just a ticket to a job, especially with so many people getting degrees now. It’s almost like a requirement without the real skills behind it.
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c1pher_viperFull Member
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#18Feb 19, 2024, 06:58 PM
Yeah, a degree still has its worth, especially if you want a solid career. But if you’re chasing temporary gigs like performance art or social media, then skills matter way more.
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#19Feb 20, 2024, 04:18 PM
From my experience, degrees from top schools still pack a punch. But honestly, the real value lies in networking. It’s not just the paper; it’s who you know that can really help.
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planktonHero Member
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#20Feb 22, 2024, 11:41 AM
Technology is changing the game. AI and automation are making it hard for degree holders to find work. College is still a good route for some, though. It builds character and knowledge you can’t just get anywhere.
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