College/University Degrees vs. Technical College/Trade Certificates and Military


jsupop33 said:
Yeah, doctors in India are studying your x-rays over night and sending diagnosis back to the doctor by the time he walks into the building the next morning. They can pay a fee for a firm oversees to perform the task and not worry about sick days and insurance.
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wow, no wonder most places I go now a real certified radiologist is only around maybe 1 day a week, see the world changes quick
I remember to be a store manager you needed a college degree, then I went places and saw people doing it with just a GED
 
SIR_GRAM said:
With the way things have been going for the past 10 years, and where they are drastically heading now. In my opinion degrees are a waste of money and time now days. Worthless. Anyone that's 35 Yrs and younger who graduated from college in my opinion should have, or feel the same way I do as far as being successful and getting as one would say the bang for your buck. I have been out of college for almost 6 years and honestly I have been unstable in my career, I majored in business. All of the positions Ive hade since 2008 have been in entry level business sales related. But when I look around at my friends and people I know who haven't even stepped foot on a college campus, they are doing 10 times better than I am. No debt, no student loan debt, stable career, and there continually rising. These people are Welders, Hair dressers, Off shore workers, National guard, Army, Marines. And it angers me. Because a college degree hasn't brought me anything but debt, being over qualified, intimidating, and a waste of time I feel in some cases. It angers me with how all growing up my family and teachers always drilled in my head, "go to college, get a degree, you wont be anything without a degree".. then when I get there im worst off then ever. And all I keep thinking about is I should have went to the Military instead of college, or I should have did what others have done like going to school for 2 years, drop out and go get a trade and come out making $25hr. I got 2 college degrees and hadn't made $25 a hour.


What is your take?
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Did you get a General Business degree or was it an emphasis in one area?
 



SIR_GRAM said:
What is your take?
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I think about this often for my boys (4 and 3 yr. old) and unless they have a specific career in mind they'd like to pursue i.e. architect, engineer, dentist, etc., I'm steering them towards the military, specifically the Air Force. It's just the best route to take if you really apply yourself and put in the work. The key is acquiring a high demand skill that can't be done by a computer...at least not any time soon. Like you said, in the military you learn a skill on state of the art equipment, whether IT, logistics, jet engine repair, HVAC repair, etc. getting your education paid for...come out/retire and fairly easily find a gig in the civilian world because veterans are seen as prize employees...stable, disciplined and well-trained. In addition, companies are looking to get the PR of "we're patriotic, we hire veterans."

Even if they decided to go straight to college, I'm pushing AFROTC...tuition, books, fees, stipend and graduate 2nd Lt. making $50K+ out the gate? Then get a Master's if they so choose on Uncle Sam? Travel the country/world, (hopefully just the safe countries, lolol) Yezzir!!!!
 
Sir Gram, to be honest with you my man, you gotta leave the south or rural areas in the south. The southern states are the worst thing to happen to black folks unless you live in a major city in the south. Most of the small towns suck with no opportunity for black people unless you got family or friends who can pull strings for you. I advise you to start looking at going towards the mid-west areas, North east or out west.
 
Another thing Sir Gram is to start looking at getting on as a manager at one of the stores like Wal-mart, Targets or places like Applebee's, TGI Fridays type places. I have friends who were business majors getting paid as General managers at those places. In fact I know a chick that is like the regional manager for Cracker Barrel making over 150K. Now you will work long hours, but make good money. You gotta think outside of the box man. Many times young blacks just look for a 8 to 5 type job for status. Those days are gone. You gotta go were the jobs are and the industry who needs business majors. Yes it is good to go work on a military base dressed up, but if you can't get that make money as a general manager at one of these corporate food places. Don't turn your nose up at these places or you will waste your degree. The general managers at TGI and Applebees's make at least 80-90k.
 
CEE DOG said:
Another thing Sir Gram is to start looking at getting on as a manager at one of the stores like Wal-mart, Targets or places like Applebee's, TGI Fridays type places. I have friends who were business majors getting paid as General managers at those places. In fact I know a chick that is like the regional manager for Cracker Barrel making over 150K. Now you will work long hours, but make good money. You gotta think outside of the box man. Many times young blacks just look for a 8 to 5 type job for status. Those days are gone. You gotta go were the jobs are and the industry who needs business majors. Yes it is good to go work on a military base dressed up, but if you can't get that make money as a general manager at one of these corporate food places. Don't turn your nose up at these places or you will waste your degree. The general managers at TGI and Applebees's make at least 80-90k.
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Actually, managing a restaraunt is dang good training for a business manager.
 
Getting and getting the training is a great way to start. Black folks don't think outside of the box. We are worried about status and being able to tell someone we work for a big name company. The sky is the limit if you really wanna get it, but we would rather blame the white man and let him stop us from going after our goals. You gotta be hungry to survive. The weak settle for nothing, but the hungry gets that bread.
jsupop33 said:
Actually, managing a restaraunt is dang good training for a business manager.
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Ive managed up to 100 associates for a WalMart before. I've also have had sales and customer service experience and training for 3 years. All very very stressful and high performance jobs. Felt like I was skating on ice every single say with the quota's on one job, and the level of expectation on the other. At the end of the day, the Offshore jobs, the Welding jobs, and the other technical and non degree required jobs made the most money with little or less stress. I just made this topic to see if there were any young people out there that felt the same way, or feel the same way because I honestly felt like I am just looking at it in a negative way and not having faith in anything anymore. I've pursued trying to start a business, but unfortunately you need money almost as much as you need to breath air. I have applied at many restaurant businesses, actually had a interview about a month ago for a entry level management position, guy said he was going to call, never did. But I have 2 degrees and had the relative experience though, just saying. and When you take a broke and in debt 2X college graduate like me, trying to go get a 50,000 to 100,000 small business loan, it may not be a good outcome. I think Im just going to try to get a offshore job and start off making 50,000 a year like everybody else doing. More power to whomever is doinf it. Im never really trying to knock another man's income or hustle. But had I known this 15 years ago, I am 80% sure I wouldnt stepped foot on a college campus. Im sorry if I offend anyone. I know this just sounds really salty, but can you blame me?
 
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SIR_GRAM said:
With the way things have been going for the past 10 years, and where they are drastically heading now. In my opinion degrees are a waste of money and time now days. Worthless. Anyone that's 35 Yrs and younger who graduated from college in my opinion should have, or feel the same way I do as far as being successful and getting as one would say the bang for your buck. I have been out of college for almost 6 years and honestly I have been unstable in my career, I majored in business. All of the positions Ive hade since 2008 have been in entry level business sales related. But when I look around at my friends and people I know who haven't even stepped foot on a college campus, they are doing 10 times better than I am. No debt, no student loan debt, stable career, and there continually rising. These people are Welders, Hair dressers, Off shore workers, National guard, Army, Marines. And it angers me. Because a college degree hasn't brought me anything but debt, being over qualified, intimidating, and a waste of time I feel in some cases. It angers me with how all growing up my family and teachers always drilled in my head, "go to college, get a degree, you wont be anything without a degree".. then when I get there im worst off then ever. And all I keep thinking about is I should have went to the Military instead of college, or I should have did what others have done like going to school for 2 years, drop out and go get a trade and come out making $25hr. I got 2 college degrees and hadn't made $25 a hour.


What is your take?
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So let me ask you this, while you were in school earning your degree what did you do to ensure that you obtained the experience or other factors that would make you better than the next person with a degree?
 
ALPHA3 said:
So let me ask you this, while you were in school earning your degree what did you do to ensure that you obtained the experience or other factors that would make you better than the next person with a degree?
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I couldn't I was in the band. I may have should have quit the band, dropped my scholarship, and started working or working on somethings and experience that could have or would have helped me after I graduated. But I didn't. This topic is pretty much of not competing with other college graduates or other people in the workforce. Its more so of the value of going to college and receiving a degree. If its not Health, education, engineering, law, or just anything like that. Then its hard. The benefits of it, and the new day that we face to where Blue collar jobs and tech schools are in the lead and matter now. Like for example John Doe overhere has a high school diploma, with a work history of maybe a few retail stores as a regular employee and maybe 1 fast food restaurant job; one day he decides hey I want a better job. He applies to work offshore, he gets the job with no problem making atleast 40,000 a year at the minimum at probably 19 to 21 yrs of age. Then you got Bob X who went to college, but dropped after his Sophomore year and was like im going go to welding school. Ok, so He goes to school for about 2 yrs if that, gets Welding Certificate come out with a $25hr fulltime job waiting on him. Then you got Joe X who is a 4 yr college graduate at 22 years old, its been about 5 months since he has graduated and has been job hunting, he has submitted to maybe hundreds of jobs, half of them he received rejection letters for "entry level" positions. That possibly required a degree. Mind you Sallie Mae calling every 5 minutes for there hundreds of dollar payments that you cant make because you don't have a job yet. Well the 6th month comes and he just needs a job, so he gets hired at the local walmart until he gets the job or career he actuallty took time out to go to school for hoping he would get that call soon. Well he did a month later to a entry level position which started at about 30,000 a year. so you say hey Imma get a apartment. You get that apartment rent about 600 a month, utilities about 200, then you got cable or necessities which is pretty much your whole check. Plus Sallie mae still wont they money you aint got...LMAO.. But Bob X and John Doe over here Chillin... Big chillin.. With the little umbrella in the drink and the recliner. You know what im saying. With more money than you, and than have done half the work that was put in, and no debt. That's what Im saying.. That is what this topic is about. And really now days, its about those jobs. Its just like man, it really make you think like man I love my university, I love the college experience. But did I make the right decision. Was I dooped? Did I put myself in something wrong I will forever be in. All throughout my life since I was a young child I was preached to go to college go to college, get your education to get a better job by my family, and by my teachers. But really, look how it worked out?
 
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SIR_GRAM said:
I couldn't I was in the band. I may have should have quit the band, dropped my scholarship, and started working or working on somethings and experience that could have or would have helped me after I graduated. But I didn't. This topic is pretty much of not competing with other college graduates or other people in the workforce. Its more so of the value of going to college and receiving a degree. If its not Health, education, engineering, law, or just anything like that. Then its hard. The benefits of it, and the new day that we face to where Blue collar jobs and tech schools are in the lead and matter now. Like for example John Doe overhere has a high school diploma, with a work history of maybe a few retail stores as a regular employee and maybe 1 fast food restaurant job; one day he decides hey I want a better job. He applies to work offshore, he gets the job with no problem making atleast 40,000 a year at the minimum at probably 19 to 21 yrs of age. Then you got Bob X who went to college, but dropped after his Sophomore year and was like im going go to welding school. Ok, so He goes to school for about 2 yrs if that, gets Welding Certificate come out with a $25hr fulltime job waiting on him. Then you got Joe X who is a 4 yr college graduate at 22 years old, its been about 5 months since he has graduated and has been job hunting, he has submitted to maybe hundreds of jobs, half of them he received rejection letters for "entry level" positions. That possibly required a degree. Mind you Sallie Mae calling every 5 minutes for there hundreds of dollar payments that you cant make because you don't have a job yet. Well the 6th month comes and he just needs a job, so he gets hired at the local walmart until he gets the job or career he actuallty took time out to go to school for hoping he would get that call soon. Well he did a month later to a entry level position which started at about 30,000 a year. so you say hey Imma get a apartment. You get that apartment rent about 600 a month, utilities about 200, then you got cable or necessities which is pretty much your whole check. Plus Sallie mae still wont they money you aint got...LMAO.. But Bob X and John Doe over here Chillin... Big chillin.. With the little umbrella in the drink and the recliner. You know what im saying. With more money than you, and than have done half the work that was put in, and no debt. That's what Im saying.. That is what this topic is about. And really now days, its about those jobs. Its just like man, it really make you think like man I love my university, I love the college experience. But did I make the right decision. Was I dooped? Did I put myself in something wrong I will forever be in. All throughout my life since I was a young child I was preached to go to college go to college, get your education to get a better job by my family, and by my teachers. But really, look how it worked out?
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you're right, I know lots of people who work for FedEX and UPS making more than probably most PH.Ds
honestly college in my area was always seen as just something to fall back on, so that you could always atleast teach
and most teachers I knew had a second job.

Lots of people say a BS , a Masters', Phd etc etc are only hunting licenses. A license to go hunt for a job.
atleast with your degrees you can hunt (apply, be up for and have conversations about) jobs that others can't

Remember you're young keep researching and applying, and PRAY, and one day you'll turn the corner
Too bad though they had us thinking it would happen just by graduating. When I got my undergrad degree
I thought I was special I went in with my shiny new degree, and the man showed me a stack of hundreds
with my same degree. Stay Strong man.
 
SIR_GRAM said:
I couldn't I was in the band. I may have should have quit the band, dropped my scholarship, and started working or working on somethings and experience that could have or would have helped me after I graduated. But I didn't. This topic is pretty much of not competing with other college graduates or other people in the workforce. Its more so of the value of going to college and receiving a degree. If its not Health, education, engineering, law, or just anything like that. Then its hard. The benefits of it, and the new day that we face to where Blue collar jobs and tech schools are in the lead and matter now. Like for example John Doe overhere has a high school diploma, with a work history of maybe a few retail stores as a regular employee and maybe 1 fast food restaurant job; one day he decides hey I want a better job. He applies to work offshore, he gets the job with no problem making atleast 40,000 a year at the minimum at probably 19 to 21 yrs of age. Then you got Bob X who went to college, but dropped after his Sophomore year and was like im going go to welding school. Ok, so He goes to school for about 2 yrs if that, gets Welding Certificate come out with a $25hr fulltime job waiting on him. Then you got Joe X who is a 4 yr college graduate at 22 years old, its been about 5 months since he has graduated and has been job hunting, he has submitted to maybe hundreds of jobs, half of them he received rejection letters for "entry level" positions. That possibly required a degree. Mind you Sallie Mae calling every 5 minutes for there hundreds of dollar payments that you cant make because you don't have a job yet. Well the 6th month comes and he just needs a job, so he gets hired at the local walmart until he gets the job or career he actuallty took time out to go to school for hoping he would get that call soon. Well he did a month later to a entry level position which started at about 30,000 a year. so you say hey Imma get a apartment. You get that apartment rent about 600 a month, utilities about 200, then you got cable or necessities which is pretty much your whole check. Plus Sallie mae still wont they money you aint got...LMAO.. But Bob X and John Doe over here Chillin... Big chillin.. With the little umbrella in the drink and the recliner. You know what im saying. With more money than you, and than have done half the work that was put in, and no debt. That's what Im saying.. That is what this topic is about. And really now days, its about those jobs. Its just like man, it really make you think like man I love my university, I love the college experience. But did I make the right decision. Was I dooped? Did I put myself in something wrong I will forever be in. All throughout my life since I was a young child I was preached to go to college go to college, get your education to get a better job by my family, and by my teachers. But really, look how it worked out?
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I understand your topic fully and feel that my question plays a major role in what you're attempting discuss. That's wonderful you played in the band and I commend you on earning a music scholarship that allowed you to earn a college degree. My point is, organizations both public and private offer internships that can be either paid or non-paid every summer. I'm not sure of what your particular situation was in college however you did mention you were in the band. Not saying to quit the band but sometimes we as individuals have to place our priorities in a specific order that allows us to succeed. In most if not all cases, earning a college degree does not mean you will get the job or pay you desire. However, the way in which you prepare yourself will in most cases provide you with the best opportunity to come close. For example I know of guy that earned a degree in Mass Communication. While in college instead of him trying to get a job at one of the local tv or radio stations he gets a fast food job. Okay so he has fast food experience. After graduation he tries to get a job in his field but he has no experience and to top it all off his public speaking skills are garbage. He goes on to graduate schoool and earns a Master's Organizational Communication. While in grad school he continued to work in jobs not related to his field so again no experience is being gained and his public speaking skills are still garbage because the jobs he had didn't require him to fully use them. So due to his inexperience he had to settle for a job at Best Buy in the cell phone section and refers to himself as a Mobile Sales Consultant. Basically with the right experience he could be a Public Information Director making $80,000 but he's making $35,000 and maybe commission at Best Buy.
 



Tony said:
just think radiology used to be one of the hardest residency to get, because lots of people dreamed
of interpreting film from home in pajamas or from an island. So you're saying now people in other countries
are doing it?
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The better hospitals ain't doing that. It may work for some. But I got friends that are Radiologists and some that are Rad Techs/X Ray Techs which can continue their studies/training to do Sonograms/CT Scans/ MRI's. That field is still booming. You can also springboard into being a Radiation Therapist with training if you are already Xray tech. Rad Therapists make some nice money.
 
CEE DOG said:
Another thing Sir Gram is to start looking at getting on as a manager at one of the stores like Wal-mart, Targets or places like Applebee's, TGI Fridays type places. I have friends who were business majors getting paid as General managers at those places. In fact I know a chick that is like the regional manager for Cracker Barrel making over 150K. Now you will work long hours, but make good money. You gotta think outside of the box man. Many times young blacks just look for a 8 to 5 type job for status. Those days are gone. You gotta go were the jobs are and the industry who needs business majors. Yes it is good to go work on a military base dressed up, but if you can't get that make money as a general manager at one of these corporate food places. Don't turn your nose up at these places or you will waste your degree. The general managers at TGI and Applebees's make at least 80-90k.
Click to expand...

You shole is right. I got a homeboy is a Regional Manager for McDonalds. Getting paid big money.
 
JR said:
The better hospitals ain't doing that. It may work for some. But I got friends that are Radiologists and some that are Rad Techs/X Ray Techs which can continue their studies/training to do Sonograms/CT Scans/ MRI's. That field is still booming. You can also springboard into being a Radiation Therapist with training if you are already Xray tech. Rad Therapists make some nice money.
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oh yeah 2 years for Xray tech, but stay one more year and get the Nuclear Medicine cert. good money
 
ALPHA3 said:
I understand your topic fully and feel that my question plays a major role in what you're attempting discuss. That's wonderful you played in the band and I commend you on earning a music scholarship that allowed you to earn a college degree. My point is, organizations both public and private offer internships that can be either paid or non-paid every summer. I'm not sure of what your particular situation was in college however you did mention you were in the band. Not saying to quit the band but sometimes we as individuals have to place our priorities in a specific order that allows us to succeed. In most if not all cases, earning a college degree does not mean you will get the job or pay you desire. However, the way in which you prepare yourself will in most cases provide you with the best opportunity to come close. For example I know of guy that earned a degree in Mass Communication. While in college instead of him trying to get a job at one of the local tv or radio stations he gets a fast food job. Okay so he has fast food experience. After graduation he tries to get a job in his field but he has no experience and to top it all off his public speaking skills are garbage. He goes on to graduate schoool and earns a Master's Organizational Communication. While in grad school he continued to work in jobs not related to his field so again no experience is being gained and his public speaking skills are still garbage because the jobs he had didn't require him to fully use them. So due to his inexperience he had to settle for a job at Best Buy in the cell phone section and refers to himself as a Mobile Sales Consultant. Basically with the right experience he could be a Public Information Director making $80,000 but he's making $35,000 and maybe commission at Best Buy.
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I had a teammate that was a starting DT at the end of the Bell era and competing for a spot in the rotation Comegy's first year. Long story short, he chose taking an internship in Illinois over staying in Jackson for the summer to work out and basically lost his spot. Now, he is making over six figures with Catepillar and the players who started over him aren't doing isht.
 
Sounds like me with being dedicated with the band instead of getting a job like everybody else or doing something to help toward my experience are career. I just should have made better choices at 17 Yrs old and/ or in college.
 
A Diploma Is No Guarantee Of A Good Job, Or Any Job.

Posted: Apr 01, 2014 8:45 PM CDT
Updated: Apr 01, 2014 8:45 PM CDT

Having a college degree doesn't guarantee you a high-paying job.

About 260-thousand graduates made at or less than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per last year. That's according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It's the lowest number since 2008.

Source: http://www.kalb.com/story/25135327/a-diploma-is-no-guarantee-of-a-good-job-or-any-job
 
[video=youtube;gAQBMRhVedI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAQBMRhVedI#t=242[/video]

At the end of the day, this is the truth and the grim fate that most of us face who have graduated from college within the past 10 to maybe 15 years. And it is really mest up, its beyond mest up how the deal we got man. You know every generation before our generation just pretty much had it made. Ill go ahead an say it. Its like someone telling you to follow them and then they suddenly stop, turn around and punch you in the face knocking you out without you even knowing or seeing the punch coming. And it just makes you really know who you are and what you are to the country and the world. Just a Number. And unfortunately, the truth is the truth and is something I hate to say, but I regret going to college now. I love my school, I loved the HBCU experience, the band, fraternity life. But maybe all of that could have been passed by for what Ive been through, face, and will face. I think im just going to go to Truck Driving school now...
 
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