Parent who discourage their kids from majoring in English and History

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nothing more than the Ivory Tower machine sensing a shift away from their high-margin WORTHLESS departments. Unless you're at an elite college, a liberal arts degrees opens ZERO doors. Maybe 20 years ago when college could be paid via part-time job it was cool to explore and study whatever you want. But at $120K for UVA or $260K for an elite private? Nope!

Nope. Even 20 years ago it was worthless. I graduated with a degree in Sociology and spent a few years barely making above minimum wage until I went back to school to get my teaching credential.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think the biggest take away from this article should be that college isn't vocational in nature but teaches critical thinking, problem solving, communication skills, etc. These skills mean graduates can hopefully navigate the workplace with some acumen even if they are green. If you want your child to have a job when they graduate and that is your sole obsession, then have your child be a plumber--their job can never be outsourced and they make great money. I say this as an English major, who surprisingly enough has never had an issue getting a job and works in a field that betters society.

What was your first job out of college and where did you go to school?

[Anonymous]

This is already a thread, btw:
http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/60/581519.page

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think the biggest take away from this article should be that college isn't vocational in nature but teaches critical thinking, problem solving, communication skills, etc. These skills mean graduates can hopefully navigate the workplace with some acumen even if they are green. If you want your child to have a job when they graduate and that is your sole obsession, then have your child be a plumber--their job can never be outsourced and they make great money. I say this as an English major, who surprisingly enough has never had an issue getting a job and works in a field that betters society.

Days gone by. What you were able to do and what a new grad can do with the same degree are entirely different. You will squeeze out that job from their reach because of your experience. You cannot compare them with you on an even playing field.

I will see my child do stem instead of liberal arts. I hope I can imbibe enough culture to help him. As for trades, they pay. And well . Many skipping college altogether for big paychecks. If you feel a little superior because of your degree, get over it. They can afford more than you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is already a thread, btw:
http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/60/581519.page

Thanks, but this is a more appropriate forum for it. Get over it.

[Anonymous]

The key to making money has more to do with your work ethic, ambition, and persistence than which degree you have.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think the biggest take away from this article should be that college isn't vocational in nature but teaches critical thinking, problem solving, communication skills, etc. These skills mean graduates can hopefully navigate the workplace with some acumen even if they are green. If you want your child to have a job when they graduate and that is your sole obsession, then have your child be a plumber--their job can never be outsourced and they make great money. I say this as an English major, who surprisingly enough has never had an issue getting a job and works in a field that betters society.

Days gone by. What you were able to do and what a new grad can do with the same degree are entirely different. You will squeeze out that job from their reach because of your experience. You cannot compare them with you on an even playing field.

I will see my child do stem instead of liberal arts. I hope I can imbibe enough culture to help him. As for trades, they pay. And well . Many skipping college altogether for big paychecks. If you feel a little superior because of your degree, get over it. They can afford more than you.

If my kids want to do a trad, I would fully support it but I would like them to get a business degree to know how to run a successful company. Same as if my child wanted to be a hairdresser.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is already a thread, btw:
http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/60/581519.page

Thanks, but this is a more appropriate forum for it. Get over it.

Doesn't matter, that one has way more responses. Someone should alert Jeff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is already a thread, btw:
http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/60/581519.page

Thanks, but this is a more appropriate forum for it. Get over it.

Doesn't matter, that one has way more responses. Someone should alert Jeff.

That forum is the DC Public School and Charters. I have absolutely no interest in wading through any discussion as it relates to public schools. I agree that this topic in the COLLEGE forum is appropriate.

That said, one of my siblings majored in history and minored in Japanese and threw in a few business courses. That sibling has been with a major company for several years and travels extensively. I wouldn't discourage a history major if coupled with a solid minor.

[jsteele]

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/60/581519.page