Feature

Degree = Job…Maybe Not

Sunday Jul 1, 2007 – By Dede Sutton

Does obtaining a college degree guarantee a career? That is the question a lot of people have started asking themselves lately. It is also the assumption a lot of students entering into college believe. Even post-graduate students believe that a masters degree is going to finally get them where they want to be. For some that’s true, but for a lot of us, that’s one big expensive myth.

I truly believe getting a college education is essential and will aid in obtaining a challenging career as well as help you mentally grow but sometimes I ask myself was it worth it? Was it worth the debt, stress, parental and family expectations that a lot of people including myself go through after graduation? Is a degree even needed in order to be successful? Honestly, it seems like a lot of individuals without degrees get in the door a lot faster than those of us with degrees. I know this is not true for all industries, but in some this is a reality.

For instance, take Nikki M. – she was the top student of our class in undergrad and went on to New York University where she obtained her masters… guess what!… no job – can’t find one to save her life and she is eager and has experience. Now, take my other friend Faith, she has no college education and works for Daimler Chrysler she makes over $55,000. Lastly, there’s Mike-he graduated top of his class at Morehouse, he’s now an intern at a record label in New York. Mike is hoping and praying that his internship will open up an entry-level opportunity for him.

I can go on and on about intelligent and eager college graduates that have either great internship or work experience and are still waiting for that call back. When and if they finally get a callback from the hundreds of resumes they have submitted it’s usually an entry-level position starting at $30,000. And, yeah…I know someone is saying “that’s life..work your way up like I did,” you’re right, but $30,000 come on…when your loans are $35,000 + (if you went to an HBCU or private institution…you know what I’m talking about), gas is $2.89 per gallon and all the bills of being an adult are starting to roll in – we are often pushed right back into our bedroom at our parents home gazing at the same four pink walls while sleeping in our “princess” canopy bed.

I am a firm believer that education should be free and if they are going to make us pay for education there should at least be enough jobs available to handle all the grads of the world. If not, make it easier for young entrepreneurs to start businesses to help aid in the employment decline. There are so many reports stating that employment is available for anyone who wants a job…. HUH…IS IT! Tell that to Nikki and everyone else out there temping with a degree as an administrative assistant or working at Kroger to help pay the rent along with the EVIL, HEARTLESS SALLIE MAE crew.

Here Are Some Tips To Help Jump Start Your Career:

Get Your Network On. It’s vital that you get out and network with other professionals and individuals that are involved and interested in your career path. If it’s one thing I have learned it’s who you know that will get you in the door.
Intern. Intern. Intern. One big misconception is that college graduates can’t intern after college or it’s looked bad upon. But, this is so untrue, a lot of after college internships pay about $8.00-$17.00 – based on industry. Doing an internship after school can help you gain the experience needed to get in the door and also help you figure out if this is really what you want to do.
Maintain A Portfolio. A portfolio is very important when interviewing. It gives you a chance to show off everything you have done in all areas of your life. If you are a college graduate bring in reports, your thesis or anything else you think can help show your abilities and skill sets.
Get A Mentor. Finding a mentor can be one of the best career decisions you can ever make. A mentor can help guide and mold you into a future powerhouse as well as get you into doors you never thought possible.
Resume Revamp. Regularly revamping and editing your resume is vital when job hunting. I would recommend having an HR professional look at your resume to offer tips and pointers. Also, this is where your mentor would come in, especially if they are in the same field that you are trying to get into. They usually know exactly what HR professionals look for when bringing in potential candidates. You never know…that one misspelling on your resume has kept you from health insurance and a job for the last couple months.
Be Confident About Your Skills & Abilities. Just that! Be confident and let them know that you are the best candidate for that job!

Good Luck!

DGood says:

July 1, 2007 at 8:27 am

Preach it!! I swear we at Walk Taken feel that same way! LOL. I think being a college graduate or even like myself holding a graduate degree is almost a catch 22.

↑ Reply

Monet says:

July 1, 2007 at 8:52 am

You are so right!! After graduating from Howard University in 2005 I am still looking for a job after 2 years. Up until recently I was working in retail hell and it was horrible. Now, I just got a job in event planning and thats a temp assignment till Nov. Sometimes I really fill I wasted my time. I had to move home and I was making a wopping $7 an hour. Now Ive accrued a lot of debt ( that I cant pay back) and living paycheck to paycheck. But I am attempting to stay optimistic!!!

Mae says:

July 1, 2007 at 4:10 pm

Y’all are speaking directly to me on this article! After graduating three years ago I can not find a job that is remotely what I went to school for and still can’t find a job that pays over 32k. I don’t know what the issue is on the employment front, but this is ridiculous. I am so tired of being on Monster posting my resume all day and still no response. I am trying to be optimistic too but it’s hard when you can barely pay your bills. Thanks for this article it’s nice to know that I am not the only one going through this.

Opinionated Lady says:

July 1, 2007 at 6:52 pm

They giving all the jobs to illegals, sad but True

amanda says:

July 1, 2007 at 7:42 pm

I felt like you were speaking to me. I have been out of school for a year and the best i can get for right now is a job @ the Gap part-time. I am glad you did this….and will try your helpful hints.

China says:

July 1, 2007 at 8:27 pm

This article is so on point. Once I graduated from school in 2004 all the opportunities stopped. My first post-grad position was that of a ticket taker/usher at the arena. So I’ve started my own business which is a struggle because my credit is messed up from my student loans, that I can’t take out business loans.

So my message is…don’t bank on cashing in your degree unless you plan to pursue medicine, science,law, or education.

College has turned into one of the biggest scams in America. Its really about personal enrichment and accomplishment that was reserved for the rich and well to do, not the middle to lower classes. I wouldn’t trade my experiences. But I would like to find a job that can get me out of this financial hole.

Edm325 says:

July 1, 2007 at 9:51 pm

You are talking directly to me. I am trying to find a job as we speak but it’s very hard out there. Everyday I think about rather or not college was a good decision. I am still thinking..lol I just wanna find me a job that pays me a dollar more than the amount I have in loans. It’s crazy but ppl say college pays..I would like to know when.

ms. nik says:

July 2, 2007 at 3:03 pm

Why are we under the impression that a college degree is supposed to get us a job in the first place?

July 2, 2007 at 11:50 pm

Ms. Nik

I don’t think college is suppose to find me a job but you are suppose to have the one up on the other person but often times college leaves a person feeling behind the group.

DJS says:

July 2, 2007 at 11:58 pm

Isn’t that what college is for? To gain the education, knowledge and specialized skills to get a job…. Besides pretty much every job listing out there REQUIRES a college degree.

Shay says:

July 5, 2007 at 10:47 pm

I agree completely. I have been told numerous times that I don’t have enough experience. I guess going to college after high school was the wrong idea. All of my friends who didn’t go to college make more money than me. Very humbling. I’m hoping grad school will change things.

Caroline says:

July 6, 2007 at 9:17 am

This article hit the nail dead on. I’m a recent graduate and I too am working retail until I can find a job. True enough, the people and friends I know that either didn’t go to college or didn’t finish are definitely making more money than I am. I went to an HBCU, and I think Black colleges need better career planning/placement offices to help students find jobs that are relative to their interests/major once they graduate.

B says:

July 9, 2007 at 1:40 am

Yes this economy is awful to say the least. I am a college graduate with an advanced degree in Paralegal and it is a real struggle to find a job. Paralegal positions are now getting taken by secretaries and recent law graduates. Even getting a law degree I have seen law graduates that can’t get job because of “not enough experience”. My paralegal job went bye bye to a secretary due to the attorneys could get away with paying the secretary less money with giving the paralegal duties to the secretaries. Anyways, I have now switched to sales and marketing and am still struggling to find a position. It’s absolutely insane that I would say 90% of companies even retail companies want some kind of very very specific experience. What also gets me is when entry level jobs come around the entry level jobs that say no experience needed or very little experience needed is usually a big fat LIE the entry level positions now days want 1 or 2 years of experience. Well excuse me but the last time I have checked entry level jobs means NO experience 0 years of experience needed. Companies need to quit lying that their positions are entry level when in fact that is completely FALSE!!!! I have a high school friend that went to the military and did not go to college and is making a lot more money than me. WHAT GIVES???? We college graduates have worked are butts off extremely hard and then we get punished for working so hard to further us in the world when in this reality it’s setting us back. I also have a friend that got his Business Masters degree at The University of Denver which is supposedly one of the best schools for a Business Masters and where does he end up getting a job after getting his masters???? At a sandwich shop!!! Aughhhhhhh!!!! Give us the Democrats back, end the war immediately and give us our jobs BACK ASAP!!! Thank god the WORST President in history BUSH is GONE after this year!!!!

lana says:

July 10, 2007 at 11:16 pm

ok… i admit going to college does not guarantee you a job..though sadly some people still believe that..but it helps. some businesses won;t let you get in the door without a college degree.. I am currently a college student and i find that finding a job is directly related to your major/area of study. I’ve had plenty of friends who came to college and majored in subjects like dance of theater..yet friends of mine who graduated wiht degrees on business , mass comm, or nursing could n’t get their degree in their hand before they had tons of job offers. i believe that its all about what you major in and if that field is in high demand. something one should do before they decide to go to college.otherwise you will waste 4 maybe 5 years and a lot of money in the process.

Michelle Bartholomew says:

July 11, 2007 at 2:05 pm

Well, it looks like some of you are a step ahead of me. =o) I can’t even manage to get a job in retail. And please, someone tell me how it is that I can’t even get a job at a hotel as a server or any other entry level position? It appears they have no problems hiring hundreds of employees who are OBVIOUSLY presenting false documents. I don’t expect my degree to secure a job for me, but I sure wish it would at the very least get my resume/application noticed. I wonder what percentage of hiring managers have degrees themselves? I honestly believe that many times I am denied a job because the hiring manager(s) are intimidated by my experience and education. I am not out there to take another person’s job. I, like the rest of you, just want to pay my bills and one day *sigh* get paid what I’m worth.

Pink Ink says:

July 11, 2007 at 9:03 pm

Opinionated Lady,

Sorry, but I’m very doubtful illegals are getting the corporate jobs many of us college graduates are seeking. I graduated with my first degree in 2002. I managed to get a T.A. position, and went back to school to get my Master’s. It’s hard as hell, even with a Master’s degree. I see want ads, KNOW I fit the position, and don’t get any response. I’m actually overqualified for many of these positions.

I think yes, we are told that if you do ABC, you’ll get to XYZ, but what is missing is that we lose the opportunity to gain valuable experience while obtaining those degrees. We go into debt, and by the time we can get to those opportunities, we have to add trying to pay your monthly payments into the equation.

I also think this whole system of submitting your resume via email or online application, you don’t grab the “attention” of hr personnel. They are getting hundreds of applications. They aren’t reading ALL of them.

But it’s good to know I’m not the only person searching for a paycheck…I was beginning to think God was singling me out or something…lol

Malika says:

July 12, 2007 at 11:53 am

I think GOD does things for a reason. I’m a 26y/o with 2 degrees and in my current position as a Publicist making only 38k. This mindset of degree or degrees equal high pay job. This couldn’t be farthest from the truth. In a society where nepatism is rampid, and a women of color has to work twice as hard to prove her self competent it makes you feel as though you were a pawn in a game of chess. I was feeling so defeated for months about why I couldn’t elevate to the next level. What are we to do? And what do I tell my future kids? Go to college and come out making minimum wage? Or don’t go to college and end up a statistic?

Maybe we should form some sort of Women of Color Network were we can explore how to make our degree work for us.

Its a tough dose of reality..

wendy says:

July 12, 2007 at 12:28 pm

This article states what I’ve known for sometime. I was one of those that went straight into the work force in the dining industry. And let me tell you, if a establishment was hiring, with all the experience I have I would get it. A suggestion that I can offer to those that are waiting on there dream jobs but still need to live…start off as a hostess and work up. Show as much interest and enthusiam as possible and be friendly. With so drive you and skill you can clear more than a hundred a night at most places waiting tables.
Another thing that I would suggest is making sure that your degree matches the fields that have a need. When I decided to look for a field that would give me an opportunity to serve and help others, I also looked to see the ones that had the most demand. I currently in nursing school.
I think that that is the difference between going to college right after high school and not. I know that I have to be balanced with my dreams and the life style I want. An English degree is what I would have picked if I had went right after high school. A little more life experience has lead me to a different place.
Just keep your heads up.

Autumn :-) says:

July 17, 2007 at 4:56 pm

My story in a nutshell :-(

Liz says:

July 28, 2007 at 9:42 am

I think someone has been reading my diary. I totally understand being in this situation. What’s a girl to do when you do everything “right” (college degree, no kids) but, still can’t get your stiletto through the door.

Tamara says:

August 2, 2007 at 7:28 pm

I,too was under the mistaken impression that an education would get me somewhere. And I think I have you all beat–I’m 46 and just finished graduate school, have waited tables for about 13 years and made about $20 to $25 bucks an hour at most places, but am now so burned out on rude, demanding people, customers and co-workers, that I can’t function. I’m depressed as hell, single with a mountain of student loan debt, and actually feeling semi-suicidal! The thought of earning a Ph.D. has entered my mind, but NO WAY I endure more studying and can’t afford it anyway. You all amde me feel at least I’m not the only sucker out there! Thanks :)

Sara says:

August 12, 2007 at 9:33 pm

I know exactly what you are talking about. I did my research before school. Supposedly, choosing a major in paralegal studies was an excellent decision because there are so many needed…two years after obtaining a degree in paralegal studies with a high GPA, I am still looking for a job. Why? Because law offices no longer hire entry-level. There is no longer a job in a law office that doesn’t require at least 2-3 years experience, most of the time much more.
So, I start looking for a part-time job to put a little money in my pocket, and I am over qualified. They look at my resume and say “why would you want to work at Subway with a degree like this?” When I do finally get an interview, it’s for 7.00 an hour. Hardly enough to put gas in my car, much less pay rent.

No Name says:

February 11, 2008 at 1:39 pm

College is a scam and waste of money, I will not make my son go if he so chooses not to after what happened to me.

I have a bacholers in psychology guess what??? NO GOOD JOB. I’m working at wal mart!!! WAL MART cause that’s all I could find cause I held the degee but they they were like DO YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE??? I was like NO I don’t and they were like well you can’t have the job.

I told them skills I learned in college and they say no that’s not good enough. I SPEND THOUSANDS OF MY PARENTS DOLLARS TO GO.

I can’t get a masters cause my GPA is too low, college was hard people. I don’t think I could handle 3 more years of stress to be job hunting for the next few years.

I just had a baby, and I’m trying to bring up my family. My husband is going back to school, but I support whatever he wants to do. I am proud of him for having a goal.

But anyway college is a SCAM, just like others out there. I regret ever going.

Jen says:

December 3, 2008 at 2:31 am

UGHHH why did I see this again NOW? LOL

chaoticdiva says:

December 3, 2008 at 5:18 am

You know what the really sad thing is? Those who pay for law degrees and never find jobs. There are so many people who passed the bar who don’t have jobs as lawyers. It’s a depressing statistic. Man, if only we knew how to ultimately fix our job market.

ft says:

December 3, 2008 at 5:22 am

i hear you all!! I have 3 degrees, that’s including a postgrad and masters. I am in my dream job advertising, as an Account exec. I am working my way up slowly and learning each day is an experience that will count for the future. My advice is always work while doing your degree and I mean office work, internships really help. so then you get the least bit of experience for when you get out of school. No company these days is willing to give you a job without experience, they don’t have the time to teach but without education you will only get so far. BELIEVE ME!! EXPERIENCE + COLLEGE = JOB.

Tres Tres DC PR says:

December 4, 2008 at 11:25 am

I have the same frustration but from a different perspective. I joined the military right out of high school. After serving 6 years, I was able to find a job in the DC area for 70k but thats only because I hold a Top Secret clearance. Gov’t work is not at all my passion- I don’t like it at all. My true calling is PR but even with a degree agencies are only willing to pay up to 40k. So I feel stuck because I can’t persue my dream job because I can’t afford the pay cut especially in DC.

December 4, 2008 at 11:31 am

I will also add that after reading some of the other comments finding a “good” job is also a combination choosing the right profession and living in the right market.

Nikki says:

December 11, 2008 at 10:49 am

*Warning: this is long*

Anyone remember that guy who came from Sudan? He was featured on Oprah a couple years back, as a refugee, worked HARD and got into Harvard university? YES YES YES I know that as a black female we have to work twice as hard, and just FOR that we should always be thinking two steps ahead!!

Sorry, but to all those claiming that college is a scam, have got it wrong. This sounds like a plea for ‘woe is me’. Have you even thought about the people would kill to be over here? And whoever made that comment about the illegals ‘taking’ our jobs…I am SO sick of that damn excuse. Wake up!
That’s like someone saying oh look, I’m overweight, I can’t help myself. Well, no one told you to eat that Twinkie, drink that soda, or eat that cheeseburger. It’s all in your mindset ladies! Now, I’m not saying this to be harsh, but the truth hurts. Besides, this system is set up so that you have to rely on people and that is the mindset that we need to change.

I suggest you go to the library or buy this book called the ‘4-Hour Workweek’ by Timothy Ferris. We as a society are programmed to get good grades, go to college, and get a good job. In fact, getting a job is NOT your key to your stability. Because at the end of the day it is your BOSS who has the power to fire you, it is the government who taxes you, etc. etc. You need to be in control of your life. Why do we get up to go to work? To pay for the over-sized house that we can’t afford, to keep up with the Jones’, and to buy stuff we don’t really need. Now you’re probably wondering look @ this heifer spitting whatever. Well I will tell you my story. All throughout highschool I held down 2-3 jobs. The summer before university, I did a one-month French language course (government program) and then went to univ. Mind you, my parents agreed to pay for my tuition. Let’s just say the shit the fan and I didn’t get a dime. They actually owe me over $15 000 but that’s another story.

There is no substitute for cold hard work. Throughout
university I worked 3 jobs, sometimes even 4. I don’t
even know how I managed it to this day. Basically no
sleep and little social life, but it has paid off. Real
friends and fam will support you and will know when you
have to get your things done. I created my school
schedule that worked best for me and my jobs. My
employers understood that I had other jobs, and they
actually respected that I was upfront with them. Now I
just finished school, I landed an internship in Germany
(because I studied it, check: language skill) and am
networking here. E.g. I met up with a black woman who
is an international lawyer in Germany. Even how I got
that internship was all about networking. Next, I will
do one semester abroad in Germany to become fluent,
then I will live in France to become fluent in french
and fulfill my dream of living abroad. My goal is
actually to live and work on every continent! That
being said, all of these didn’t just fall into my lap.
I didn’t just ‘wish’ it to happen. I MADE it happen. I
researched, I upped my skills, I volunteered, I
developed contacts, I got OUT THERE!! Languages will
always help you, and it will make you stand out.
So, what is the moral of this story? Stop relying on
others for your own success! Summary:

-NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK

-Look for opportunities that others aren’t looking for. If everyone wants something and brings the same thing
to the table, you don’t stand out. Its like a luxury
item, if everyone has it, it loses its value. You have
to DO something that makes you stand out. Case in
point, move abroad. What better way to make your resume
stand out than by saying ‘I spent 6 months on an
internship 1/2 way across the world’. Prospective
employers will eat it up and will probably actually be
jealous because you got to travel all over.
-Research. Spend 2 hours a day, or an hour a day
researching an industry that generates money. Find out
who the players are, how you can get into it, etc. etc
-Get a side hustle, and network like crazy.
-Update your skills. Instead of spending an hour on
Facebook, Myspace, or MSN or watching TV, use that hour
to create a website. Go on craigslist and look for
small companies that need a website. Boom, you have a
couple sites down to build a portfolio and that can
generate money, i.e. passive income.
Now I know there will be a plethora of excuses, but if
you really want to sit there and complain that college
is a scam, that you feel you wasted your money blah
blah than that’s up to you. But I’m saying it CAN be
done, I am living proof, and tons of people out there
are too. You know what else is funny, the times I told
my friends to get involved with stuff during univ. and
to come to meetings they would laugh at it. Now I’m the
one laughing and they’re asking me to hook them up. It
goes both ways…we all have certain circumstances, but
its up to YOU to change your attitude and change how
you want to live. Yea, I will write a life coaching book sometime soon :)

December 11, 2008 at 11:04 am

Great post Nikki.

December 11, 2008 at 1:07 pm

Thanks Tres Tres. I don’t know what happened to the formatting there with my paragraphs all over the place lol.

Ola says:

December 12, 2008 at 5:46 pm

I so agree with Nikki. Also you have to study for a degree that is relevant and marketable. You can’t just study Sociology or African American Studies and expect to land a fab job. I still can’t figure out what people with these degrees do. Don’t just go to college for the sake of going, study something beneficial.