Does one really need a big shiny & expensive degree to get ahead (or even get by) in a field?

[Deja Q]

:evilgrin:

[mopinko]

1. depends on the field

:shrug:

[sir_captain]

2. I sure hope so

or else I'm wasting a hell of a lot of money

[Deja Q]

7. Same here...

But with offshoring, we all know my usual diatribe about the seeming pointlessness of it.

It's not going to stop me from going after furthered education, however, I just like to ponder the pretentious... or is 'portentous' the word? Oh well! :D

[Xipe Totec]

3. You bet!

It stops a lot of questions and arguments.

That's why, after spending twenty years arguing that I was just as good as a guy with a Master's in CS, I decided to get one so they could just STFU! and let me do my job.

[Deja Q]

6. How about for an internship?

[Xipe Totec]

8. Medical? Legal? What?

[Deja Q]

9. For example, IT...

[Xipe Totec]

11. Well IT Internships are for non-degreed employees

who are working on a degree. Kinda like living together before getting married, but with the expectation of marriage.

I've worked for several employers who hire summer interns while they are still in college working on a degree, but it is expected that they will be offered a salaried position if they do well during their internship AND get their diplomas.

No diploma, no job.

:shrug:

[Orrin_73]

4. Companies value experience more then degrees

just look what most companies in IT field ask from prospective applicants at least 4 years of experience.

[Maineiac]

5. I work in Information Technology

and a lot of companies are hung up on paper (degrees / certifications), but the forward thinking companies would rather hire someone who has done it than someone who has read about doing it. So, yes, it depends on the field and the employer. Currebtly, I work for a medical association and we like our doctors to have degrees.

[Locrian]

10. depends

But all things equal - in a "buyers" market they will choose degree over not 100%.
Not saying a degree is everything, its just *one* more reason.