The catch-22 of a degree

"BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather" (bugeyedacura) 12/10/2014 at 23:32 • Filed to: None

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Damn near every professional job requires exorbitant experience or some certification that can only be obtained after you've worked in the position/industry. It's like why did I bother going to college?

 > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 12/10/2014 at 23:35

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ly2v8-Brian > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 12/10/2014 at 23:38

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Good question.

Biased Plies > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 12/10/2014 at 23:49

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I've found that some places list the experience requirement as more of a formality than a mandatory qualifier. Write a cover letter to go with your CV expressing a desire and ability to learn and it may get you in further than you might expect at places where you fear you may not be qualified well enough.

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 12/10/2014 at 23:57

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I question this everyday, but then again school for 4 years was a lot more fun than any 4 years of work will be.

thedevilinside > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif 12/11/2014 at 00:00

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I enjoy my work semesters more than school semesters.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif 12/11/2014 at 00:20

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Yeah, but then I'd have money and experience.

tromoly > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 12/11/2014 at 00:23

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Not necessarily. Until I got my engineering job, I had never had an internship or worked as an engineer, but had experience in building things (i.e. fabrication) and learned a bunch of stuff on my own that it worked out. Also writing my own acceleration simulation in my free time over the course of a month may have helped.....

Don't get discouraged, keep learning and teaching yourself things and you'll be a better asset to any company you apply for.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Biased Plies 12/11/2014 at 02:01

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Agreed. Before I had much experience I would get interviews based solely on how well written my cover letters were more so than what they actually said.

gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 12/11/2014 at 02:13

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Student clubs. A way to gain experience in something without actually working at that thing even though you're working at that thing. For example, in engineering, something like FSAE. Even getting involved with student politics can be helpful if you're looking at getting into management.

OPPOsaurus WRX > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 12/11/2014 at 08:22

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well this might not be the same for all but I can't get my architectural registration without the degrees.

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 12/11/2014 at 10:36

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Mo' money, mo' problems.

Experience is a tough one, usually doing co-ops (interns I think 'Murica calls them) is a great way to get into a company. Companies also prefer to hire someone who is currently working because it shows you are at least employable.

It took me almost 2 years to get a job in my field after graduation. Have side projects that keep you in engaged in your degree too!

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > thedevilinside 12/11/2014 at 10:40

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If the work semesters are in your field then you are on the right track, if not, doesn't look too good for the future using your degree.

thedevilinside > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif 12/11/2014 at 11:09

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Work terms are exactly what I would like to do. I am looking full time with the employer, just need to graduate first.