NationStates Jolt Archive

Do you think that degrees in history, English, art, music, film, and philosophy are basically useless in finding a job? (With the exception of teaching them)

I think an English major would make sure you spelled "useless" correctly.

I think an English major would make sure you spelled "useless" correctly.

All the degress in the world couldn't make me spell useless correctly.

pretty much. academic nonsense.

but on the other hand, teaches you how to analyse, think, and learn for yourself. then again, other more practical degrees can do that for you too.

i'm on the fence for this one *shrugs*



edit: don't forget dead languages (latin, sanskrit), politics, etc

Probably, who the fuck wants to take business or I.T.?

I think an English major would make sure you spelled "useless" correctly.

A typo I'm sure, relax. I do think that those degrees aren't worth much but I'm sure any employer would see that you did in fact graduate from college so will know that you aren't an idiot.

A typo I'm sure, relax. I do think that those degrees aren't worth much but I'm sure any employer would see that you did in fact graduate from college so will know that you aren't an idiot.
He knows I'm just poking fun.

EDIT: Hardy har har with the title change.

Probably, who the fuck wants to take business or I.T.?

Umm, I do. *raises hand*

bah... it's knowledge for the sake of knowledge, and that is the only valid reason to go to Uni. If one was so concerned about his professional qualifications he could just as easily have gone to work instead of Uni and get first hand experience and theoretical training courses from the workplace and not waste years of his life and money on something he doesn't neccesarily need.:headbang:

Umm, I do. *raises hand*

Quiet you. North Korea is calling.

Do you think that degrees in history, English, art, music, film, and philosophy are basically useless in finding a job? (With the exception of teaching them)

Meh. Though not the degree itself, the hopefully refined speech of an English degree could be helpful in finding white-collar jobs. Again, not the degree itself, but the knowledge that comes with it could be helpful in film, or if you plan to be a historian.

bah... it's knowledge for the sake of knowledge, and that is the only valid reason to go to Uni. If one was so concerned about his professional qualifications he could just as easily have gone to work instead of Uni and get first hand experience and theoretical training courses from the workplace and not waste years of his life and money on something he doesn't neccesarily need.:headbang:

agreed. i've learned far more in the year 1/2 i've now been out in the wider world doing real, commercial work than i did at uni for sure. more practical and useful skills for dealing with and doing well in business, too.

i guess, then, if you're a bit thick going to uni will teach you how to be analytical and give you the skillset you need to work in the wider world. if you're bright then you can probably jump right in and pick up what you need to suceed on the way. or something like that.

I wouldn't say they're useless, but the number of job opportunities is somewhat limited if you have one of those degrees and not a more job-oriented one.

Personally, I think those degrees are better pursued either as part of another major, a double major, a minor or something you just learn for the sake of learning; a degree in English or philosophy might be very good as a complement to a math/engineering degree, and if you've got the time and interest when you're older you can get a degree just for the sake of learning.

A rounded education is always best. That's why I'm not just taking economics or corporate finance classes but also history, philosophy, and elective English classes. I might not get a major in them, but I do learn them for the sake of rounding out my education; I also plan to take math and science courses to round out my education even further.

My parents both went to art school and got fine art degrees. While my mother went into bookkeeping, my father's day job is working for an art dealer, where he uses his knowledge of art history and routinely handles the negotiations of everything from Picassos to Monets to Warhols etc. etc.

And he is a painter and sells a few paintings at openings every year. So if you are really dedicated to your field, you can use your knowledge and degree to get a job you love.

Do you think that degrees in history, English, art, music, film, and philosophy are basically useless in finding a job? (With the exception of teaching them)

I have my bachelor's degree in English Literature. I didn't have any trouble getting a job as a computer programmer (largely because I took those classes as electives).

Then I enlisted in the Army, and later went to law school and became a lawyer.

Now I write contracts for my company, and I run software development projects.

And still, I'm a far better programmer than most of the degreed, certified computer science people I've met.

Philosophy? Yes.

History? Far from it.

If you're a philosopher, you can write books. I guess. That's before all the thinking drives you insane.

No. No more useless than any other degree. If you want a job, and real-world experience, then get a job rather than bum around at uni for 3 years or so :P

Oh, except media studies. Media students piss me off :p