Personal Development for Smart People Forums - View Single Post - University Degrees - necessary in making a valuable contribution?

Liara Covert · 01-17-2007, 05:35 AM

Its interesting to note that some of the most successful people in business, entertainment, adventure, and non-traditional careers never pursued or completed a university degree. Richard Branson & Oprah Winfrey never finished highschool. Thomas Edison was asked to leave elementary school because teachers thought he wasn't capable. (He went on to invent the incandescent lightbulb and holds record for 1000 patents which nobody has yet surpassed since his death). You could also find examples of MANY people who earned degrees out there who are also unemployed. So, you might ask, what would the advantage of obtaining a degree be?

Some professional streams require degrees (medicine, law, accounting, ect).
If these areas don't interest you, I don't think its so important whether or not you complete a degree. Yet, its essential to be open to different kinds of learning, especially about yourself. Educational institutions teach and test for certain kinds of intelligence. Just because you do not excel in a particular university course, doesn't mean you're stupid or destined to fail. It may be hard, but you benefit from stepping back from the opinions of what other people think is the right choice for you. Your life is all about finding out more about who you are.

Personally, I know a lot of people who explored different kinds of jobs before and during completion of diplomas. There is no right or wrong way to learn. If you choose, you can complete a degree online now. You are not limited to traditional classes or three-four year time constraints. Its not good to get into the habit of procrastinating or quitting, but I would encourage you to examine why you don't feel motivated. Discover your sources of motivation, and you'll find clues to personal success. Talking to friends, school guidance counsellors and people you trust can also help, and so can reading.

Some students who are uncertain about what they wish to do choose to volunteer overseas in a developing country, join the military, become a nanny for children abroad, start a business or develop musical talents. I would encourage you to brainstorm about what motivates you. You are more apt to finish what you start if you're enjoying what you do. Discovering what boosts your energy and intesifies your passion will be key to moving ahead in a way that makes you feel good about you. Good luck!

01-17-2007, 05:35 AM	#10 (permalink)
Liara Covert Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 584	You are what you think Its interesting to note that some of the most successful people in business, entertainment, adventure, and non-traditional careers never pursued or completed a university degree. Richard Branson & Oprah Winfrey never finished highschool. Thomas Edison was asked to leave elementary school because teachers thought he wasn't capable. (He went on to invent the incandescent lightbulb and holds record for 1000 patents which nobody has yet surpassed since his death). You could also find examples of MANY people who earned degrees out there who are also unemployed. So, you might ask, what would the advantage of obtaining a degree be? Some professional streams require degrees (medicine, law, accounting, ect). If these areas don't interest you, I don't think its so important whether or not you complete a degree. Yet, its essential to be open to different kinds of learning, especially about yourself. Educational institutions teach and test for certain kinds of intelligence. Just because you do not excel in a particular university course, doesn't mean you're stupid or destined to fail. It may be hard, but you benefit from stepping back from the opinions of what other people think is the right choice for you. Your life is all about finding out more about who you are. Personally, I know a lot of people who explored different kinds of jobs before and during completion of diplomas. There is no right or wrong way to learn. If you choose, you can complete a degree online now. You are not limited to traditional classes or three-four year time constraints. Its not good to get into the habit of procrastinating or quitting, but I would encourage you to examine why you don't feel motivated. Discover your sources of motivation, and you'll find clues to personal success. Talking to friends, school guidance counsellors and people you trust can also help, and so can reading. Some students who are uncertain about what they wish to do choose to volunteer overseas in a developing country, join the military, become a nanny for children abroad, start a business or develop musical talents. I would encourage you to brainstorm about what motivates you. You are more apt to finish what you start if you're enjoying what you do. Discovering what boosts your energy and intesifies your passion will be key to moving ahead in a way that makes you feel good about you. Good luck! __________________ http://blog.dreambuilders.com.au "The final mystery is oneself."