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

Mike Estep · 02-25-2007, 07:02 AM

I have 4 degrees.

I earned a music education bachelors in 1983 because I liked music and my parents wanted me to go to school. I thought I would never go back to school again.

I earned a computer science masters in 2001 because I wanted to make more money.

I earned an education specialist degree in 2003 and a PhD in 2005 both in computing technology in education. I got these degrees because I was somewhat obsessed and on a roll after the masters. Also, I had ideas and philosophies of importance to discuss that some people wouldn't pay any attention to until I was part of the "club". In some people's minds, you can't have any expertise unless you have the pedigree. This is silly, but unfortunately accurate.

The only thing a degree really proves is that someone made it through an endurance test and was willing to follow instruction. This is important to employers.

None of the degrees made me more intelligent, although I did learn in ways that I would never have been exposed to without this type of education.

I in no way feel superior to people without degrees. I've worked with many other PhDs that I consider to be arrogant and idiots. Some of this behavior may be a form of self preservation. Fortunately there are PhDs who see the degree is just a possible way to open some doors for work or expression. Also some of the most intelligent and brilliant people I know personally, have never been to college.

Degrees are expensive. I have $90,000 worth of student loans hanging over my head. Was it worth it? Yes and no.

Having a degree will not guarantee that you will get a job, although I believe statistically that people with degrees earn more money in jobs than people without.

I also believe that many entrepreneurs become successful in spite of their degrees or lack of degrees.

One other thing. I learned more about intelligence, genius, inspiration, and creativity in giving 21 years of private music instruction than I EVER learned in school. I frequently talk with my students about da Vinci, Einstein, Edison, Tesla, and Mozart, and how to practice some of the positive behaviors of these people to release their own genius.

So, should you get a degree? Our culture will try to persuade you that it is imperative. Try to look at ALL perspectives involved. Then decide for yourself.

Mike
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Mike Estep.com - Common Sense Outside the Box

02-25-2007, 07:02 AM	#16 (permalink)
Mike Estep Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Duncan, OK Posts: 46	My degrees haven't increased my intelligence I have 4 degrees. I earned a music education bachelors in 1983 because I liked music and my parents wanted me to go to school. I thought I would never go back to school again. I earned a computer science masters in 2001 because I wanted to make more money. I earned an education specialist degree in 2003 and a PhD in 2005 both in computing technology in education. I got these degrees because I was somewhat obsessed and on a roll after the masters. Also, I had ideas and philosophies of importance to discuss that some people wouldn't pay any attention to until I was part of the "club". In some people's minds, you can't have any expertise unless you have the pedigree. This is silly, but unfortunately accurate. The only thing a degree really proves is that someone made it through an endurance test and was willing to follow instruction. This is important to employers. None of the degrees made me more intelligent, although I did learn in ways that I would never have been exposed to without this type of education. I in no way feel superior to people without degrees. I've worked with many other PhDs that I consider to be arrogant and idiots. Some of this behavior may be a form of self preservation. Fortunately there are PhDs who see the degree is just a possible way to open some doors for work or expression. Also some of the most intelligent and brilliant people I know personally, have never been to college. Degrees are expensive. I have $90,000 worth of student loans hanging over my head. Was it worth it? Yes and no. Having a degree will not guarantee that you will get a job, although I believe statistically that people with degrees earn more money in jobs than people without. I also believe that many entrepreneurs become successful in spite of their degrees or lack of degrees. One other thing. I learned more about intelligence, genius, inspiration, and creativity in giving 21 years of private music instruction than I EVER learned in school. I frequently talk with my students about da Vinci, Einstein, Edison, Tesla, and Mozart, and how to practice some of the positive behaviors of these people to release their own genius. So, should you get a degree? Our culture will try to persuade you that it is imperative. Try to look at ALL perspectives involved. Then decide for yourself. Mike _________________________________________ Mike Estep.com - Common Sense Outside the Box