Did you go to University? - Page 5

MarkMono · 17th November 2006, 6:24pm

I left after a month, it literally had nothing to offer me.

Devastator · 17th November 2006, 6:26pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mos Def

If yes, why? Coz i'm smart.
Coz I liked the idea of studying planes at Uni.
Coz I firmly believe that unless you're very lucky (or a footballer), then a degree is the only way to get a half decent job (for example, your starting salary will almost always be much higher than people who left school at 16, and have been working for 5/6 years before you even graduate).
I like the idea of learning new stuff.
I knew that i'd have a good time at Uni.

Did you gain anything from it? Yes. I currently have, in essence, two degrees and a job which is much cooler than yours.

Did you actually enjoy it? Aye, it was fucking amazing.

Are you glad you did? Absolutely

In your opinion, is getting a degree actually that important in terms of getting a well-paid job and getting ahead in life? Very much so unless, like I mentioned above, you're lucky or natually very talented at something specific. In my opinion, people without a degree will always be disadvantaged. Like I said (and not that I earn anything utterly fantastic), there will be some people that will work their whole life and not earn what I earn now (i've been working 5 months, this is my first job). Fair enough, money isn't everything, but anyone who says they don't want a pay rise is lying. Plus, again, my job is amazingly cool.

You're forgetting I'm just going to spend all Lovey's money.

**LesMTS** · 17th November 2006, 6:27pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mos Def

Fair enough, money isn't everything, but anyone who says they don't want a pay rise is lying.

What do you mean "anyone who says the don't want a pay rise is lying"?
Do you mean a pay rise in the same job? Or anyone who says they wouldn't want to do a worse job for more money is lying? It's just that the first seems obvious and if you mean the second then I'd wholeheartedly disagree.

Kenny · 17th November 2006, 6:29pm

I went to uni, and it was fun. In hindsight I could've got a first easily if I'd tried at all, but I was too busy partying, but then that's a big part of a first degree. Now I'm at uni again, part time, and I'm doing it properly. Totally different experience from the first time, but just as valuable. I'm even thinking a third degree may be the way forward at the end of this, get me some PhD action.

**LesMTS** · 17th November 2006, 6:38pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenny

I went to uni, and it was fun. In hindsight I could've got a first easily if I'd tried at all, but I was too busy partying, but then that's a big part of a first degree. Now I'm at uni again, part time, and I'm doing it properly. Totally different experience from the first time, but just as valuable. I'm even thinking a third degree may be the way forward at the end of this, get me some PhD action.

PhD's tough. The actual material you need to know (other than quantity) and theory isn't really any more complicated than honours year Uni but the thing I'm trying to get to grips with is the independence. No-one telling you what to do or what you need to know, you're essentially left alone to get on with your research with minimal guidance and actually make progress without really being told what "progress" means. It's really like being thrown in the deep end and expected to swim. I've not even met one of my supervisors yet and only have a half hour meeting with the other once a fortnight. Loving it though. So far I'd totally recommend it.

Trip · 17th November 2006, 6:41pm

Its really difficult, especially if you are doing an Arts degree because its non-specific and you're not assured a great job afterwards....

I think you'd be as well just muddling through it Amy. At least at the end of it you'll have a degree. A lot of employers are looking for life experiences as well remember. I've heard of people with loads of experience being chosen over someone with degrees - although to be honest I don't know anyone who this has happened to, and its probably just something people who haven't been to uni say to make themselves feel better.

I think in hindsight, I was far too young to go to uni (just turned 17). Was mildly interested in what I was studying, but not enough to apply myself properly. But I just kept on thinking 'at least if I get through uni I can do what I want'.
I didn't learn that much either, but if it wasn't for my degree I wouldn't be where Iam now which Im so glad of.

Life has a funny way of working itself out. At the end of the day its your decision

Mos Def · 17th November 2006, 6:52pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by LesMTS

What do you mean "anyone who says the don't want a pay rise is lying"?
Do you mean a pay rise in the same job? Or anyone who says they wouldn't want to do a worse job for more money is lying? It's just that the first seems obvious and if you mean the second then I'd wholeheartedly disagree.

If i'd have just left it at the statement 'I earn more money than the majority of people who don't have a degree', then someone would've said 'it's not all about money' or something to that effect. I was merely pointing out that they're lying. It's like saying 'looks don't matter'. People always want more money (and yes, for the same job).

**djtoast** · 17th November 2006, 7:00pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mos Def

People always want more money (and yes, for the same job).

I honestly don't know if I do. I could easily earn more money just by working another night a week, say, and since I enjoy my job that wouldn't be a hardship in any way.

Naturally I wouldn't turn down a pay rise if offered one, and I'm sure I'd find something to do with the money, but I don't feel at all like I don't have enough money as things stand.

And that's not cause I'm rich by any standards, just that I'm very un-materialistic.

Kenny · 17th November 2006, 7:02pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by LesMTS

PhD's tough. The actual material you need to know (other than quantity) and theory isn't really any more complicated than honours year Uni but the thing I'm trying to get to grips with is the independence. No-one telling you what to do or what you need to know, you're essentially left alone to get on with your research with minimal guidance and actually make progress without really being told what "progress" means. It's really like being thrown in the deep end and expected to swim. I've not even met one of my supervisors yet and only have a half hour meeting with the other once a fortnight. Loving it though. So far I'd totally recommend it.

Yeah, that really appeals to me, to be honest. I'll have the advantage of a masters in between, too. I guess my dissertation next summer will go a long way to helping me decide, because I'll have to it properly. My undergraduate dissertation was pretty much just an extended regular essay, so doesn't really count.

**LesMTS** · 17th November 2006, 7:05pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mos Def

If i'd have just left it at the statement 'I earn more money than the majority of people who don't have a degree', then someone would've said 'it's not all about money' or something to that effect. I was merely pointing out that they're lying. It's like saying 'looks don't matter'. People always want more money (and yes, for the same job).

I still kind of respectfully disagree. I would never have done a degree in a subject that I wasn't passionate about, if I was unable to get into a degree in a subject I was passionate about I wouldn't have done one at all and probably concentrated on music (I very nearly did). Money isn't everything. I have a friend who turned down a potentially lucrative career to start designing and making his own furniture because he loves doing it, there're no guarantees in that profession of how much (if any) money you'd make from week to week but he has no regrets.

Oskar · 17th November 2006, 7:13pm

I wasn't much a fan of my course until about 3rd year, when I totally fell in love with it.
Was doing a BA Arts and Social, like yourself Amy and came out with a BA Hons Psychology.
Wanted to jack in all in numerous times but the one thing that kept me going was thinking that it's only 3/4 years of my life and when broken down, that's only 6 months out of the entire year that you're actually in uni doing work.
In the grand scheme of things, it's a bit jack shit, innit?

What else will you be doing at this age that you can't do in a few years? Personally, I wanted to use the opportunity to get a degree, just so it was there if required. Get my foot in the door etc.

Uni also allows you time to grow as a person, go travelling, volunteer and such, things you won't really get a chance to do once working full time. As I said, in the grand scheme of life, 3 years is bugger all and it's better than hitting 40 and going "shit, I kinda wanna go to uni..."

Right now, I'm doing a Masters just to fill my time, didn't want to just go full time on my part time job. Figured I might as well get another qualification under my belt. The course does not really interest me and I want to jack it in practically everyday, but it finishes soon so really, I might as well muddle through. It's not forever.

0x21 · 17th November 2006, 7:18pm

If yes, why? no jobs doing what I wanted to do without a degree
Did you gain anything from it? I've walked into my first real job at £20k and thats likely to increase gradually over the rest of my career, I also learned a lot of life and social skill type stuff
Did you actually enjoy it? Yes
Are you glad you did? Yes

In your opinion, is getting a degree actually that important in terms of getting a well-paid job and getting ahead in life? If the job requires a degree then you'd need to get a degree, but if you want to do something which doesnt require anything like that and don't fancy uni then its a complete waste of time.

Of course money isn't everything, and I do love my job. But you can't scoff at the fact that I drive a fancy car and earn considerably more than the lads I grew up with, for doing a job which I think is easier. Except for one of them, who left school at 16 to become a plumber and earns double my wage again

dil_em_ma · 17th November 2006, 7:21pm

I started uni at 17, because it was what was expected of me and i was too scared to go on a gap year travelling around the world. It was a bit of a shock to the system to say the least and i soon realised quite how immature i was and that i really shouldn't have been there. I spent the rest of that year growing up and resat first year the next year.

I didn't really enjoy the subjects in my first years, but i'm glad i stuck it out. It allowed me to get involved in so many things in and around the uni and i think my confidence and maturity has greatly increased. I'm now in second year, have changed the direction of my course slightly (from physics and music, to just music) and love it.

I'm so glad i'm here and doing everything that i am. I didn't enjoy first year, but i feel i used the time to develop and do other things and now have a lot of experience behind me. And i've made friends for life. I wouldn't change a thing.

Mos Def · 17th November 2006, 7:22pm

First year at Uni was quite possibly the best year of my life, i'm amazed at how many folk say they hated it.

Devastator · 17th November 2006, 7:32pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mos Def

First year at Uni was quite possibly the best year of my life, i'm amazed at how many folk say they hated it.

For all I hate Uni and I'm miserabe when I'm there, this YEAR is a good one, overall.

I've made zero friends at Uni, just because of the nature of my course, so that's probably a big part of it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oskar

Wanted to jack in all in numerous times but the one thing that kept me going was thinking that it's only 3/4 years of my life and when broken down, that's only 6 months out of the entire year that you're actually in uni doing work.
In the grand scheme of things, it's a bit jack shit, innit?

That's what I'm trying to tell myself and get on with it, but it's genuinely making me lose the will to get out of bed in the morning. Good thing the Christmas holidays are soon!