Having a degree doesn't mean as much as it used to. It's sad, but true, especially for those of us still paying off student loans.
My mom and I had this conversation the other day. She, without a college degree, from a generation where having that piece of paper meant job success and security; then me, with a bachelor's in science, from a generation where more and more people are moving home after graduating because we can't find a job.
And that's exactly what happened, along with the vast majority of my friends (at least the ones who didn't become teachers).
While helping me wash dishes — because she's amazing like that — we discussed my "little" cousins, one about to graduate high school and the other pursuing her college degree. Both incredibly bright young ladies, who, unfortunately, are probably going to have a much tougher time in the job market than even I, or my brother, did upon graduating. Yet, we're still expected to get that degree because, well, that's what you do. At least, that's what we do.
When I started college in 2003, there was still that glimmer of hope that when I graduated in four years I would have a world of possibilities open to me because I took that plunge into furthering my education.
My brother had graduated not long before I started and although I saw him struggle, he was smart, determined and had that degree backing him up. Eventually, he landed a decent-paying job that put his education to good use and he's done well ever since.
Four years later, I'm thrust into the real world, ready to be a successful writer (or whatever. Let's face it — I wasn't being too picky) and I was forced to live back at home and work two retail jobs. Not exactly the awesome post-college life I was hoping to experience.
Eventually, I did land a gig, at the very publication you're reading, no less, but my degree had very little to do with that.
My sister-in-law is a great example of this — brilliant, hard-working and working on her doctorate.
Before her decision to go the next step, she was looking for jobs. With two masters in hand, even she struggled. Everyone wanted experience, or a doctorate, or I guess someone who knew three languages instead of two (she still wants to learn another, just for fun).
If my smarty-pants sister can't get a job despite her numerous degrees and amazing qualifications, there's seriously something wrong.
Do I regret going to college? Not at all. I garnered some irreplaceable experiences while attending, made lifelong friends, met my husband and probably learned more about Victorian literature than a normal person should ever have to.
I encourage everyone to pursue higher education if they feel it would strengthen them as a person and make them a more viable candidate for the career they wish to obtain.
My point is, college used to be about preparing a person for the real world. Providing them with knowledge and experience that would prove to be useful once out in the job market, which would most likely happen shortly after one would graduate.
It's just not the same.
I don't have a solution to this issue. Perhaps society should redefine what having a college degree means, as I'm clearly one of thousands — if not millions — of 20-somethings around the country going through the same thing. Maybe college students should receive more real world experience (senior year internships for one semester doesn't count) so they're better prepared.
One thing I do know is that I have a very expensive piece of paper in my closet that I'm still paying for and isn't as powerful as I hoped it would be.
And to those going through the same journey I did several years ago, including my cousins, I honestly wish you the best of luck, without any hint of sarcasm. Just be ready to work your butt off when you're done.