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1. In a list of the 10 top reasons (i can’t remember where i read it) why a person won’t get interviewed, let alone hired, number 5 is:

“Over-qualified” – HR assumes that the moment a “better” job comes along the person would leave the company.

2. An Op-Ed in the Boston Globe today:

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/edito ... n_failure/

tells the story of a young man whose parents stood back and instead of pushing him into University looked at his aptitudes. He’s working in a home for developmentally-delayed adults and working out what he needs to study to get on in a job he really loves – and is good at.

Comments on that Op-Ed included a couple that suggested that he wouldn’t earn enough to pay his way in life and should give it up and do that Uni course in order to make the money he will need to be a success.

But there is also one comment from a music graduate:

Graduated with honors from high school and was admitted to Smith. I had no academic problems in college and received my BA. Now, 20 years later, I'm 50,000 in debt and work in customer service making less than $30,000 a year. So, in spite of doing everything "right" in school, I still have a low paying job that I hate. Why? Because a BA in music doesn't prepare you for anything but graduate school (which I can't afford.)

Questions:

Should a society regulate the numbers and types of courses available at Universities solely to meet the labour market?

Do / should vocational courses merit the same “respect” as Uni courses?

What value do you think attaches to a Uni degree when it comes to employment? Is it only about money?

What is “over-qualified”?

What thoughts on the notion of education and employment came to your mind when you looked at the juxtaposition of my recent readings?

The floor is open.

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Questions:

Should a society regulate the numbers and types of courses available at Universities solely to meet the labour market?
While I can understand how the theory could sound logical I think it has some flaws. Who's to say that the jobs needed this year will be the same ones needed in say 3 or 5 years time. It just can't be regulated in practice. Plus what one person deems as neccessary isn't always the same as another's pov.

Do / should vocational courses merit the same “respect” as Uni courses?
Yes. There's a lot more kudos in Uni courses that really should be put on to the vocational courses. Academia can't fix the boiler and give you the safety cert, can it. I know who I'm more pleased to see when my heating doesn't work.

What value do you think attaches to a Uni degree when it comes to employment? Is it only about money?
Wouldn't that depend on the degree?

What is “over-qualified”?
I've been told many a time I'm over qualified and have been asked to explain why I'm not going to get bored and leave in a month. I wonder if today most graduates are going for jobs that they are over qualified for because lack of work means anything is better than nothing. I would mention the preconceptions that some people have of some courses, but my head's not working too well due to a bottle of beer or two.

What thoughts on the notion of education and employment came to your mind when you looked at the juxtaposition of my recent readings?

The floor is open.

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Should a society regulate the numbers and types of courses available at Universities solely to meet the labour market?

No. On some level the love of learning for its own sake ought to be a factor. I don't discount using this time to explore and grow. People are free to explore or to be focused on something that is more directly career oriented.

Yanno, a fellow who gets a BA in Music and then says "but, but, but... there's no career path with big $ attached to this degree" didn't spend a moment *thinking* before he signed up, now did he?

Why not get a degree in music if you love music and want to spend some years immersed (or embroiled, lol) in it? Ahhh, the luxury of time!

Do / should vocational courses merit the same “respect” as Uni courses?

Depends on the program; they are not all equal. But, yeah, they ought to get the same respect. I personally don't see it happening, or at least not quickly. Need to s-l-o-w-l-y change perceptions of the parents and employers first.

What value do you think attaches to a Uni degree when it comes to employment? Is it only about money?

Ideally it is a well rounded person who can *think*, meet deadlines and follow thru on commitments.

What is “over-qualified”?
Someone whose education and/or experience (personally, I put more weight on experience) means they are on a higher level than the tedious and mind numbing tasks this particular job entails. Theory goes, the person will be unhappy performing a task below their abilities. It fits with people feeling fulfilled by work they find challenging and believe is worthwhile.

What thoughts on the notion of education and employment came to your mind when you looked at the juxtaposition of my recent readings?
You can get educated for a job, you can get educated for life and sometimes they are even the same thing.

Dear Sir,

Thank you for your letter of August 16. After careful consideration, I regret to inform you that I am unable to accept your refusal to offer me a position in your Company.

This year I have been particularly fortunate in receiving an unusually large number of rejection letters. With such a varied and promising field of candidates, it is impossible for me to accept all refusals.

Despite your Company's outstanding qualifications and previous experience in rejecting applicants, I find that your rejection does not meet my needs at this time. Therefore, I will assume the position of Executive Chef in your Company this September. I look forward to seeing you then.

Best of luck in rejecting future applicants.

Sincerely,
Colin.
tw@t.

Do / should vocational courses merit the same “respect” as Uni courses?
Yes. There's a lot more kudos in Uni courses that really should be put on to the vocational courses. Academia can't fix the boiler and give you the safety cert, can it. I know who I'm more pleased to see when my heating doesn't work.

Do / should vocational courses merit the same “respect” as Uni courses?
Depends on the program; they are not all equal. But, yeah, they ought to get the same respect. I personally don't see it happening, or at least not quickly. Need to s-l-o-w-l-y change perceptions of the parents and employers first.

I work a blue collar job (mechanic/tech), and these two statements really do put a genuine smile on my face. It is very good to hear that some people understand that we aren't just proles, peons, or the "great unwashed". I'm actually a bit surprised to read these statements, that some people DO appreciate the people that do the "dirty" jobs, and that they think some amount of respect is deserved.
As already stated, and I agree, respect for vocational (blue collar) jobs is rather extinct.
Ever notice how much more enjoyable a meal has been at a restaurant when the waitress/waiter does their job to your satisfaction?

Dear Sir,

Thank you for your letter of August 16. After careful consideration, I regret to inform you that I am unable to accept your refusal to offer me a position in your Company.

This year I have been particularly fortunate in receiving an unusually large number of rejection letters. With such a varied and promising field of candidates, it is impossible for me to accept all refusals.

Despite your Company's outstanding qualifications and previous experience in rejecting applicants, I find that your rejection does not meet my needs at this time. Therefore, I will assume the position of Executive Chef in your Company this September. I look forward to seeing you then.

Best of luck in rejecting future applicants.

Sincerely,

Danno I personally think that society is a bit fucked up when it comes to the respect academic intelligence holds. I am forever grateful that my boiler man trained in that job, I would be cold and have no hot water if it weren't for him, I know nothing about boilers. I'm so happy that I can call on someone who knows how to fix washing machines and hoovers, because I can't. I owe my mechanic big time for being there everytime something goes wrong with my car, which it often does. All these people make my life so much easier and they have my utmost respect for being able to do what I can't. There are different types of intelligence and I think they all deserve the same amount of respect because the world needs all of them to function properly. JMO.

Autodidactism works best, as long as you have a good teacher.

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Humph, the English are a nation of self-made men - who worship their Maker...

This is the Religion and Stuff thread, isn't it?

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belinda wrote:.
Humph, the English are a nation of self-made men - who worship their Maker...

This is the Religion and Stuff thread, isn't it?

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Ha ha... not when I checked last.