Some of us Join the Navy...
Others become professional victims and destructive radicals...
Posted on 06/11/2003 11:23:53 AM PDT by Drew68
Wed Jun 11, 7:50 AM ET
Craig Wilson, USA TODAY
Years ago -- I don't need to say how many -- when I was a freshman in college, the first week on campus was filled with seminars and lectures and orientation meetings.
Upperclassmen set up tables on Syracuse's quad and dispensed the kind of knowledge only upperclassmen can dispense.
I remember chatting with one senior who proudly announced, ''I'm an anthro major myself.''
Maybe I didn't react fast enough, or act impressed enough, because she was quick with the follow-up.
''Anthropology?'' she asked as if introducing me to a brand-new world. ''Like Margaret Mead?''
''But doesn't Margaret Mead have the only job there is in anthropology?'' I naively asked.
She didn't like my question very much and didn't respond, turning instead to another freshman who had just strolled up to her table.
I often wonder whatever happened to her. What does happen to anthro majors? Or philosophy majors? Or art history majors, for that matter?
I came from a practical family. My parents were happy to send me to college, but they expected me to be employed in the end. A crazy notion, I know, but they were farmers, used to planting things in the spring and then getting a harvest in the fall. Even I thought it a fair exchange.
Kierkegaard and Caravaggio were all very well and good, but my dad had never heard of either, and he was damn well sure they weren't going to be very good references when the time came to hand over my résumé at a job interview.
I read the other day that this is the worst job market for recent college graduates in 40 years. The market for summer jobs is even worse, because the jobs usually taken by high school kids are now being taken by college grads who can't find jobs in, or out, of their fields.
So what's an art history major to do these days? Other than Prince William, an art history major with a somewhat secure job in sight, most everyone else will have to scramble.
The good news about a bad economy is that you have better-educated people working in the service industry. The bad news about a bad economy is that you have better-educated people working in the service industry.
I mean, do we need the woman at Home Depot telling us we're making a big mistake choosing the Ionic column over the Doric for the front porch?
There's a new radio commercial for Bud Light that salutes those out there working in the trenches, pursuing what seems to be the increasingly elusive American dream. The ad campaign is called Real Men of Genius, and it celebrates the common man, each with his own mini-bio, ending up with the not-too-surprising conclusion that we all need a cold beer at the end of a hard day.
The commercials celebrate everyone from the Mr. Wedding Band Guitar Player to Mr. Nudist Colony Activity Coordinator to Mr. Supermarket Free Sample Guy. All fictional, presumably.
Among the Real Men of Genius is Mr. Fancy Coffee Shop Coffee Pourer. And yes, you guessed it: He holds a degree in art history. A master's, in fact.
My dad would not have thought this fiction at all.
You don't know what a CDL is?
BWAHAHAHAHA
Indeed! It goes without saying I had to leave a lot of the excesses from my college years behind. I have way too much to lose now.
Furthermore, CDL holders are not given "warnings" for traffic infractions. We are presumed to know better.
It is an incredible responsibility, but for those who wish to make the necessary sacrifices (i.e., quit smoking weed) it can pay handsomly.
A pizza can feed a family of four
Some of us Join the Navy...
Others become professional victims and destructive radicals...
I earn a decent salary now with my engineering degree, but still indulge myself as an amateur historian.
You are correct. Those folks will never have to look hard for a job as well.
How come people do that? I'm serious... I do people do that? Because they have a real love of 'art(s)'? or 'history'? or 'Russian Studies'?
I can see some music degrees--if one just loves an instrument and will be happy making a pitiful living if they love the music.
I broke my ass for a BSEE and am now a Software Systems Engineer working for the Air Force. I love it and it pays...
I can still remember trudging off to spend the next 18-24 hours in the computer lab turning green under the fluorescent lights with my head spinning from the BO of all the stinky Arab, Indian, and Chinese students while the Lib Arts majors and Business Majors were all out drinking beer and playing sand volleyball with the 'hotties'.
Yeah, it was hell, but I like my job now--10 years later and I have plenty of time and money to drink beer play sand volleyball with a new round of 'hotties'.
I always wondered what eventually happened to those people..
As far as I can tell, we end up in the IT industry.
Seriously, I respect people who are focused enough in college to pick a major related to a lifelong profession they will actually pursue. My own brother knew he wanted to practice medicine by the time he graduated high-school, and he's doing it quite happily today. But far more often, undergraduates don't have a good idea about what they really want to do with their lives - let alone actually understanding all their opportunities and alternatives.
My dad, who spent a good part of his career recruiting engineering majors from college campuses, gave me excellent advice. He told me to NOT go into engineering, which was my inclination at the time. He told me to get a degree with a good liberal arts focus. That would make me a better educated person, capable of pursuing any number of opportunities, once I figured out what I wanted.
Despite my best effort at youthful rebellion, I followed my dad's advice. He turned out to be right. When I was in college, I had no idea what opportunities were out there. I had no clue what to do with my life. But I did end up educated in a way that made it relatively easy to pick a career, quickly learn the skills necessary, and succeed.
The utilitarian idea that colleges ought to be glorified trade schools is contrary to Western civilization's concept of the university, and its value in education as a good in itself.
Amen. :-)
I never intended to go that route. I've been a bicycle mechanic, small business owner, prison warden, and now a scientist. My first rule is never take a job you're perfectly qualified for it will only bore you.
If I could do college over again, I'd definately choose one of the hard-sciences for a major.
Alas, at 34, I have neither the time, money or dedication to go back to college and earn another degree. While it certainly can be done, it is just not something I see myself doing.
They become professors. (or waiters and secretaries)
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