Decisions Decisions

[OHIO]

Ok, I got accepted into the business program at the University of Cincinnati and I am lucky enough to have parents that are willing to pay for college (no matter where I go). I know I want a business degree, but to be honest, I don't think you need to go to a four year college to get a good job. I also know that I want to get a job in the fishing industry, specifically for a company that produces fishing equipment. I have been looking at some two year colleges to transfer to after the first quarter, but I am not sure if an associates degree will be sufficient enough for obtaining a decent job. Basically, what I am asking is what would you do in a situation like mine? I am asking this to the older guys on the forum mainly, but anyone can chime in if they want.

[Bassn Blvd]

  Don't limit yourself to a 2 year degree if you have the opportunity to get your 4 year degree. 

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Don't limit yourself to a 2 year degree if you have the opportunity to get your 4 year degree.

X2

If you have the opportunity, take the four year.

[Lund Explorer]

Congratulations to you, and just as importantly, your parents for making the investment in your future.  As one of those parents who put four out of our five kids through college, I can tell you that their choice is a vote of confidence in you.  They are giving you the gift of making a better life for yourself.  Now it is up to you to make the most of that opportunity.

I find it interesting that you are considering a business degree with the goal of working in the fishing industry.  I found the comment on whether a associate's degree would suffice over a possible bachelor's though as a possible issue.  So if you can humor this old man, I'll play the part of devil's advocate with a few questions?  I don't think it is all that important that you answer any of them here, but I do hope that you'll at least consider the answers.

So first off, what is your goal inside the fishing industry? 

You made the statement of working for a company that "produces" fishing equipment.  Would this mean that you have an interest in the manufacturing process?  Wholesale operations?  Design and invention?

Have you discussed these things with anyone already in the fishing industry?  Where did the idea of a two year degree come from?

There are other questions that could be asked or at least considered, but I think you get the idea of where I'm coming from.  Fortunately, as you are just starting out in college, it isn't too late to ask those questions of yourself.  My advice would be to do more research into the career path you are looking at to see what qualities you'll need for success.

BTW, those four kids that I paid for....  One is working in their chosen career field which was nursing, Two others are working in jobs that had nothing to do with their degrees, while the fourth just graduated from school with his second degree.  Our youngest decided to go in another direction.  He started his own business with the money I would have spent for college.  They are all doing okay, but I wish they had all taken the time to answer those same questions.  Sometimes, I wish I had asked them.

[Grey Wolf]

Don't limit yourself to a 2 year degree if you have the opportunity to get your 4 year degree.

X2

If you have the opportunity, take the four year.

X3 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CFFF 1.5]

While you can get a good job without a degree or with a 2 year degree, if you have the opportunity you need to get at least a Bachelors Degree and after that a Masters Degree. Don't rush into being a grown up too fast.

[Skunked in DR]

Don't limit yourself to a 2 year degree if you have the opportunity to get your 4 year degree.

x4

A Bachelors is likely to open more doors down the road.  It seems that more and more people are looking for graduate or professional degrees in addition to a 4 year degree.

[Root beer]

It doesn't matter what route you take, trade school, 4 year, 2 years, etc. It still going be really hard to get a job. Especially if you lack experience in the field you are applying for.

Just take the route you will love. Whatever it is you want to be good at and have the passion to make a career out of it, that's the route you need to take. If your dream does not include a bachelor's degree, then you don't have to go that way. IMO, society thinks we all need a college degree, it's pretty wrong IMO. I have an associate and almost have a bachelor, it doesn't make me feel any more special than the next guy. It just makes me feel more qualify in certain area than some people, but overall I don't feel more special. I don't even have my associate hanging up on the wall..

[roadwarrior]

Don't limit yourself to a 2 year degree if you have the opportunity to get your 4 year degree.

Unless you are looking at a "trade school", two year

colleges are not going to get you anywhere. Go to

a four year college and get your degree.

8-)

[bigfruits]

parents are paying for it? do all 4 yrs.

sure, you can get a good job without a college degree. sooner or later you will bump your head on that glass ceiling.

[OHIO]

Congratulations to you, and just as importantly, your parents for making the investment in your future. As one of those parents who put four out of our five kids through college, I can tell you that their choice is a vote of confidence in you. They are giving you the gift of making a better life for yourself. Now it is up to you to make the most of that opportunity.

I find it interesting that you are considering a business degree with the goal of working in the fishing industry. I found the comment on whether a associate's degree would suffice over a possible bachelor's though as a possible issue. So if you can humor this old man, I'll play the part of devil's advocate with a few questions? I don't think it is all that important that you answer any of them here, but I do hope that you'll at least consider the answers.

So first off, what is your goal inside the fishing industry?

You made the statement of working for a company that "produces" fishing equipment. Would this mean that you have an interest in the manufacturing process? Wholesale operations? Design and invention?

Have you discussed these things with anyone already in the fishing industry? Where did the idea of a two year degree come from?

There are other questions that could be asked or at least considered, but I think you get the idea of where I'm coming from. Fortunately, as you are just starting out in college, it isn't too late to ask those questions of yourself. My advice would be to do more research into the career path you are looking at to see what qualities you'll need for success.

BTW, those four kids that I paid for.... One is working in their chosen career field which was nursing, Two others are working in jobs that had nothing to do with their degrees, while the fourth just graduated from school with his second degree. Our youngest decided to go in another direction. He started his own business with the money I would have spent for college. They are all doing okay, but I wish they had all taken the time to answer those same questions. Sometimes, I wish I had asked them.

My goal is to get a marketing position for a company. Starting out low and eventually working my way up in the company. At UC, they have co-ops where you will gain experience in your field of study while you are still in college, so I feel it will be pretty easy to get a job after college if I already have two years of experience.

Thanks for all the input guys.

[MALTESE FALCON]

Being a retired college professor, I think you know what my answer is. Go all the way, or don't go.

Falcon

[bryand82487]

Definitely go for a bachelor's degree.  I'm 23 and was in the same situation you were in.  I definitely don't think there is a problem with going to a community college first although some people might argue this.  I got an associates degree and then got a good job doing IT work at a Corporate office after I finished up my degree.  I hold many computer  certifications and plan on staying there and moving up but am pursuing a Bachelors Degree right now also.  I might stay here forever or look for another job in a year or two who knows but I definitely want something to fall back on if I ever need it, especially while I don't have to pay for it.  When applying for jobs a Bachelors degree can make the difference in getting the job or even an interview.  Many jobs won't even consider you without a Bachelor's degree.  My boss for example says that he shows more interest in someone with a Bachelors degree because it tells him that this person is disciplined and committed.  You'll have friends who don't go to college or will get a job their happy with at the moment and drop out.  It might work out better for some but most it will not.  I know I'm not too much older than you but take it from me get a bachelors degree.  If you can work while your in school and hold your grades that's a plus!  Building up experience and meeting people who can help you out along the way will definitely give you a HUGE advantage over someone getting out of school without  any experience, unless your going to be a doctor,  going to law school, etc....

[Lucky Craft Man]

You can get a job if you drop out of high school.  The question is, would that be the type of job you would want to do the rest of your life?  I spent 12 years in college and earned 4 degrees, so it would be easy to guess what I think you should do.

[NorcalBassin]

You should probably set your goals a bit higher and give yourself a 5-6 year plan to chase an MBA. You may get a great job with an AA, but if you lose that job and have to look for another that has MBA's applying, you're gonna be in trouble. If you have a certain job you want, you need to start making yourself into a candidate that has what the others can't offer... not cross your fingers and hope for the best as you go up against people more educated or qualified than you.

College is an absolute blast... enjoy putting off real work as long as you can!

;D ;D ;D

[farmpond1]

As to whether I think the knowledge gained is intrinsically worth the money spent, no I do not.  Most of it's crap.  However, unless you plan to go it alone (private business where your clients don't care about your educational credentials), a bachelor's degree is the minimum most companies or organizations are looking for.  You might as well get used to the idea.  Otherwise, you'll be banging your head against walls all your life.

Plus, college can be fun.  Just don't waste your parents money completely.