So school starts tomorrow.

[LukeA]

Originally Posted by camchristo

In a strictly real-world sense, I agree with you. I could do my job as a lawyer without having gone to college or law school. Law school did not prepare me for what the job would really be like and it did not teach me to be a lawyer. I could have been taught the job, just like any other.

However, the reality is that it is somewhat difficult to break into a well-paying job without having the right paperwork (read: degree). You're just not going to get your foot in many doors without it. I realize there are exceptions but I'm talking in a broad sense. I'm a proponent of education if for no other reason that to gain an edge in the job market.

Sophomore year of college, I took an internship. Two weeks later, I was hired full time, immediately coordinating major, national projects and managing million dollar productions/investments. None of this had anything to do with where I went to/what I did in college. All I had to do was exhibit my intelligence, awareness, and drive for success. In fact, I had to continue the charade of going to college, "learning" everything I was doing for a living on a daily basis, just to get the degree/piece of paper. My then-girlfriend had to deal with the exact same scenario at the same college/similar company. Its not an unusual concept- seizing an opportunity and utilizing your abilities- all without relying on name or prestige.

Its been my experience (based on what I've seen with friends and colleagues) is that superficial AP classes/clubs leads to a superficial placement at a certain college- where you pay outrageous sums of money to attend- which leads to a superficial placement at some job somewhere. Nothing intellectually redeeming- just means to an end, or a self-satisfaction for jumping through so many hoops. Seems like a whole lot of bull**** when all that really matters is a fundamental (hands-on) knowledge of your field, along with the right opportunity (that's earned based on effort and credentials, and I'm not talking about school), and some inspired, hard work.