Advanced degrees

[thatguyjeff]

To you, what does possessing an advanced degree (graduate degree or higher) indicate about a person, if anything?

Does it mean they are smart? Does it mean they are hard working? Does it mean anything at all?

If you know nothing else about an individual except that they have obtained an advanced degree, does it tell you anything about that person?

To me, an advanced degree is an indicator of a couple things. That person is:
1. willing and able to conform to both a specific, objective ruleset and a subjective ruleset; and
2. able to memorize facts.

And that's it. Advanced degrees mean little more than that.

 

[Zorak]

I'm not sure what the equilivant to an advanced degree is in the UK? Can someone help me out?

Is that the same as a post graduate or an undergraduate degree?

 

[Jersey]

I'm annoyed with advanced degrees...

During and after I got my bachelor's degree, I worked in my field and got hands on experience. Other people decided to go straight from their bachelor's to get the master's with no hands on training, yet they get certain jobs before me. Would you rather hire someone who has 4 more years of schooling, but has never seen someone with autism/developmental disabilities or hire someone who "only has a bachelor's" but has worked with more than 20 individuals from all ranges of disabilities?

I'm annoyed that I just need the piece of paper to "prove" that I am as smart as someone who has a Master's.

 

[GraceAbounds]

Advanced degrees mean that the person was willing to stick with something, which a lot of people do not have the gumption to do. It takes effort and perseverance to achieve things over the long haul.

 

[Jersey]

I'm not sure what the equilivant to an advanced degree is in the UK? Can someone help me out?

Is that the same as a post graduate or an undergraduate degree?

Post graduate... whatever you call it after the first 4 years of college

 

[dt3]

I'm annoyed with advanced degrees...

During and after I got my bachelor's degree, I worked in my field and got hands on experience. Other people decided to go straight from their bachelor's to get the master's with no hands on training, yet they get certain jobs before me. Would you rather hire someone who has 4 more years of schooling, but has never seen someone with autism/developmental disabilities or hire someone who "only has a bachelor's" but has worked with more than 20 individuals from all ranges of disabilities?

I'm annoyed that I just need the piece of paper to "prove" that I am as smart as someone who has a Master's.

I can relate with my 5 years of electronics experience but no degree :mad :mad :mad

 

[Jersey]

I can relate with my 5 years of electronics experience but no degree :mad :mad :mad

My post would definitely include those with "only" a high school degree and yet years of experience. I should have included that in my original post!

 

[Peter Parka]

Fuck all! I take people as I find them.

 

[HisHoliness]

Advanced degrees mean that the person was willing to stick with something, which a lot of people do not have the gumption to do. It takes effort and perseverance to achieve things over the long haul.

And money.

I find among my friends and people I know, advanced degrees are only sought after when they are required for a certain type of profession. Beyond that, it's just wasting money.

 

[HisHoliness]

I can relate with my 5 years of electronics experience but no degree :mad :mad :mad

Surfing internet porn is an eight year degree. Hang in there.

 

[HottyToddyChick]

I"m going for my masters, but only because I'm not ready to be in the real world yet. That could be another reason people stay in school.

 

[Carthage]

It means one of two things: They are an intelligent person worthy of praise and respect, or they're a liberal subjectivist who is not capable of using reason. Usually, though, I go by the first one when it comes to an initial judment, and only when they have proven that they are part of the second group do I change my judgment.

 

[GraceAbounds]

I"m going for my masters, but only because I'm not ready to be in the real world yet. That could be another reason people stay in school.

Very true.

Enjoy it as long as you can.

 

[GraceAbounds]

And money.

I find among my friends and people I know, advanced degrees are only sought after when they are required for a certain type of profession. Beyond that, it's just wasting money.

Many people do it for personal fulfillment as well. I don't think that is a waste of money if one really enjoys learning. What is a waste of money differs with different values and different perspectives.