The 3rd Degree....

Is a college degree/advanced degree necessary?  Let me preface by saying I have a LOT of "schooling" and several degrees that I appreciate and of which I am proud.  Currently, I am putting the finishing touches on a second Masters' degree (MS in Information Technology, Spring 2013), my third post-secondary degree.  However, I have been reading a lot of stories on the dangers and pitfalls of post-secondary schooling,  like the "Education Bubble" by Howard University grad Reggie Middleton. Wall Street Journal published a recent article as well about the value of a degree.

When you consider the current job market and starting salaries, coupled with the rising costs of secondary education and relative ease of attaining government-backed, education loans, the world of academia really does resemble the housing market of 2006.

So I ask.... is it necessary? 


I know that corporate jobs are making it mandatory to have a college degree to even get an interview...  And that fuels the education market wheel.  Need job - need degree for job - "free" money for degree - get in school.... and so on.  However, I think there needs to be a REAL discussion and analysis before one goes into debt with loans that you cannot discharge, on the premise that THE job is waiting on the other side...

Pretty soon EVERYONE will have a degree...then what separates wheat from the chaff?  I say learn a skill...  Get "real world" experience.  Seek out mentorship opportunities.  Network.

Go to college too - get an education FOR THE EDUCATION!  Not for the promise of employment....

Be sensible.

Get passionate.  And your passion will lead you to "earning a living".