Education
Worth The Work: Is the Bachelor’s Degree Worth Anything Anymore?
Photos by Kalyn Ruijters
I was recently asked whether or not a bachelor’s degree means anything anymore. The timing was apropos considering I had just finished my master’s degree because my bachelor’s didn’t distinguish me enough to pursue the direction I wanted in my field.
The question is certainly not surprising when it appears that nearly every job posting calls for a bachelor’s degree as a minimum requirement. As a young person in Northern California, you are surrounded by college graduates. Quickly you begin to wonder if that time-consuming, crazy-making program you put years into is just the new “high school diploma.” Regardless of how common the B.A. is these days, the reason for earning a degree of any kind is unlikely to be one-dimensional, and its benefits are often difficult to measure.
Some people don’t give a second thought to whether or not they’ll go to college-they just will, especially if it qualifies as a sort of “family tradition.” But those giving some serious thought to the value of a college degree, and how it measures up against the price tag, may want to explore the answers to some key questions:
What do you want to do? Once you answer that, research job outlook and qualifications. For many careers, you may not have a choice in the matter, as most jobs will require a bachelor’s degree or beyond. That makes the decision pretty simple though, doesn’t it?
Are you competitive? Even if a specific degree is not required in your field, think about how you measure up to all those other candidates. I would argue that many employers care more about the fact that you got yourself through school and less about what you studied. A college degree not only implies knowledge, but stamina and follow-through. The resume just writes itself.
Who do you want to be? I’m not saying how a college education will change you; I’m just saying it will. The process of learning is more about how you think than what you think about. But above all else, college encourages you to think critically, providing you with unique perspective, all while developing professional relationships with other energized minds around you. And hopefully all that networking will lead to a fulfilling job when it’s all said and done.
My opening paragraph leaves little ambiguity as to my position. But for those who like directness, yes, a bachelor’s degree is still worth something. It’s true that a B.A. is not always necessary and can be costly, but what I’ve always found to be the single best aspect of earning a degree is the fact that once you have it, you can never have it taken away from you. It is forever a testament to your hard work and dedication, and it will undoubtedly help open a door or two.
/ By Robin Eurgubian