The holy grail of university education.

[Deleted User]

Whatever happened to "I want to do a degree in <SUBJECT> because I want a career in <JOB TYPE>"

Doing a degree for the sake of it is foolhardy..schools should really do more to discuss career options.

I do remember the discussions by BA students about what the hell they could do with their degrees. Being a smug BSc-type, we accepted that our longer study hours would result in easier access to the job market

studentphil

ringo_24601 wrote: »

Whatever happened to "I want to do a degree in <SUBJECT> because I want a career in <JOB TYPE>"

Doing a degree for the sake of it is foolhardy..schools should really do more to discuss career options.

I do remember the discussions by BA students about what the hell they could do with their degrees. Being a smug BSc-type, we accepted that our longer study hours would result in easier access to the job market

It never happens, careers ed is go to a top univ and you will get a great career no worries.

Tons of BSc students can't get science jobs more than a lab tech.

[Deleted User]

Science jobs need more than a degree. Academic scientific careers require at least an MSc and more usually a PhD

You're only qualified to be a lab tech with a BSc.. further training is required for more advanced work

studentphil

ringo_24601 wrote: »

Science jobs need more than a degree. Academic scientific careers require at least an MSc and more usually a PhD

You're only qualified to be a lab tech with a BSc.. further training is required for more advanced work

Maybe lab tech is not a bad job for a BSc but it hardly sounds very graduate level.
I think most BA students believe the careers advice that there is a management or an accounting post on a grad scheme for them afterwards.

[Deleted User]

SP, since you know nothing of scientific careers, i'll forgive you on this one. Yes, lab tech can be a graduate entry level job. I knew lab technicians that were highly regarded at their job and their opinions were well regarded... however, it's not a job with massive amount of progression built into it. People sometimes use it as a way of jumping into academia, starting a PhD or MPhil or just gaining experience

Hereward

studentphil wrote: »

Maybe lab tech is not a bad job for a BSc but it hardly sounds very graduate level.
I think most BA students believe the careers advice that there is a management or an accounting post on a grad scheme for them afterwards.

There is nothing wrong with a Lab Tech's job. My Uncle started as a Lab Tech with only a few qualifications (no Degree). He now lectures at Cambridge (still has not degree).

You have to remember that not all BSc degrees are in natural sciences (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) as well. I use my BSc in my job, but I work in business nowhere near a research lab.

studentphil

I can't really even see how a BSc in business or economics helps your career as you are still excluded from jobs through lack of experience.

Hapless_2

conradmum wrote: »

So if you don't want to support them, they can't afford to go anyway.

That's forcing them not to go to uni.

When they are 18, I am no longer financially liable for them. It's not forcing them not to go to uni. It is, however making them look at their options. Working and part time uni/Open uni course is more than viable.
If it came to it I would argue in court that at 18, they are, by law, an adult and non-dependant and as I would (if the case appropriate) not be able to claim benefits for them I am therefore not financially responsible for them in anyway. If they want parents to be financially responsible for their children, i.e. paying their fees, then they should not be classed as an adult until university leaving age (21/22).

studentphil

Hereward wrote: »

There is nothing wrong with a Lab Tech's job. My Uncle started as a Lab Tech with only a few qualifications (no Degree). He now lectures at Cambridge (still has not degree).

You have to remember that not all BSc degrees are in natural sciences (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) as well. I use my BSc in my job, but I work in business nowhere near a research lab.

But to lecture he muct have done something like professional body exams instead of a degree.

[Deleted User]

Nope SP, currently you don't need any special qualification to lecture. I've given a lecture at a uni as part of a post-grad course and i've got no special certificate to say I can.

They may be introducing a requirement soon, but it's not required yet