Posted by derek [68.122.13.133] on Thursday, August 08, 2013 at 22:27:53 :
In Reply to: College Degrees? OT posted by Sterling from TX [99.58.180.94] on Thursday, August 08, 2013 at 11:30:23 :
My thoughts:
-Degree is used to meet the minimum requirements for job application. You need one to have your resume read for some jobs.
-variety of experience is extremely valuable. If successful it can also show you can work for many different people in different situations. Or it can show you can't or don't want to hold down a stable job.
-Mentioned earlier, people skills, writing skills, persistence and a willingness to learn? Can you listen?
-Engineers think different. You can learn this, but it would be better to have the knack. Engineering is an extremely organized process. Is your head organized and deliberate? Engineers are optimists. They can solve any problem (given enough time and resources).
-I grew up in world that valued executives over laborers even skilled labor. Then that world fired everyone to maximize profits. I thought a degree and white collar would make me more money. Skilled laborers make at least 40% more than I do. (equipment operators, highway construction, steel workers etc...) Some days I think their jobs are more interesting.
-I want to hire someone that is enthusiastic about the work, not looking for just another notch on their professional pole. I want someone who can solve a problem on their own. I want to hire someone like Tim was describing below in the forum.
-Polite persistence, shake their hand and talk in person.
-Show up on time. Don't always leave before the boss does.
-Someone else wants to take your retirement. Save for retirement and your kids ASAP. Virtually no one does this well, epically me. Saving money now will get you more later. Debt will kill you. Pay for school as you go as best you can and avoid debt.