University degrees that will get your kids a job and those that probably won't

[Fred Bloggs]

The only half sensible Google hit on "Tin Mining degree" is this thread! I think the nearest thing is the Camborne School of Mining.

[SueEllen]

The only half sensible Google hit on "Tin Mining degree" is this thread! I think the nearest thing is the Camborne School of Mining.

Exeter Uni properly renamed it especially as English university STEM departments rely a lot on overseas students.

The people I know and knew who did the stupidly named degrees would rename their degree on their CV/Application forms when they were looking for jobs outside the industry. However they would put the proper name in brackets.

[lukemg]

Had a couple of mates who did Mineral Estate Management. They had done a year elsewhere and packed it in to do this too. Not sure where they ended up but not sure mining was the way to go !
Still, IT was supposed to be the future too....

[Doggy Styles]

I'm told that Microbiology is a good degree to do. Not necessarily to become a microbiologist, but the techniques and methods you learn stand you in good stead in a variety of careers.

[Doggy Styles]

It's a shame that studying something interesting for its own sake is no longer encouraged.

I'm thinking of subjects like art, literature and history/classics, where there are few opportunities for a career in the specific subject.

Years ago somebody with a decent degree in classics was seen as having a good brain and eminently employable in other fields, but now subjects like that are scoffed at a bit, with the attitude "if I want to know about classics I'll look it up".

Is it because four or five times as many people go to university now and come out with more "practical" degrees?

Does having so many graduates lower the overall competence of them, causing prospective employers to tar all with the same brush and search out grads with "useful" degrees on the basis that at least they've learned something that they might apply to work?

[Sysman]

It's a shame that studying something interesting for its own sake is no longer encouraged.

I'm thinking of subjects like art, literature and history/classics, where there are few opportunities for a career in the specific subject.

Years ago somebody with a decent degree in classics was seen as having a good brain and eminently employable in other fields, but now subjects like that are scoffed at a bit, with the attitude "if I want to know about classics I'll look it up".

A good degree in history/classics was always a route to a good career,. Employers valued these degrees, not for the subject content but because they proved that you were bright and could apply yourself with discipline.

Is it because four or five times as many people go to university now and come out with more "practical" degrees?

Does having so many graduates lower the overall competence of them, causing prospective employers to tar all with the same brush and search out grads with "useful" degrees on the basis that at least they've learned something that they might apply to work?

There's definitely something in that. It also allows employers the delusion that they can get results without much training.

[SueEllen]

Is it because four or five times as many people go to university now and come out with more "practical" degrees?

Does having so many graduates lower the overall competence of them, causing prospective employers to tar all with the same brush and search out grads with "useful" degrees on the basis that at least they've learned something that they might apply to work?

Are European Studies with French and German (Double Awarded Degree), Economics, Physiotherapy, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, Maths or Business Studies useful if you want to become a accountant?

I know people who studied all these in the past and have become accountants.

[SueEllen]

I forgot to add that for those in England who plan to get their sons and daughters to study through the OU there is some bad news.

Fees for people starting in 2012 go up to £5000 per 120 credits.

While they can still work full-time whilst study for a degree with the OU they may as well if they can live at home and fit in work part-time go to a conventional university if a near by one is decent.

[SueEllen]

And after a while they all have the desire to become Lion Tamers.

A few of them have taken a year off to do something a lot more interesting.......

No Lion Tamers though