yip, i'm always happy to have the "degree" OR not to "degree" discussion.... I have strong feelings that a degree for most people is an amazingly valuable thing. The return on investment is incredible.
But...
- it's never a guarantee- a person's drive and attitudes will determine success. School is one place to develop that drive.- i went to school with a lot of guys who never developed or truly learned while getting their degree. And a whole lot of people who did- myself included. I really developed and learned a lot getting that degree- the most valuable of which wasn't the knowledge- it was the discipline and work ethic getting the grade instilled. College is a place where we put ourselves in challenging situations, so that we can develop the skills to overcome them. For me, at some point, the world went from moving faster than me, to me moving much faster than the world. I would not be as successful or happy without my college experiences.
A degree isn't necessarily required for success and happiness- but a thirst for learning is.
I don't think you are arguing that a person can become successful while remaining ignorant? You're just saying that the "Good Will Hunting" library card is actually a smarter way to gain the knowledge? Through job experience?
I think the classroom is just that. It's a cog in the wheel for learning- but bouncing theories off the other classmates and pushing each other has it's place.
There's a stat that said a college degree reduces your chance of becoming a millionaire by xx percent. The reason is b/c you're so employable you dont' take the risk to start your own business. you sit back fairly comfortable- not rich- not poor.
Bottom line in the pilot world. Those of us with a degree do much much better than those of us who don't. And it's not close. Those that slip through tend to be very well connected. Well over 90% of major airline pilots have degrees. And ask Albie- but maybe 80%+ of regional pilots. It's a liability you will have to explain in an interview. Can you overcome it? Sure- but why not do the schoolwork? Why would you NOT get a degree? To HR people, who at the major level all have Master's or equivalent- it raises some eyebrows. Pilots go where when they are first hired?
To class?
A degree shows you're capable of doing well in a class environment.
To not get a degree when well over 90% of your peers do... what attitudes do you have?
It just raises a lot of questions that, right or wrong, will get asked.
Again- from all your posts, it sounds like youre stumping for your own agenda.