Type of school affect the value of bachelor?

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ebec11
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08 May 2009, 8:58 pm

I'm currently considering going to a college that has a bachelor of applied business. I really like the sounds of the program, and despite my high grades I am a more hands on kind of person. I went to a field trip for the college and it seems like I'll actually be doing things that I would do if I had a business job. If I went into university business, it might just be the theory. It does require university courses to get into this program as well though. I'm still worried that people will think I'm lesser of a person if I don't go to university. I'm also worried that I might be bored in college business, but I'm also worried that I'll be too stressed in university business.
The other bachelor I'm considering (if I go to university) is a Bachelor of Commerce. There's introduction to psychology in it, which would make me happy, and it would give me time to figure out what strand of business I like, then focus in on it.
What is your advice?



Cyanide
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08 May 2009, 10:12 pm

This probably isn't the answer you were looking for, but my advice would be to major in something else.



ebec11
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08 May 2009, 10:25 pm

At least give a reason why I should not do it, I'm not going to listen to you just because you say so.
I don't understand why people don't like university business, sure it's pretty general, but so is a bunch of other bachelors! Business is not special. And don't you need it if you want to go into Business? I don't want to switch my career goals unless there's a reallyreallyreally good reason for it.



TheAbided
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12 May 2009, 10:46 pm

If you go into the Business school, you will be learning more than theory. It is meant to prepare you to go out into the real world, for you to learn practical business skills. Yes, you could make the next ebay or facebook, which you don't need a degree to do, but I wouldn't bet my money on it. Also, who cares what others think? Do what is best, but be smart and realistic. If you get a degree, chances are you will make more money later on, and you may be regretting not going to college. But don't let money be your main motivator, but definitely weigh that as a factor. Decide how important that is to you. So make the choice, and get advice from people you respect, and if you believe in God seek the answer from him.

Also, cyanide may be saying that due to the current economic crisis, that it isn't the best area to go into. That is a valid concern, but none of us know what is to come, an education can be a gamble.

And to answer your final question, it depends on the type of business you are going into, (you could always start your own business) but for the most part, yes, you do need a degree. No firm is going to hire you without a degree. Also, even if you want to start your own business, it will be easier with a degree, since it will be easier to get a loan from the bank, and you will have a better idea of what you need to do.



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13 May 2009, 2:49 am

The stereotype (which is not universally true) is that business is a joke major and the only people who choose it are there to drink and party rather than study. Science students tend to look down on business students, but then science students tend to look down on everyone.


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zer0netgain
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13 May 2009, 3:13 pm

All schools suffer from the "pedigree" effect.

In plain English, if it's not a big name school, your degree only holds value locally.

With law schools, all that matters is that it is ABA accredited, but don't expect firms outside your region to take you seriously for your first law job.

Same with MBAs. If you aren't using an MBA to move up where you're at, they are largely ignored.

People buy into the "name" and reputation of a school...which I think is stupid.



Space
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14 May 2009, 2:48 pm

Orwell wrote:
The stereotype (which is not universally true) is that business is a joke major and the only people who choose it are there to drink and party rather than study. Science students tend to look down on business students, but then science students tend to look down on everyone.

This is a stereotype because it's true most of the time. If you are taking business or social sciences (including law school), your degree could be worth nothing or it could be the golden ticket, DEPENDING on which school you go to. IE an ivy league (or top 5 schools) degree in any of those area would be worth a lot, but from an average school it means little.

I say... just major in what you find interesting, and do it at the best school you can get into/afford. You can always change your mind later or go back if you feel you need to, and you're much more likely to finish. If you aren't set on a job path and can afford university, getting a bachelor's degree is still a great idea, no matter what your major is.



ebec11
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20 May 2009, 9:00 pm

Thank you for the advice :D
I don't want to go to my main university even though I have the marks for it because they are extremely snotty. (My sister went there) There's a smaller (well, still around 15-20000 kids, but not as big shot) university I want to go. I want to go to the university more, but the program in the college sounds more interesting.
I guess I have a year or two to decide still though.



ruennsheng
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09 Jun 2009, 5:46 am

Yep take things slowly. And don't worry about the college's prestige when it gives you the full ride --- just take it and enjoy it! And be as free as possible financially!! ! :)

Of course, interest in something also helps.



roche12
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11 Jun 2009, 2:39 am

The problem with Business degrees is that they lack focus, and many people take that to mean anyone who gets one lacks focus.

If you truly enjoy business I would say figure out which parts you like the most, finance, accounting, marketing, etc. and major in that and minor in something else useful. Just about anything in business works. Learn a second or third language can be a good way to increase your job options, security and pay.

I wouldn't worry to much about which school to go to. Unless you are talking about ivy league it wont mean that much. I would consider cost more of a factor, the less you pay the better. The more you have to pay the less you technically make.



JerryHatake
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11 Jun 2009, 5:59 am

zer0netgain wrote:
All schools suffer from the "pedigree" effect.

In plain English, if it's not a big name school, your degree only holds value locally.

With law schools, all that matters is that it is ABA accredited, but don't expect firms outside your region to take you seriously for your first law job.

Same with MBAs. If you aren't using an MBA to move up where you're at, they are largely ignored.

People buy into the "name" and reputation of a school...which I think is stupid.


Actually that is not true at all since it is the degree that matters more than your university's/college's name.

George Mason University is a not big name school and yet all of the graduate from there are employed.


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