The Apprentice - High School vs. College Graduates

carefully faded

Who saw the Apprentice tonight? For those of you who missed it, it was the season opener. Donald has grouped the candidates into two teams (college graduates and high school graduates). Then he informed them that one team has a combined average salary that is more than two times higher than the other . . . that team is the high school graduate team.

I'm so excited about this show. I am a financial professional with no college degree (thanks WTS! ). I have worked very hard to gain the necessary experience and learn on the job and have worked my way to my current position. Everyone else on my team has a college degree - and many have or are working on their Masters degrees. I am always nervous as the subject of school comes up in conversation . . . as I know I will be asked the inevitable "where did you go to school?" This has always been a huge source of embarassment to me. I mean, how do you explain it . . .. "well, growing up, I was continually encouraged not to attend college so that I would not be influenced by the world's twisted way of thinking; I was educated via the Theocratic Ministry School every Thursday night for 45 minutes; or better yet, I was putting kingdom interests first since Armageddon was just around the corner".

So, I've always avoided the subject whenever possible. But watching this show is making me feel better. Seeing other people (non-JWs) that are not college educated yet working in a professional field. . . Donald posed the question, "Are experience and attitude more valuable than education?" This is the question he hopes to have answered by the end of this show.

This should be good! My money is on the high school graduates. What do you guys think?

- CF

Stefanie

"Are experience and attitude more valuable than education?" This is the question he hopes to have answered by the end of this show."

I am also going for the HS grads! YUP! They had so much spunk and energy, it was cool to see them win.

Gretchen956

I missed it, CF, but I am just like you except that I was laid off the job I loved, had worked my way up to it and hoped to retire there... Now its tough to get anyone to look at my resume because I'm not a college grad. **heavy sigh** I'm back to doing secretarial work, but it pays the bills (barely) until something better comes up.

Lets hear it for the high schoolers and street smarts!

Sherry

carefully faded

Stefanie, yep, I agree - the HS team seems more together and very energetic!

((Gretchen)) hang in there. You'll find the right job again - soon! I would totally be in your shoes if I were to lose my job. I've been given this opportunity by being able to prove myself each step of the way. But if I were to apply "off the street" at a new company, with people who don't know me or my performance . . then it would be pretty hard to do so without a degree. Any opportunities at your current company?

- CF

heathen

I saw it and yah that was kinda funny how the street smarts beat out the college dweebs . Trump fired their leader , one can only wait to see what happens next . LMAO .................. This is the best idea they came up for on that show since it started. College didn't seem to matter last year as the girl who was last to be fired had two degrees from ivy league schools and was beat out by the guy that went to west point .

Little Red Hen

I have to concur that the HS grads will take it. My own experience predicts this. I have as professional references vice presidents and directors of a couple of large companies. I am now job shopping, and one of those vps wants me back! A university degree will open more doors more quickly, in the long run it is experience and the ability to 'fit the pieces together' that count.

Mary

I am always nervous as the subject of school comes up in conversation . . . as I know I will be asked the inevitable "where did you go to school?" This has always been a huge source of embarassment to me.

It shouldn't be. While I completely understand your frustration at our being discouraged from getting a university/college degree, you should be proud of what you've accomplished! I've been working since I was 16 years old, so when it comes to knowing how to get things, done, I probably know more than someone with a degree. A degree is certainly useful in many jobs, but not every job. It can make you book smart, but sometimes that doesn't mean squat. For example, I see students with a BA in Economics who can give you a very complex reading of the entire economic structure of the country, but they don't know what 9 x 7 is without a calculator.

It should be interesting to see what happens on this series of the Apprentice.

Double Edge

What a great show that was, and btw, the High School grads income was THREE times that of the college grads. It's going to be a good season for them. I especially like the part in the beginning where the High School grads toasted their glasses and said... "We're already winners, because we got nothing to lose".... they just seemed so much "together" than the other group....the kind of strangers you could sit down with, have a drink, and feel totally relaxed with.

jeanniebeanz

As I've been reading this, I just think yup, yup, yup... as has been said before, 'thanks WTS'. Had to get my degree after leaving the org so that I could pursue better positions. It took me 6 years and 23k while raising a family and working a full time job.

How many of us heard our jw ex-husbands say that we should not go to college or question their authority but rather be submissive since they were our husbandly owners? <wretching here>

I'm rooting for the HS grads...

Jean

FairMind

Nothing beats experience and intelligence for most jobs. Still, I think the right kind of college education gives knowledge and balance that will take one a little higher up the skill level. I guess it also depends on the profession you’re in. I wouldn’t want a “HS only grad” performing heart surgery on me.

FM

The Apprentice - High School vs. College Graduates

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