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Worthless degree

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Worthless degree

Postby MichaelXY » Mon Aug 20, 2007 4:03 am

I am an undergrad working on a cellular biology degree. Lately I have been hearing that this degree is worthless in gaining employment. Is this true?
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Postby MrMistery » Mon Aug 20, 2007 10:52 am

I sincerely hope not, since I am probably going to do the same major...
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Postby siroma » Mon Aug 20, 2007 11:21 am

Generally, yes. To get some salary you have to get minimum 2nd degree in biology.
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Postby kotoreru » Mon Aug 20, 2007 11:33 am

Siroma, you've completely misunderstood the question. The grade is important, but it was the subject area that was questioned.

Cell Biology is not worthless by any stretch of the imagination. You could always have a degree in Art or Media Studies. See how far that gets you.

Your options are much like any other area of science: Masters, PhD, Research, or direct employment by a specialist firm.

Try this (UK site): http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage ... ge/p!eLaXi
"What are humans if they don't learn at University? Animals, yes."

^^One of my ex-girlfriends said that. I stress the ex part.
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Postby david23 » Mon Aug 20, 2007 2:09 pm

An undergraduate degree is not that useful if you want to go into the field right afterwards. Pretty sad but true. All these companies want at least a masters for cell biology or any biology. If you are a chemistry/biochemistry background, you can usually get some work with an undergraduate degree at the same companies.
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Postby mith » Mon Aug 20, 2007 2:39 pm

It's always about doing what you love rather than doing what gets you money. I mean otherwise you could be a dope dealer or an engineer.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
~Niebuhr
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Postby MrMistery » Mon Aug 20, 2007 5:28 pm

I like the asociation. Dope dealer or engineer... :lol: :lol:
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Postby MichaelXY » Mon Aug 20, 2007 11:03 pm

I agree that doing something that you have a passion for is important, yet we still have mortgages to pay :)
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Postby siroma » Mon Aug 20, 2007 11:10 pm

kotoreru wrote:Siroma, you've completely misunderstood the question. The grade is important, but it was the subject area that was questioned.

Cell Biology is not worthless by any stretch of the imagination. You could always have a degree in Art or Media Studies. See how far that gets you.

Your options are much like any other area of science: Masters, PhD, Research, or direct employment by a specialist firm.

Try this (UK site): http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage ... ge/p!eLaXi


It depends where you live. I can talk only what's goin in my country (It's not USA, sorrowfully ;)).
Without 2nd degree they will not even invite you to interview.
Think of this. When I began studying biology I met many guys from computer sciences, who did biology as parallel degree. You understand, just for fun. They usually finish biology during 1.5 years instead of normal 3 years.
Now, take some biotech firm. Who do you think they hire? With 1st degree in biology only you have no chance to compete...
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Postby david23 » Wed Aug 22, 2007 4:10 pm

siroma wrote:
kotoreru wrote:Siroma, you've completely misunderstood the question. The grade is important, but it was the subject area that was questioned.

Cell Biology is not worthless by any stretch of the imagination. You could always have a degree in Art or Media Studies. See how far that gets you.

Your options are much like any other area of science: Masters, PhD, Research, or direct employment by a specialist firm.

Try this (UK site): http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage ... ge/p!eLaXi


It depends where you live. I can talk only what's goin in my country (It's not USA, sorrowfully ;)).
Without 2nd degree they will not even invite you to interview.
Think of this. When I began studying biology I met many guys from computer sciences, who did biology as parallel degree. You understand, just for fun. They usually finish biology during 1.5 years instead of normal 3 years.
Now, take some biotech firm. Who do you think they hire? With 1st degree in biology only you have no chance to compete...


unfortunately, many companies in the US have started practicing the method you are describing.
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