The Hidden Hungry on TV

[Elgrande]

Trouble is Rimshot there are more people leaving with "lesser" degrees and not enough jobs to go round. Increasing University places by 200% didn't mean there would be a 200% increase in graduate positions. I agree aspirations are to be applauded, but sometimes expectations outweigh reality and getting some form of work experience is better than waiting for the "perfect" job to come along. It seems that parents and teachers have one opinion and employers and admission Dons have an opposite one. Also a lot of the school leavers i was discussing are not graduates and seem to think anything manual or in the service industries is beneath them.

[brb]

I did not see the tv programme but just following up on some comments.

The harsh reality is that even people that have paid thousands for their degree, may well end up in a low paid job. I have watched many a discussion with people at university that seem to think the world is going to be their oyster. I wish them the best of luck. However, reality is that it is a lot harsher environment out there then they are ever wise enough to realise.

I feel nothing but pain for some of the conversations I hear or read. The degree may well help you achieve something in life but it is what you do NOW, whilst you are getting that degree, which will be most valuable to you. Remembering this, once you have the qualification, you need the experience. The argument will be well I cannot get the experience without the qualification. I will say if you seriously believe that latter statement, then you might as well give up uni now.

[Rimshot]

Hi Mark, no , she hasn't included Manchester in her options. Found the campus far too large and impersonal. Also, on the day the 'help' from students and administrators was truly dreadful.
Sorry but it was the least impressive ( except in scale) of the six unis we went to see.

[Elgrande]

Now i will ask a couple of questions that will probably get me harangued, but hey ho. What degree is your daughter going to study for. has she contacted any employers that sponsor or encourage graduautes with that qualification? Once the Uni is decided on will your daughter look to find part time work in the area as well as accommodation?
When I lived in the states this was how many went about things, but it seems less and less students work during University.

[Rimshot]

Elgrande, she'll be making her own decisions... but almost certainly be in halls of residence year 1 so accommodation not likely to be a problem. She's already well acquainted with the world of work !! Also quite a talented musician so may well be able to supplement the income that way.
I see where your questions are leading ; she's doing History with American Studies, not a vocational subject and I guess in your eyes that would make it worthless. However she will get the chance to spend a year in the USA, she'll get value from exploring her subject, she'll be smarter, more streetwise, more experienced and have learned to communicate original ideas, challenge received wisdom, research a subject, and a lot more besides.

Anyway, its not as if students have to justify their education these days because they have to pay for it.

I hope she will have a great time too !

[Poshgill]

So your daughter is a talented musician. She's obviously not a drummer then!

History is a fantastic degree. Good for her. That is the sort of degree that any prospective employer will look at when recruiting graduates. (Unless she wants to become a plumber or something!)

I also hope she has a wonderful time. My son had a great time at uni. The experience of his time their has helped to make him the well rounded individual he is now.

[Rimshot]

Hi Posh, you're right she's not ! Piano and guitar.

[Elgrande]

Jumped to conclusions there Rimshot. Sounds like a sensible degree which will if applied properly assist her in a career in the future. As for visiting the USA; Oh well. My point about working was more that fewer students look for work in the holidays or whilst at Uni. A mate of mine still works in recruitment and says he gets less enquiries from students now than when we worked together 12+ years ago which is strange as there are twice as many students now.

[Kezz]

I, for one, am fed up of the sweeping generalisations of many older people when it comes to the youth of today. The vast majority are amazing young people and if society keeps telling them that the education that they strive for to make their futures better, are worthless, then what does that say about our society? It says we are willing them to fail. If they fail, who's there to look after you when you are old and incapable of doing it yourself?

[Elgrande]

No one has said it is worthless; just that some of the ill thought out and sweeping changes made to education was not to the benefit of all. The previous government did not think through "University for All" because it does not suit for all. Also I am sorry Kezz, but there are too many youngsters that refuse to take "lesser" jobs nowdays because in this instant society they want it all now. There are many chefs that started out as Kitchen Porters, Restaurant/Hospitality mangers that were waiters, bar staff or glass collectors to start with. How many want to be mechanics, Plumbers, painters and decoraters? In years gone by youngsters would learn a trade and not just by being apprentices as it offered them a chance of a good living. Not everyone can be academic, a celebrity or a trader.

[Kezz]

That's not just a young person's problem, as nor obviously are sweeping statements.