The Last Word on Degrees :-)

["Vollbach, Elizabeth" <evollbach -at- LOGICON -dot- COM>]

     I haven't said this on the list before because I didn't want too many
     people  to take it wrong.  But I've had it with all the posts from
     nondegreed people who seem to belittle my degree.  I resent it.

     I think it was Karen Kay who spoke of "determination" in people who
     have degrees, and I think that is the thing that can separate me from
     some nondegreed people.  (Notice, please, I say "some.")  Often, when
     a college educated person is chosen over someone who is not, this is
     the reason, I think.  A lot of nondegreed people resent this, but
     sometimes an employer has no other way of knowing.  And determination
     is an important factor because it can mean the difference between a
     good employee and an all right employee.

     I'm SURE that this is so.  For example, there's me.  When I was in
     college I was in a serious car accident.  Just the fact that I
     attempted college after that said a great deal about my determination
     for success.  And that has determined my success in my profession,
     too.

     Determination is no little thing.  And when an employer knows next to
     nothing about a potential employee, that degree can be a sign of
     determination and a sign that that employee will be good for the
     company.  And, since I had to work so, so hard after my accident, I
     sure do dislike the resentful tone of so many nondegreed people who
     continually imply that I took the easy road and am getting something
     for nothing, and that my degree shouldn't count.  Because you probably
     can't even imagine how hard I had to work to get that "expensive piece
     of paper" and to get where I am now.  And no one had better belittle
     that!  Beth

     Beth