If you have a degree, are you using it?

[kim]

currently i'm a web administrator at a high tech data storage company....my degree?

bachelors in psychology :lol:

i can't believe my mom never made me pay back all the money she spent on my college :blush1:

[Cheri]

Man, I'm still working on my degree but heaven only knows if I'll actually work in the same field or not...Probably not!

[Wendy]

I voted yes....sometimes I wish that I could change fields...but mine is so "specialized" that I dont know if I ever could.

[Cheri]

I voted yes....sometimes I wish that I could change fields...but mine is so "specialized" that I dont know if I ever could.

What is yours in Wendy?

[Tara]

I didn't vote because I am not sure which way to go. I "did" use my degree when I was a teacher but now I am a SAHM. My degree is: BA in Interdisiplinarian Studies with a Specialization in Early Childhood Education. However, I don't think I will go back to teaching..ever.

[Nichole]

Yep. I have a BS in Biology and I work in biotech.

[KellyL]

I don't have a degree but did graduate from a vocational school where I got a diploma in Medical Assisting. I'm totally not using it, I worked for a doctor for about a year and while the job was fun, the money you make in the field isn't even enough to make a loan repayment.

[staggats]

yup, I got a B.S. CSci., and here I am running this website.

[Dennis]

I have a BA in speech communication and I'm a software developer.

Dennis

[tchrgrrl]

I have a BA in Psychology and Social Behavior and a California teaching credential. I was using them in the professional sense before Zachary was born and now as a SAHM I would say I still use many things I studied, I just don't get a paycheck for it! :)

[sheila]

I have my BA in English and my MS in Information, Design and Technology (fancy way of saying "Web Stuff" :lol: )

So, I would say that this week I am using both :)

[sheila]

I voted yes....sometimes I wish that I could change fields...but mine is so "specialized" that I dont know if I ever could.
What is yours in Wendy?
Wendy is a Paralegal.

[Wendy]

Wendy is a Paralegal.
I have a degree in Paralegal Studies....so needless to say it is hard to "transfer" that into something else :dunno:

[Nocona]

Nope.

I have a BS in Accounting and I am the director of a specialized insurance program at a general contractor :lol:

I did use it some at my last job where I did cash management and asset management (along with being the Risk Manager) for an electrical contractor.

[benwood]

I have a BA in Psychology and I'm in Information Systems. But, surprisingly, I do use the knowledge that I gained in college all the time! Behavior modification methods work wonders to get user's heads out of butts.

[Cheryl888]

I have a BS in Business Information Systems and I am working as a business analyst, so yep I would say I am using my degree.

[Jillsers]

I have a BA in English: Creative Writing. Now I am a SAHM, but my previous job was editing the 400+ page catalog for the University of Central Florida, so I suppose I did use my degree. I still don't think that I needed 4+ years of college to do what I did, though. :dunno:

I like being a SAHM much better! :D

[Karri]

I have a BS in Education and a MHRLR (masters in human resources & labor relations). Do I use them? Nope. Straight out of undergrad, I worked for awhile as a Director of a Pre-school program and my last job before SAH was as the Director of HR for a commercial real estate firm. So I used them at one point. I often think about all that money I wasted. I dont ever want to go back to working for corporate america.

[Kasi]

I didn't vote because I am not sure which way to go. I "did" use my degree when I was a teacher but now I am a SAHM. My degree is: BA in Interdisiplinarian Studies with a Specialization in Early Childhood Education. However, I don't think I will go back to teaching..ever.Tara- I had no idea you felt this way!! So are you planning to do something else when your kids are old enough that you feel you don't want to be a SAHM anymore? Or are you going to be a lady who lunches? You know I am kidding!!!

[Lette]

Right now I'm on maternity leave, but when I go back to work in January I'll be back at my job as a Plastics Engineer for a company now owned by GE Plastics (UGH!)

My BS degree is in Polymer Science and pretty much right on target for my job. Although the degree had a much broader spectrum than just plastics.

[Bev]

I voted yes (if it worked) but I don't think it is worth the paper it's written on! :lol:

I have a Bachelor of Social Science, concentration in Criminology. I am currently on Leave Without Pay from my regular job due to a spousal relocation. I was a Correctional Officer for 9 years and a Parole Officer for almost 2. If the government gets off it's lazy butt and completes the paper work I will be a Parole Officer again, 3 days per week. There is confusion because it is technically a promotion, and because I am on LWOP, and because of all sorts of other crap they are making up to bog down the process.

I personally don't think you need a specialized degree to do either job, but you can't get a job or promotion without it. You just need common sense and life experience in my opinion. :) You also have to think quickly on your feet.

[Brandi Jo]

In a word, nope. BA in Elementary Ed. Taught for a couple of years, hated it! Will never, ever go back to teaching!

[Tara]

Tara- I had no idea you felt this way!! So are you planning to do something else when your kids are old enough that you feel you don't want to be a SAHM anymore? Or are you going to be a lady who lunches? You know I am kidding!!!

Kasi,
I plan to do something else and hopefully something with children(but a lady who lunches sounds GREAT :lol2: ). Just not children in a classroom! I don't want to scare you but FOR ME there was just too much politics. I LOVE the kids just not the lesson plans, grading, testings, etc.... I like "teaching" just not in the school. Wanna join me on a street corner with a group of kids who want to learn, parents who are invested, no standardized tests, no traditional report cards and no "new program" to use? We could teach our hearts out! :crazy:

[KeriS]

I have $120,000 of education and I am a SAHM :lol:

I have a BA in Political Science from UNC-Chapel Hill (GO HEELS) and my JD from Georgetown Law. I was a lawyer for 3 years and then quit when my son was born. I was never happy with the big firm life, but I do miss the big firm paycheck!!

I don't know what I will do down the road - maybe teach. I don't see going back to being a lawyer, since I will have to take the bar again if we move to another state.

[Rubber Ducky]

Shockingly, yes. I have my BS in Interior Design and worked in interior design or construction management since I graduated. Now I'm a SAHM and have been VERY lucky to find a ton of contract design work. I'm mostly doing lighting design now, but the money's great, so what do I care? In a way, after college I really wasn't qualified to do anything if it didn't have to do with buildings. I like to say I kind of learned a trade- it didn't really translate to going into anything else. :)

[Shel]

I have a BS in Medical Technology, then went back and got a BS in accounting. I'm actually using the second one :biggrin: My mom keeps teasing me that I've been out of school too long and it's time to get a BS in something else!

[Heather]

Nope... I have a degree in Spanish. Couldn't get a job using the language when I got out of school. Now I feel like I never could, I don't remember anything.

I currently own a children's consignment shop with my SIL.

-Heather

[Kasi]

Wanna join me on a street corner with a group of kids who want to learn, parents who are invested, no standardized tests, no traditional report cards and no "new program" to use? We could teach our hearts out! :crazy:I hear you, I know that's going to be hard to deal with... and I might be willing to join you if it weren't for all of those pesky loans I am going to have to pay back :lol

[imkim]

I have a BS in Biology with a minor in Psychology (2 classes from Chemistry degree) and I spent 5 years working in a pet food lab, so yes I did use my degree. I'm getting ready to start pharmacy school and the Biology degree helped me to get accepted. :)

[tchrgrrl]

Wanna join me on a street corner with a group of kids who want to learn, parents who are invested, no standardized tests, no traditional report cards and no "new program" to use? We could teach our hearts out! :crazy:That sounds like my kind of school!!! :lol:

[Mary]

I have BA in Poli Sci and English. A paralegal degree, and an MS in Telecommunications. I'm currently a Sr. Technical Project Manager in Telecom, so I guess you could say I'm using my Master's. Although, I don't think that you need a Master's to do the job, you just need to know some telecom.

Mary

[Tamara26]

Hi !!! Yes, I have a few degrees and I surprisingly do use them !!! I have a Bachelors in Biology, Masters and Ph.D in Biochemistry and I'm currently a biochemist doing a fellowship in Cancer Genetics. I really do enjoy what I do, but am terrified at the aspect of trying to balance a career with a family. I'm even contemplating getting an MBA too (much to my husbands chagrin...he calls me the eternal student :crazy: ). I'd really like to become more involved in the development of pharmeceuticals rather than the research.

[Wendy]

Hi !!! Yes, I have a few degrees and I surprisingly do use them !!! I have a Bachelors in Biology, Masters and Ph.D in Biochemistry and I'm currently a biochemist doing a fellowship in Cancer Genetics. I really do enjoy what I do, but am terrified at the aspect of trying to balance a career with a family. I'm even contemplating getting an MBA too (much to my husbands chagrin...he calls me the eternal student :crazy: ). I'd really like to become more involved in the development of pharmeceuticals rather than the research.
Wow! Just reading that makes my brain hurt..... :D

[Lora]

I have a bachelors degree in Finance/Management. I am currently working for a bank as a part-time Credit Analyst so I guess I am using my degree somewhat.

Lora

[LisaBelle]

I was. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education and until this past June I was a Pre-K Teacher. Now I will be a SAHM so I guess in a way I am still using it :awink:

[Marcella]

Kinda, sorta. I have a dual BS degree in Psychology and Sociology, and a Master's Degree in Social Work. I started my professional career as a social worker, and then moved my way up to management, and my company sponsored me through the state program to gain licensure as a nursing home administrator, which is currently what I'm doing. So, it's related.. but not exact!

[Amy]

I have a BA in speech communication, and in my former professional life worked on a software support help desk, so I guess you would count that as using my degree, since I spent my entire workday communicating! :lol

My dad was recently qualified as a Disabled American Vet, so if I ever decide to return to school, the VA will pay for everything except my books and misc fees....I think I may go back when the kids are older, but I'm not sure just yet.

[AmyP]

Yeah, sort of. I have a BS in computer information systems, and I work as a help desk technician. However, I'm the only one with a degree at our help desk. Oh well, I'm just biding my time until I have a baby and can be a SAHM.

[LisaM]

I have a Master's and not using it being a SAHM....

Lisa

[bunkie68]

I voted no. My undergrad degree was a B.A. in English, and I'm not using that at all. Well, OK, I use my writing skills, but I don't think I developed those as a result of the degree! :lol: I am using my law degree, though - I'm an attorney, and I don't see myself ever being anything else (as much as I'd love to change fields).

Wendy, what would you like to do, if you were to get out of the legal field?

Lisa

[amanda]

I have a BA in speech communication Me too, and I wish someone had told me it was a degree in unemployment!

I should have voted no, but I really loved getting my degree and I'd even love a job related to it. Unfortunately, at this point, I've been out of college for a little over 3 years with no experience in the field whatsoever and I'm basically unqualified for most jobs I'm interested in.

I did an alternative certification in education and I've taught special ed. for the last 2 years. I don't like being in the classroom, though, so I'm planning on geteting my master's in a few years to become an educational diagnostician.

[RobynB]

I have a BA and a MA (and part of a PhD) in history. Before DD came I had a job at a research company so it was at least tangentially related to my degrees or at least my skills. Now I'm a SAHM though and Caroline's not too interested in the Reformation or gender issues! :lol:

[mishi]

Yes I do.

My degree is a BSEE (Electrical Engineering) and I work for a Telecom company. They did require that I get a specialized AST (Associate of Science in Telecommunications) but all my data transmission and signal processing classes were useful.

[earocks]

Yep...my degree is in Secondary English Education and I am an 8th grade English teacher.

[Tracey]

Yep! I have 2 MA's in forensic and clinical psych and a Ph.D. in clincial psychology and I am in practice using them. After all the time, money, and stress I spent getting my degrees, my mom would be really upset if I didn't use them! :)

[Juliemaye]

Nope, I have my BA in Sociology and I am working at a Mortgage company :rolleyes: as a temp :rolleyes:...but hopefully I will be able to be a Doula and a mommy fulltime, they both won't be using my degree either but much more enjoyable.

What makes me mad is all the student loans I have, but I did meet some great people and a husband because I was in college so it was worth it :)

[mrskam]

Well since I have a BSN (nursing) I cant really use it for anything else but nursing, altho there are a lot of options within the field. I am an oncology hospital nurse, which I honestly really dislike. After our baby comes I want to either work in a clinic or some other area of nursing. I told my DH I would rather work at McDonalds than go back to hospital nursing!


Rhonda

[mybabygarrett]

Yes and no... I have a A.A.S as an Intensive Care Paramedic which I was using before I became a SAHM. I hope to get back into it, but there are NO jobs here.

Stacey

[Denise]

:lol: Ahhh no. A BA in English Writing and I am an insurance agent for a large well known company. :)

[Ami]

Just not children in a classroom! I don't want to scare you but FOR ME there was just too much politics. I LOVE the kids just not the lesson plans, grading, testings, etc.... I like "teaching" just not in the school. Wanna join me on a street corner with a group of kids who want to learn, parents who are invested, no standardized tests, no traditional report cards and no "new program" to use? We could teach our hearts out! :crazy:

AMEN!!!!

I have BA of Science with an English specialization and a teaching certificate. I am not sure if I wille ver go back to teaching either. I was a first year teacher in THE GHETTO, it was horrible. That experience ruined it for me. I want to try a school in a little better area and see how that goes if/when I return to teaching.

[Nocona]

AMEN!!!!

I have BA of Science with an English specialization
:spitwater (Ami knows why I think that's so funny)

[Ami]

:kissit:

I KNEW I could expect a reply from you!

Let's post the ? I PMed you using a different last name and see how many people get it right. It just looks weird. :violin:

[misty]

I have a B.S. in culinary arts and I'm a home economist. So I'm kinda using my degree but not really. But I love my job!

[camprunner]

I didn't vote because I am sort of using it. I teach Business Education but my degree was in Computer Information Systems. However I would not qualify to teach business without it and my newly added teacher certification.

[karmah79]

I went to school for Sociology and Psychology. My job has nothing to do with either subject.

[Eva]

I have a BSC in Biology that I don't use and them I went back to school and got a diploma in Nursing which I do use. :D I am a RN.

[Alyssa]

Kinda, sorta here too. I have a double BA in Government & History, and I am not using that...though I am using the writing skills. I have a MA in Communication & Technology (from Georgetown too - maybe we were there at the same time, Keri :) ) and I am sort of using that in that I work in corporate communications for a technology company. But a MBA would probably be more applicable. I keep talking myself out of it until I get out of other school debt! :crazy:

[KeriS]

Alyssa I was there from 1997-2000 :) But knew no one from main campus since the law school is in the middle of crack park :lol:

I would love to go back to school ... but I just don't see it happening because of the money!! But I think I might go work at a college or law school in admissions or career counseling -- I think it would be a good way to be in that atmosphere and maybe even do some good for the "kids" :lol:

[squintz22]

I have a BSME with an Automotive specialty. I was using it when I was working, but not as a SAHM. I doubt that I will ever every use that degree again, unless something really terrible happens to DH and I need to have a very well-paying job again.

[Jillian]

I have a BA in Theology and a BA in English. If I were to go back and do my student teaching and then take the 2 post student teaching classes I would be a certified secondary education teacher in Michigan...but I got pregnant instead of finishing school. Now I'm a sahm, so no, my degree is definitely not being used.

[Sheagatzi]

I have my B.Ed with an extra 2 years of Music specialization to teach music. I taught music for 2 years, HAtED it, and now am a classroom teacher. I've taught grades k-7. For the pay, I sometimes really crave office work where it's an 8-4 job where you don't have to think of anything work related when you leave work. I eat, dream, sleep, exercise and live thinking about work stuff. HATE that.

[Beccaroo]

I have a B.S. in Child Development and a Masters of Public Health in Maternal and Child Health. I am A SAHM, so I would say my work is very applicable to my education :)

[sweetypie925]

I have an associate's in nursing and I work as an RN.

[Bobbie]

I have a B.S. in Child Development and a Masters of Public Health in Maternal and Child Health. I am A SAHM, so I would say my work is very applicable to my education :)

Wow, a truly professional mom! :)

I'm proud to vote yes, since my parents thought I was going to wind up destitute. :rolleyes: I was a studio art major with a minor in graphic communications. I wish I had more opportunities to use my fine art skills, but as a mom I do some creative problem solving every day. :) I've held several jobs in print production/management and was once an art director.

[MtBikeLover]

Yep - I have an MBA in marketing and management and I am a Marketing Manager!! How's that for really using my degrees!!!

However, my undergrad is in Statistics and I NEVER use that.

[AimB]

I have a BBA. I'm a SAHM for now, so no, I'm not currently using my degree. Before becoming a SAHM I was a Marketing Analyst so I did use my degree then.

[BeckyEsq]

Yes. I have a BA in English and Political Science with a minor in history, and I have a J.D. and am licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania, which I'm doing. I think I will always use my degree b/c when we have children I will continue to work part time.

[Brookamy]

I have a B.S in Corrections and a minor in Sociology. I work at a juvenile probation officer...so yes...I am using my degree. :nod:

[Alyssa]

Alyssa I was there from 1997-2000 :) But knew no one from main campus since the law school is in the middle of crack park :lol:

Very good point, Keri...other than a few select bars near the law school, I wasn't spending much time there. :D I was there 1996-1998, so we did overlap though.

[MrsHahn]

Nope! Haven't used it at all! I have an AA and a BA in English (with a minor in history) and have been without work since September. I was working at a bank as a teller but got fired for a really stupid mistake (although a lot had to do with my boss not liking me and getting pregnant... at least this is what I believe... he was just looking for an excuse and unfortunately I gave him one :( ). Since then I've tried and tried to find something but living in a small town hasn't helped much and neither has the fact that I even have a degree or that I'm pregnant... Sometimes I feel like I completely wasted 6 years of my life trying to get the darn thing!! My DH is working in his though and I'm proud of him for it (it took him 10 years to get his degree and then another 3 to get into his field).

[AahRee]

I have a B.A., but it's in General Studies, so anything I do is *using* my degree. :lol: Most of my coursework was in journalism, marketing, advertising and that kind of thing, though, so my current job (SAHM) isn't all that related.

[Christina]

I have a BS in Biotechnology and I work as a Scientist for a major pharmaceutical company.

[Nadine]

I have a BA and MA (with thesis) in English Literature plus an English Teaching certificate. So my answer would be yes and no.
I work as technical writer so I use English and writing- i.e. yes.
I was an English teacher for 3 loooong yrs and now no more TG-i.e. here goes the no.

[Leslie]

I have a bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting. I am a senior accountant, so I am definitely using my degree. My mom's an accountant and I always knew I wanted to be one too.

[SarahK]

Hmmm...sort of! I double majored in Psychology (concentration in developmental psych) and Education (concentration in early childhood education) and now I'm a SAHM.

[~Andrea~]

I didn't vote either. I am not using my degree by CHOICE. Before my daughter was born, I did use it. I have my BS in early childhood ducation and psychology. I was teaching until 2 days before my baby was born.

[Carmen]

I have a BS in elementary education and a master's in educational leadership. I teach elementary schol (part time), so I am definitely using the degree.

I just wish I had majored in something else, and minored in education, because now I feel like I am stuck with being a teacher.

[~Andrea~]

I have a BS in elementary education and a master's in educational leadership. I teach elementary schol (part time), so I am definitely using the degree.

I just wish I had majored in something else, and minored in education, because now I feel like I am stuck with being a teacher.
not really. You can use you general BS for lots of things (just don't ask me *what* :lol: )

[Darcy]

I'm using my degree. I have a BA in English and am an editor for a publishing company. :)

[AmyJ]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tara
Wanna join me on a street corner with a group of kids who want to learn, parents who are invested, no standardized tests, no traditional report cards and no "new program" to use? We could teach our hearts out! :crazy:

That sounds like my kind of school!!! :lol:
I'm with you all!!! :nod:

I am using my degree, as I have a BA in Elementary Education and both Colorado and California teaching crednetials. I am also 5 classes away from my Masters/Credential in Special Education

[kalm]

I have a BS in Journalism with a specialization in magazines. Before becoming a SAHM, I was the a magazine editor. Now, I'm a very part-time associate editor for my former employer!

[Brianne1114]

Right now...no.
I have a BS in Biology and am substitute teaching and working retail. Hopefully I'll get into graduate school.

[sketcher]

I have a BS in geology and definitely used my degree to meet my DH but hated every industry i worked in related to geoscience! :lol: but now I'm pursuing a second bach. in art and plan to be an artist

my mom (a teacher) said "no education is ever wasted." So whether or not i work in a field directly related to my degree has never been important to me because i value how my education has changed how i view life.

[JamieA]

I have a degree in Paralegal Studies....so needless to say it is hard to "transfer" that into something else :dunno:
I am also in the same field - I don't particularly care for it - maily b/c I'm a glorified file clerk :rolleyes:

However - IMO having knowlege of the law would be beneficial in many areas. I'm actually planning to get into social work - and have been told my legal background would be beneficial.

[JustDucky]

I definitely do.

[ArtsyMom]

I have two degrees - a general B.A. with a major in Sociology and a minor in Theatre. I also have a B.A.A. (Bachelor of Applied Arts) in Radio and Television Arts.

In my previous jobs, all my schooling came into play -- I worked in advertising and event planning. I'm on mat. leave now but my current job is doing Corporate Development for a large cultural organization so it's somewhat connected.

[redhairedgirl]

This is an interesting question because well, yes I am using my degree to an extent. I am a SAHM, although I recently started offering sewing services.
I have a Associate's of Arts degree in Fine Arts and I am 3 credits shy of a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fine Arts with a concentration in Art History and a minor in Architecture.
I was going to have a concentration in Sculpture, I had a Sculpture professor who allowed me to explore "textile arts" aka sewing. He went on Sabbatical my last year and I didn't like the replacement, so I finished up in Art history instead.
I originally was going to go into architecture school and become an architect, but I didn't make the cuts for the next year because of a grade in calculus. However, I had enough credits to declare it a minor, and I use my drafting skills and know how with my "textile arts" towards my sewing. Honestly, I never figured it would've worked out this way.... I cannot tell you how disappointed I was that I felt I had "wasted" a year being in architecture school... but it has all worked out.

Mandy

[Jennie]

I have a BA in French & Translation. Never really used it. Went back and got my computer certification and I have my MCSE (Microsoft Systems Engineer) and I'm also Lotus certified and I did use those certifications in my last position before SAH. I now get to dabble as I keep my webstore up to date and I'm translating it... does that count? :lol:

[TraumaNurse]

Yes:nod:, I have an Associate's of Science degree in nursing and I am currently working as an RN.

[Girlo]

I didn't vote because while I'm not using my degree, it was one of the best things I ever did for myself and I have no regrets. :)

I have a BS in Zoology and I'm a bank teller! :lol2: I get to work PT and I get FT benefits....so, I stay. :aok:

[magoo]

I use knowledge that I gained earning my B.A.Sc. in Family and Social Relations every day in my job as a SAHM to Anna. :)

[Lady E]

I have a BS in Business and am working as a Manager in the HR dept so I voted yes! :)

[Sandy]

Yes I use my degree. Got my JD in '97. My undergrad degree was in criminal justice, minor in psychology. I am a practicing attorney here in the big ole state of Mississippi.

Sandy

[aprillh]

Yep, I definitely do. I received my Masters in Physician Assistant Studies. Can't really use that for anything else. I work in dermatology and LOVE IT!!!

[ncshop4shoes]

I have a dual BA in Political Science/Philosophy, and a JD. I never worked at a law firm though......I was in the political arena! Threw it all away to become a SAHM...........which actually turned out to be a good choice for me! I don't know when I will ever go back to my field.....maybe when he goes to school.
Krista

[Bonnie]

One I use, one I don't... my BA is in Journalism and I have a JD... I'm an attorney, but to be honest most of what I learned in law school has no application in the real world.

[TxTeacher]

In theory, I will be. I'm looking for a job as an elementary teacher, or at the very worst, a pre-school/daycare teacher. I have a B.S. in Early Childhood Education, with a teaching certificate.