What's the best degree to have?

Something that gives you hard skills that are in demand, that not every graduate has. Not something that leaves you competing with all other graduates, making vague arguments about how you developed your communication skills, teamwork etc. Arts could be good if you used it to get some particular skill e.g. you speak two languages fluently after graduating.

Find something that you like that gives hard skills that are in demand. That shouldn't be hard given the hundreds of degrees out there. Don't pick something you love without considering the practical realities of getting a job. Too many of us were given that advice during the Celtic Tiger.

Also when people tell you about their success using a particular degree, consider how much of that would have been down to the degree and how much due to other circumstances. There are many people around who have done well with degree choices that would not get you a start in the same organizations now. There were opportunities for anyone with a degree in anything 10 years ago. It's more competitive now, so don't assume your career will go like theirs if you make the same choice.

mad muffin wrote: »

Nth degree. Nothing beats it.

Jeez, there's only 360 degrees, Ive counted. There's no N in there, (well maybe the ninth, nineteenth and ninetieth degree) Ah The Three Degrees

diomed wrote: »

Something that deals with people: brain surgeon; dentist; anaesthetist, priest.
Everything else will be replaced by computers, and robots, and stuff.
And you can't specialize and get big pay, and also be able to cross over to loads of other areas.

Erm... engineers getting replaced by computers, robots and stuff they designed?



OP, do something you can stand doing for long enough while earning enough to live reasonably well. Or do a stepping stone degree. If it must be an arts degree, then so be it. Don't pick something that offers no career benefits though (whether immediate or by progression). You might learn "critical skills" in the... er... softer degrees (gender studies anyone?) but you'll learn those in any degree you do anyway so you might as well pick one that will enhance your career opportunities.

MaroonAndGreen wrote: »

Would ye consider a business degree to be of any use?

Short answer: No.

Long answer: Never.

hybrid21 wrote: »

I did an arts degree followed by an MPhil. I am now a governmental advisor in an Australasian country earning 50k euro at 28 years old. I am also happy and working in a rewarding job that contributes v positively to society.

That's fantastic. Most of my friends have arts degrees and have jobs. One is starting as an AO in the Public Service tomorrow, another is an accountant with a Big 4 firm, another works for Dropbox. Really don't understand the whole Arts degree talk.

I've a Science degree and can do f*ck all with it so I'm going to start making beer. Tried getting a proper job and your just out gunned.Tried the internship route and while the experience is good its ****e craic trying to pay rent and food on 200 euros a week and most employers are still looking for three years experience.Getting "unskilled" work isnt easy and theirs some amount cowboys out there had a lad offer me 4 days unpaid training for a porter job and done a one day trial for another cowboy who is trying to f*ck me over by not paying me for an honest days work.

Would I do it all over again....yes I never done Science in school and blood sweat and tears went into it but I enjoyed what I did and I wanted.I want to go on and do further studies in that field.

I'm looking at going making beer and going self employed. Theirs a bit of Science to it and it looks like good craic at worst you'll have an interesting hobby.

That's my experience of being a recent graduate.

Do what you like,work hard and hope for the best