I was going to college in Michigan. Decided to move to North Carolina on a whim and said I would finish school someday. Well I lived in Raleigh for 14 years bartending and managing bars, clubs, etc... I moved back to Michigan and without any mechanical exp whatsoever landed a job at a certain place that makes science... Bla bla bla. I don't have the degree or the experience required of the current job. Within 2 years, promoted twice and since the company is expanding, there are plenty of opportunities to further pursue higher goals.

I think many of us are aware that degrees can be... Well... Nice and all but what does it actually tell you. If you're applying for job with specific training, why have need for a degree. They can teach anyone that job. When I would hire new bartenders, bartending classes were the"big thing" down south. About $500 , learn to bartend and job placement after completing. If someone came up and said they completed bartending school, I would say great. I would list off 4 drink orders and have them make it while one of the beers they needed were "missing", the printer paper ran out so couldn't print check and the sprite needed to.be changed in back. Nevermind on the second order, they wanted a whole new order because it's their first time in public and don't know how this works.

Same thing with a diploma. That's nice and all but when you are thrown into the job, what can you do? What can you handle? What is your work ethic like? Are you retaining info in case similar situation arrives?

College has become a waste (not for all obviously, but the majority for sure) and their are so many trades jobs out there right now. All you need is to be somewhat intelligent. I knew absolutely nothing about mechanical and the type of science we do here, but I'm also not brain dead. I learned.

1. Be somewhat smart (and I'm guessing depending on job this probably is a sliding scale) and willing to learn and LISTEN.
2. Work ethic. I use to tell new hires. I can train chimpanzees to bartend... But I cannot teach them work ethic, pride in a not so prideful job sometimes except when you collecting that $ at end of night
3. Don't just learn about your specific job. Take interest in the company. The inner workings of different departments, etc... this will have you more engaged and if you have a good boss/bosses they will recognize this and keep an eye out for potential promotion opportunity.

Sorry, just ranting a little.... Where do we go from here?