Degraded Degrees: What You Need to Know
So, you're thinking about going back to school, maybe for a new career or just to learn something new. You're excited, but you're also a little worried. You've heard about "degraded degrees," and you're not sure what that means or if it applies to you. Let's break it down.
What's a Degraded Degree?
In a nutshell, a "degraded degree" is a degree that's lost value over time due to changes in the job market, the educational landscape, or even just the sheer number of people with that degree. It's not that the degree itself is inherently bad, but rather that it's become less useful in the current economy.
Think about it like this: if everyone has a bachelor's degree in English, then a bachelor's degree in English doesn't stand out as much as it used to. And that's exactly what's happening with some degrees.
What Makes a Degree "Degrade"?
There are a few key factors that can contribute to a degree's degradation:
- Over-saturation: Too many people with the same degree means there's more competition for jobs, which can drive down salaries and make it harder to find work.
- Job market shifts: Technology is constantly changing, and that can make certain skills and degrees less relevant.
- Lack of specialization: A general degree might not be as valuable as a specialized one.
- Poor reputation: Some schools have a lower reputation than others, which can affect the perceived value of their degrees.
Is My Degree in Danger?
You might be thinking, "Is my degree going to become useless?" It's hard to say for sure, but there are some things you can do to help prevent that from happening:
- Stay up-to-date: The world is constantly changing, so make sure you're learning new skills and keeping your knowledge fresh.
- Specialize: Instead of just getting a general degree, focus on a specific area within your field.
- Network: Build connections with people in your industry, which can help you stay informed about current trends and open doors to new opportunities.
The Bottom Line
A degraded degree isn't necessarily a bad thing. It just means that the job market is changing and you need to adapt. By staying informed, specializing, and networking, you can make sure your degree stays valuable. Remember, a degree is just one piece of the puzzle. It's what you do with that degree that really matters.