Just what an elite, wealthy “expert” would say:
In a post he started on Instagram from his account, @adamgrant, he talks about how parents need to allow their kids to choose their major in college. He says, “Hey parents: You don’t have to push your kids to choose a ‘practical’ major.” He adds that this makes sense because the aim of liberal arts isn’t to build a career but to build a mind. In his own words, “The goal of liberal arts education is not to build careers. It’s to broaden minds.” What he’s trying to say via his post is that in today’s world, an open mind is more important than a stereotypically great degree.
Psychologist asks parents not to push their kids to choose a practical major for a very good reason (msn.com)
Then there are the rest of us, for whom college was expensive, didn’t have family wealth to rely upon, paid our own way through college – and, in fact, had to choose a major that would deliver a positive Return on Investment – quickly.
As this article says – passion doesn’t pay the bills – Why ‘Following Your Passion’ Is Actually Really Dumb Business Advice (msn.com)
Over on another blog of mine, I have documented the backgrounds of those who write the news – especially at the regional and national level. Most attended elite and very expensive universities, did study abroad programs, earned a BA in English Lit/Creative Writing/Political Science/Journalism, then went on to get their MA in journalism or English Lit – with unsubsidized costs of $200,000 to $400,000 – for a degree to work in a field that the US Bureau of Labor Statistics says pays an average salary of about $52,000 per year. Those choices make no sense – unless money was never an issue.
Thus, the “expert” above is preaching to his fellow wealthy elites – do what you want, don’t worry about money – because as a wealthy elite, you won’t have to worry.
Besides, in today’s new world, with low fertility rates, a shrinking entry level cohort into the job market, and low unemployment – finding work will be easier than it was decades ago. Thus, you no longer have to compete on the basis of the right degree, from the right university, with the right work internships and experience already in hand. So why not just study what you want? You can aways take out student loans and have the taxpayers pay them off later. It’s Just …. Modern Education!
