College: The Social Programming Institution

Background:
I am a junior at 4 year college in the southern part of the United States. I am going for a degree in Biology, which after spending many hours of soul searching, job searching, and fearing that I will be a letdown to everyone I have decided this to be my major. Only today did I realize how much of a joke my degree is going to be. I wouldn't say I am the best at my instituon, but I am doing the extra things to get me noticed by a graduate school, job, and or whatever else; however, after seeing a lot of my class mates going to graduate school and being put back into "upper division classes" that are nearly the exact same as undergraduate with the difference being only the course number. I found it pointless for me to continue my "academic career" (such BS, and I don't mean the degree).

Problem:
Today is probably my most busy days of classes during the week. It is a lot of sitting in a lab doing mindless work for a professor who doesn't remember your name kind of work even though you have worked with him for 9 months; however, the real problem isn't the mindless work, or the unappreciated work of the undergraduates. It is the lie being told that I as a degree holder am going to definitely get a job and make my mommy proud, but more often then not I see people graduating in spring and looking for jobs until the end of fall and say screw it I will go get a masters or a phd or what have you.
I can't help but feel like once I am out of this fish tank. I am going to be thrown into the lake with the piranhas to be eaten alive. I have done my best to prepare for my future. I won't have any debt as a graduate. I will have at least a 3.8 GPA with more than a year of experience in undergraduate research and other assorted jobs done that are related to my field, but I don't see where I am going with my life. My point is am I alone as a college student in feeling this dismay with the geopolitical environment around the world?

I am honestly banking on this whole thing about world war 3, or the next American revolution, or paradigm shift/polar shift, or any other thing that would change up this world because I feel like I am living in a world that is so different from what I am. Most of the students around me insist on texting during class, taking selfies while "studying" at the library, and going out the party every night and wondering why they failed their classes because they "studied like crazy!" (The night before).

I hope this world goes through some alien invasion or alien appreance because I think I feel more closely related to them then the people of my generation.

going out the party every night and wondering why they failed their classes

It sounds like the system is working right to me.

Seriously, I work at a place where most people didn't go to college, and it really shows. Their attitudes and abilities often suck.

The problem with college isn't really college, it's that there's too many people in this country competing for the same jobs.

originally posted by: Nosollar

Today is probably my most busy days of classes during the week. It is a lot of sitting in a lab doing mindless work for a professor who doesn't remember your name kind of work even though you have worked with him for 9 months; however, the real problem isn't the mindless work, or the unappreciated work of the undergraduates.

Welcome to real life. College prepares you for a job where everyday, you'll be doing mindless work for a boss who doesn't remember your name even though you have worked for him for 9 years.

I can't help but feel like once I am out of this fish tank. I am going to be thrown into the lake with the piranhas to be eaten alive. I have done my best to prepare for my future. I won't have any debt as a graduate. I will have at least a 3.8 GPA with more than a year of experience in undergraduate research and other assorted jobs done that are related to my field, but I don't see where I am going with my life. My point is am I alone as a college student in feeling this dismay with the geopolitical environment around the world?

Most people feel that way. Get used to it... At least you've prepared better than most by getting a decent education and staying out of debt.

I am honestly banking on this whole thing about world war 3, or the next American revolution, or paradigm shift/polar shift, or any other thing that would change up this world because I feel like I am living in a world that is so different from what I am. Most of the students around me insist on texting during class, taking selfies while "studying" at the library, and going out the party every night and wondering why they failed their classes because they "studied like crazy!" (The night before).

I hope this world goes through some alien invasion or alien appreance because I think I feel more closely related to them then the people of my generation.

If you think things suck now, they would suck a lot worse if the world genuinely fell apart. What you have are known as "first world problems." Be careful what you wish for.

Find a hobby or two to pursue. Life is only miserable and pointless if you let the miserable and pointless activities occupy the majority of your time. Do something you enjoy to offset the necessary activities that you hate.

a reply to: CB328

I thought college was for studying and experiencing new things and gaining knowledge and wisdom, which I would say I have done considering the various jobs, traveling, and languages I am learning/learned. I just don't understand why college is meant to be a party haven or a broth all for everyone else. I'm worried about where I am going for my future, but even more so I am very certain that where I land I won't fit in because I don't fit here. I clearly stick out because of my intellect, behavior, and personality. I don't mind it at all because my fiancé loves who I am and same with my friends I do have, but I am just concerned for my future and my generations future because if I am concerned that I'm not going to have a place for work then those people must feel even worse and that is not a situation society needs to be in. I am concerned that a bubble is slowing growing and eventually it will pop. I feel that more and more graduates are going back to college to get another degree of sorts to help them along the path of their future but I am afraid that everyone will be doing that and eventually there will be an outpouring of these people and there won't be spots to be filled because the best and brightest will get in first and then it's left for those who half assed and honestly no human is goin to sit there and have people over and over tell them they aren't good enough and agree. I am afraid there will be riots in the street.

a reply to: Answer
The thing is I love doing the research work, and I don't care about the boss not knowing my name. It's the whole part of the job and the unpreparedness that I feel. I don't want to become a piece of corporation. I don't want to give up the best years of my life for a filthy slimy company that is just looking to squeeze me of my youth.

originally posted by: Nosollar
a reply to: Answer
The thing is I love doing the research work, and I don't care about the boss not knowing my name. It's the whole part of the job and the unpreparedness that I feel. I don't want to become a piece of corporation. I don't want to give up the best years of my life for a filthy slimy company that is just looking to squeeze me of my youth.

Go out and start a small research lab.

Work for youself.

Don't let someone else use you up for their financial gain.

a reply to: Nosollar

Learn to create your own opportunities, through the art and science of entrepreneurship.

a reply to: Nosollar

Here's a list of occupations that require a degree in biology.

cultural engineer
Agricultural entomologist
Agricultural genetic engineer
Agricultural inspector
Agrochemist
Agronomist
Allergist
Anatomist
Anesthesiologist
Animal breeder
Animal trainer
Aquatic botanist
Aquatic ecologist
Arboretum manager
Arborist
Audiologist
Bacteriologist
Biochemist
Biogeographer
Biological engineer
Biological illustrator
Biology professor
Biology teacher
Biomathematician
Biomedical engineer
Biophysicist
Biostatistician
Botanist
Cardiologist
Cardiothoracic surgeon
Cardiovascular pathologist
Cell biologist
Chiropractor
Clinical laboratory technician
Clinical nutritionist
Clinical pharmacologist
Community health nurse
Conservation biologist
Coroner
Crime lab analyst
Crime scene investigator
Crop scientist
Cytologist
Dental hygienist
Dentist
Dermatologist
Developmental biologist
DieticianEmbryologist
Emergency medical technician
Endocrinologist
Enologist
Entomologist
Environmental attorney
Environmental engineer


Environmental health officer
Environmental impact analyst
Environmental toxicologist
Environmentalist
Epidemiologist
Estuarine ecologistEthologist
Exercise physiologist
Family medicine physician
Farmer
Fish and wildlife specialist
Fishery biologist
FloriculturistFood and drug inspector
Food scientist
Forensics scientist
Forest ecologist
Forester
Genetic counselor
Genetic engineer
Geneticist
Gerontologist
Gynecologist
Hand surgeon
Head and neck surgeon
Health educator
Hematologist
Herpetologist
Horticulturalist
Ichthyologist
Immunologist
Industrial hygienist
Intensive care nurseLaboratory technician
Limnologist
Lobbyist
Mammalogist
Marine biologist
Medical technologist
Microbiologist
Microscopist
Molecular biologist
Molecular geneticist
Mycologist
Natural resource manager
Naturalist
Nematologist
Neonatologist
Nephrologist
Neurobiologist
Neurologist
Neurosurgeon
Nurse
Nurse practitioner
Nutritionist
Obstetrician/gynecologist
Occupational therapist

Oncologist
Ophthalmologist
Oral surgeon
Ornithologist
Orthodontist
Orthopedic surgeon
Orthotics technician
Osteologist
Osteopathic physician
OtolaryngologistPaleontologist
Paramedic
Parasitologist
Park naturalist
Park ranger
Pathologist
Pediatrician
Pharmaceutical researcher
Pharmacist
Pharmacologist
Phycologist
Physical therapist
Physician
Physiological ecologist
Physiologist
Phytochemist
Plant breeder
Plant ecologist
Plastic surgeon
Podiatrist
Pomologist
Population biologist
Population geneticist
Psychiatrist
Pulmonary physician
Radiologist
Range conservationist
Rangeland manager
Reconstructive surgeon
Research assistant
Restoration ecologist
Rheumatologist
Silviculturalist
Surgeon
Surgical technologist
Systems ecologist
Taxonomist
Technical writer
Toxicologist
Urologist
Veterinarian
Veterinary assistant
Virologist
Viticulturist
Wildlife biologist
Wildlife conservation
Zoo director
Zoologist

Just switch your goals, if you're on this site maybe something to do with the environment would be fulfilling . The only thing attempting to stop you at this point is yourself.

It seems obvious by your posts that you are a go-getter and an industrious person. I would encourage you to take some small courses in entrepreneurship and business development as already suggested. Networking is vital. All kinds of it, not just in your field but those little courses will lay it out for you. If you develop your own business, perhaps even a niche type, you can break the doom mold. Not everyone is cut out for it, but I have a feeling that you are. In any case, please look into it? Wishing you all the best.

a reply to: aboutface

Thank you for the positivity that is exactly what I need. I think I am going to going to more things like that and being with more positive people because those people are the people who encourage you to be your best instead of tear you down. Again thank you very much! I really love biotech and genetics, and I think the industry for biotech has the biggest potential for growth.

Keep on keeping on, as they say.

I do not have a college degree, but have found my success mainly through networking, hard work and a reputation as the guy who gets it done right the first time.

If you continue your studies, you will be ahead of those who don't.

How will you stand out, how will you beat your competitors?

What makes you better? A lot of time it has nothing to do with your capabilities, it's who you know.

Are you looking forward and figuring out who the beneficial contacts are in the desired job?

The morons who party through school, have a good time, but they will generally loose out in the long run.

You will win connecting the grades with the contacts, and will be rewarded handsomely with the efforts. Then is the time to party.

Make sure you give yourself some relax time as well through the process, but don't let it lead to the alcoholic trap, associating drunk with fun.

If you feel like a piece of meat for someone else's profit, consider your own business, that was the only smart route for me.

Research other successful businesses in your desired area and identify what makes them that way.
It is easier than from scratch business build ups, hoping it works.

I would go short on the WW3 bets, reason being, people work, eat, have mortgages, have kids and are going to keep on that path.

Thats my 2 cents

a reply to: Nosollar

I feel your pain!

I'm a grad student doing a masters and k12 licensure and you have summed up exactly how I feel.

Universities used to be more about research and developing new technologies, now they are just job training machines. Why should an employer train you when a college will do it for them?
It's funny though because college doesn't give you the proper training, in most cases anyway. There are some things you can only learn while on the job.

The jobs situation in America is a nightmare right now. It's not only people with useless liberal arts degrees like me that are struggling it's engineers, science, business and administration majors too!

I agree with you about the economy too. I'm banking on the economy making another downturn this year. If it's bad enough the student debt bubble will pop and these universities world's will come crashing down. Its not something to be feared, but a necessity. Our economy is unsustainable and it's killing our country, the world and our youth.

Double post. Delete.

a reply to: Nosollar

I am a junior at 4 year college in the southern part of the United States. I am going for a degree in Biology, which after spending many hours of soul searching, job searching, and fearing that I will be a letdown to everyone I have decided this to be my major. Only today did I realize how much of a joke my degree is going to be.

I'm in a somewhat similar situation. Junior at a 4 year university in N. TX. Originally I was going to go for a Biology degree, but after weighing the job outlook/pay for what I wanted to do, along with debt I would take on, I ultimately decided to can the Bio degree for now and switched to Accounting. (not to mention the large amount of other students going for a Bio degree. I have a friend that's still pursuing his Bio degree, and he's pretty worried with the amount of other students he will be competing with). Maybe one day I will come back and have a go again at Biology, but that wont be anytime soon.

I dont regret taking the few courses that I did that were going towards my Bio degree requirements, (they were some of the funnest classes ever!) but they still did take up about 2 semesters worth of time that I now don't need at all for my Accounting degree. Plus I'm a bit older than traditional college students, 27.

Most of the students around me insist on texting during class, taking selfies while "studying" at the library, and going out the party every night and wondering why they failed their classes because they "studied like crazy!" (The night before).

That's pretty much the same that I see around me in class. At my community college it was much worse, but it's still a bit nuts at my current university. I've also noticed that plenty of students quit going to class fairly early on in the semester, and only show back up for test days.....and this occurs in my upper level business classes. One professor I currently have only has a total of 3 tests the entire semester, and that's it. No homework, no chance for any other grades, just those 3 tests, and those 3 tests dont have a curve either. Also, atleast 80-90% of each test is straight from lecture notes. Many questions will say "When we discussed this in class...." and there's very few questions from the book and not really anything to find outside of lecture. It's an insanely easy class if you show up, even atleast half of the time, but there's still a chunk of students that just blow it.

Try and follow your heart. What work would you really be interested in? That being said, I grew up very working class and know that you must be marketable when you graduate. Be happy, hang out with kind people and I wish you all good things. PEACE.