I have two teenagers, and they are constantly giving me a time promoting that ideals we had in the 1950s 60's 70's don't apply anymore to a lot of things in life. Because of the way I was raised (I'm 46) with old school values it's hard for me to hear that but if I pop out of the bubble I really see their point. For example if my son were to study film makers, filming techniques, tutorials, etc on the internet and then spent hours developing his own skill, if he's paid the price and can film and edit better than someone out of college then what good does a paper with a school's name on it do him? He should have equal rights to a job in that profession no? This wouldn't apply to all professions obviously but it would work for many.
On the other hand if you want to be a graphic designer around here, because of supply and demand, employers want a Bachelor's degree in Design, knowledge in all kinds of different software, programming website language a plus, 3-5 years experience, and then they think you should be excited to make $12-15/hr. to work in a local print shop or as a junior graphic designer for a small business. That's retarded. A person could read a book about the program and learn all you'd need to know to use it. The design talent is born in the genes, not in a classroom. Same may be said for many other industries, some got it and some are just people who can go through the motions. Again I say those that have got it should have equal opportunity at employment even without any schooling if they can show they have the skills to be an asset to the company.
Maybe America should reconsider the old adage that you gotta get good grades in high school (in classes that you forget half the material after the test anyway because it's not pertinent to your future), you gotta go to college and then you'll get a good job?
