How Many People Here Have A Degree?

[Tiggy]

Is it a degree in harmony with your business?

What postive influence does having a degree have on you and your business (esp profit margins!) if any?


T :)

[SillyJokes]

I've got one in Geography but I don't think it helps with my work now.

It got me my first employed job though.

[Tiggy]

At least with a degree in Geography you always know where you are.. :lol: :lol: :lol:

T :)

[Jayne]

I don't have one, dropped out doing an art one. Wouldn't have done me much good baking anyway :D

I've learnt more from being in business than any school could have done, but it all depends on the business, I was lucky my husband was a qualified
baker, so I just learned from the library the business site.

Jayne

[Tiggy]

Believe me..a degree positively pales into insignificance against someone who can bake a darn good cake!

T :D

[Jayne]

I can ice them too :lol:

Jayne

[MinuWeb]

I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering, now work in IT.

The most important thing for me when I employ staff is not the amount of qualifications they have but their ability and willingness to learn.

[Tiggy]

"I can ice them too!" Jayne


Then you are a veritable goddess!! i possess only one major talent when it comes to cake!

T :D

[Jayne]

Gis a job :lol: :lol: :lol:

Jayne

[Tiggy]

But does it give a certain amount of comfort knowing that if your business goes belly up you can get back into employment and, most likely, get a decentish salary in comparison to someone who does not have one, or does it not work like that?

T

[Cornish Steve]

I have a BSc in physics and a PhD in theoretical physics. I also have an MBA.

The physics degrees were fun. While the subject matter is not relevant to my work, they instilled a certain discipline in my way of thinking. I find that very helpful.

I obtained my MBA as a mature student. Even though, at the time, I was a senior manager at a large multinational corporation, the degree was helpful. It plugged many gaps in my armour. It also exposed me to problems faced in other industries.

To be honest, I don't believe my degrees have helped me much in establishing a new company. Much more important are personal contacts and experience. Occasionally, they are useful because they give me credibility. Membership in two national honour societies also helps in that area.

[Jayne]

But does it give a certain amount of comfort knowing that if your business goes belly up you can get back into employment and, most likely, get a decentish salary in comparison to someone who does not have one, or does it not work like that?

T

I don't worry, money is money, you can sweep roads for about £8 per hour, don't need qualifications for that. It's just an added bonus if you enjoy what you are doing and being your own boss. There's always something you can do if you put your mind to it.

Jayne

[Tiggy]

Steve do you think it would be taking too much on to start a business and start a degree at the same time?

The degree is something I never had a chance to do when i left school and I am now 41 but it is something that has always bugged me and I feel I really missed out.

The degree would be mainly for my own satisfaction. I feel it would satisfy the parts of me a business would not reach!!!
T :lol:

[Jayne]

I have a BSc in physics and a PhD in theoretical physics. I also have an MBA.

The physics degrees were fun. While the subject matter is not relevant to my work, they instilled a certain discipline in my way of thinking. I find that very helpful.

I obtained my MBA as a mature student. Even though, at the time, I was a senior manager at a large multinational corporation, the degree was helpful. It plugged many gaps in my armour. It also exposed me to problems faced in other industries.

To be honest, I don't believe my degrees have helped me much in establishing a new company. Much more important are personal contacts and experience. Occasionally, they are useful because they give me credibility. Membership in two national honour societies also helps in that area.

So this is why I can never answer your questions, too many brains :D

Jayne

[Cornish Steve]

Steve do you think it would be taking too much on to start a business and start a degree at the same time?

I don't know your situation, the type of business, or your current workload. If it was me, I'd focus on one or the other, not both.

When I started my MBA, I was working 50-60 hours a week and spending 50 percent of my time traveling overseas. The degree added another 20 hours a week (sometimes more) to my load.

Together with my business partner, I started my company after I finished the degree. For the last 15 months, I have been working 100-110 hours a week. That's the same 50-60 hours as before plus another 50-60 hours on my own business. (I won't short-change my day-time employer in any way, so I won't cut the 50-60 hours down to 40.)

I recommend you assess how you spend your time today, establish priorities, then decide what is practical. It would be better to succeed at one of your two choices rather than do a half-***ed job at both.

Imagine it's 30 years from now. Which would you regret more - not creating your own business or not obtaining a degree?

[Cornish Steve]

So this is why I can never answer your questions, too many brains

...but little common sense. This is why I have a woman as a business partner. :)

[Jayne]

Wish all men were like you, your partners a lucky woman :D

Jayne

[sarahpatience]

I have a degree in Interior Architecture, my business is in graphic and web design. Knew I wanted to do something design related before starting my degree, just didn't know what. Didn't particularly enjoy designing spaces, but loved laying out my projects graphically for presentation, which is how I ended up doing what I do now.

[Tiggy]

Steve do you think it would be taking too much on to start a business and start a degree at the same time?

I don't know your situation, the type of business, or your current workload. If it was me, I'd focus on one or the other, not both.

When I started my MBA, I was working 50-60 hours a week and spending 50 percent of my time traveling overseas. The degree added another 20 hours a week (sometimes more) to my load.

Together with my business partner, I started my company after I finished the degree. For the last 15 months, I have been working 100-110 hours a week. That's the same 50-60 hours as before plus another 50-60 hours on my own business. (I won't short-change my day-time employer in any way, so I won't cut the 50-60 hours down to 40.)

I recommend you assess how you spend your time today, establish priorities, then decide what is practical. It would be better to succeed at one of your two choices rather than do a half-***ed job at both.

Imagine it's 30 years from now. Which would you regret more - not creating your own business or not obtaining a degree?


I'm quite pleasantly surprised to hear myself say this but I think I would have to choose the thrill and the pain of establishing a business everytime!
I suppose I view a degree as a 'nice to have' whereas I see owning my own business as a 'need to have'.

Just the whole creative process of the business thing makes me salivate...grrrrrr...


T :)

[Jayne]

Hope you make millions Tiggy. Faith in yourself and a bit of get up and go and you're well on your way. :D

Jayne

[APRogers]

37.0 or 98.6, depending on whether you measure celsius or fahrenheit - My education stopped at A-Level.

That has no relevance to my business but it narks me something rotten that they'll (anyone) offer a job to someone with no proven experience and pay them more than me, who has proved that they can do the job, not just theorise about it.

Bitter? No, that's why I started my own company, so I can be judged on what I do.

Alan

[coxadmin]

I do not have a degree but I do have one A level in German. I also achieved Integrated Business Technologies Level 2 (IBT2) a few years ago - at least that is semi-relevant to my Virtual Assistant business.

I'm learning loads as a business woman, as Jayne said.

[Amber]

I have a degree in English Literature. It's been helpful in that in my business (writing), experience counts for a lot, and the degree helped get me the experience that now gets me clients, if that makes sense :)

On the other hand, I could probably have managed without it. I got the bulk of my experience on the job as a trainee reporter, and I could have done that right from school. My degree taught me nothing about business, and not much about the world. Running a business, on the other hand, has taught me a huge amount.

I tend to think that education in this country is geared almost entirely towards producing wage slaves rather than entrepreneurs, to be honest. I sometimes wish I hadn't bothered with the degree and had spent the four years some other way instead!

[Jayne]

I packed mine in Amber because I wanted to earn money, collage takes too long, wasn't learning quickly enough, if you know what I mean.

Jayne

[Pete Williams]

I have a B.Ed teaching degree in Physical Education and IT. Doesn't really help me now but I know it is there if I need it!!!

[Amber]

I packed mine in Amber because I wanted to earn money, collage takes too long, wasn't learning quickly enough, if you know what I mean.

Jayne

Yep, it's a long time to be unable to earn a full time wage. Ours take four years here in Scotland, too!

[DuaneJackson]

No degree, No A-Levels, No-GCSE's, infact I don't think I have any formal qualifications at all.

But I got a few badges at boy scouts.

[Jayne]

No degree, No A-Levels, No-GCSE's, infact I don't think I have any formal qualifications at all.

But I got a few badges at boy scouts.


And that's all you need :D Life is learning...don't need paper for that.

Jayne

[Cornish Steve]

No degree, No A-Levels, No-GCSE's, infact I don't think I have any formal qualifications at all.

But I got a few badges at boy scouts.


And that's all you need :D Life is learning...don't need paper for that.

Jayne

For the second time today, I'm going to disagree with you, Jayne...gulp.

I do agree that the best teacher is experience. Like others, I bemoan the fact that so much of our education system steals our independence and entrepreneurial spirit.

Having said that, education is important. A broad-based education, which is what school is supposed to be all about, can overcome prejudice and give us a wider appreciation of the world around us. Focused training can help us to overcome specific hurdles we face during our careers.

We shouldn't throw out the baby with the bathwater.

(Spoken by a guy who offers training to business professionals! :))

[Jayne]

We are not having a very agreeing day today are we :lol:

I should have put it better.

Yes, education is very important and will help many people do well, but it doesn't mean you cannot learn yourself. Self teaching is just as good, I have learnt more from the library and other people than I ever did at school (about life etc.). For example, I saw an opportunity for making money icing cakes, within 6 months I was doing fancy wedding cakes and getting £300 - £400 a time for them, all from the library. I don't have any bits of paper to prove I can do this, but my work spoke for itself. So anything is possible, learn everything you can, but you don't have to do it in a classroom.

Is that better Steve :D

Jayne

[Cornish Steve]

For example, I saw an opportunity for making money icing cakes, within 6 months I was doing fancy wedding cakes and getting £300 - £400 a time for them, all from the library. I don't have any bits of paper to prove I can do this, but my work spoke for itself.

Your example is a great one. You took the initiative to learn what was needed to develop your business further. All credit to you.

[americatelefon.com]

I work and go to college at the moment. This is only my second year at college. I've been working in a VoIP company for the whole summer and I continue working in here. But I'm going to receive my masters in International Business Management, if my job doesn't kill me :) Cause I think it's really important to have one.

[Richard Glynn]

I have a degree. But it has been absolutely no use in business whatsoever. My most important business lessons have been learned on the job.

If you could do a degree in 'common sense' then you might be onto a winner.

However, some of my richest life experiences were during the four years I was studying. So still worthwhile - depending on what your priorities are.

There's a good general perspective on which route your life should take - the importance of education etc. in a book called 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad' by Robert Kiyosaki. It's American so take it with a pinch of salt - but a good read nonetheless.

[APRogers]

No degree, No A-Levels, No-GCSE's, infact I don't think I have any formal qualifications at all but I got a few badges at boy scouts.If you're young enough to have sat GCSEs, you're too young to have ever gone to Boy Scouts - that phrase hasn't been used since the sixties :D
Alan

[DuaneJackson]

I didn't sit GCSEs, but I'm young enough to have done. 26

And I did go Boy Scouts! I've got the badges to prove it.

[Tiggy]

For example, I saw an opportunity for making money icing cakes, within 6 months I was doing fancy wedding cakes and getting £300 - £400 a time for them, all from the library. I don't have any bits of paper to prove I can do this, but my work spoke for itself. So anything is possible, learn everything you can, but you don't have to do it in a classroom.



Jayne

Gosh! Is it really that much for a wedding cake?? I remember my aunt making these and I saw how much work is involved but she was charging ridiculously low prices, bearly enough I would think to cover the cost, so in the end she stopped. If you don't value yourself and your work no one else will, will they?

T :)

[dagr]

I did engineering, so not really a help in starting a business, but it wasn't meant to be. However, in general terms, I found that doing a degree did help with organizing thoughts, writing skills, planning, etc.

And, as someone above said, 'it was a hell of a time"!

[Jayne]

Yes Tiggy, My cake prices for wedding cakes started at £80 upwards, depending on how many tiers, time and difficulty. Some of the top designers charge from £1,000 upwards. I had to do one once where I had to make sugar paste mice for the Bride and Groom and little mice for bridesmaids, exactly matching there dresses. Took me a month, so £300 isn't a lot. I packed it in because people were complaining about the prices, but i'm sorry, I'd rather not work at all, than work for nothing.

Jayne

[Joyous]

I have a degree in biochemistry which must explain why I'm an accountant. Three years of being in a lab told me that I didn't want to be a scientist.

I'd say my degree indirectly got me to the stage of running my own business. Most of my roles when employed required a graduate and/or professional qualification, and numerous years of toeing the line taught me that I'd only be truly happy working for myself.

My experience rather than my degree has helped my business but I'd say that the degree does give you the ability to talk to just about everybody with a level of confidence.

Regards

Joy

[jimbojones]

I decided against university for a number of reasons:

I felt that in today's world, experience counts. Its all good knowing the theory behind everything but if you can't do the job or still require training from the bottom rung of the ladder, its seems pretty pointless.

Obviously if you are striving to be a lawyer, vet or doctor a degree is vital, but for my nature of work it is by no means essential.

Why put yourself £20,000 in debt to compete with 5 other people for a post-graduate job ? Most people I know dont actually work in the area(s) that they posses a degree in. The growing trend seems to be that degree's are ten a penny and I feel that 10yrs ago a degree was worth more than it is now.

I planned to study Marketing Management at Manchester until I was offered a job to work for newreg.com after my A-levels. Taking into consideration what I mentioned above, I decided to defer my place and see how the job turned out.

I was unable to work towards a qualification with NewReg.com and felt that although I wasn't planning to do a degree, some sort of qualifaction was needed to further my career.

I found my new job for the Just4 Group a few months ago and am now working towards my Charted Institute in Marketing (CIM). Hopefully in 2-3yrs time I'll be a fully qualified marketer at 23, with good quality experience and I won't be £20,000 in the red. I earn a decent wage for my age (19) and can do things that some poor students can't simply afford.

"But what about the times im missing out on" - I hear you cry! - Well I have a very healthy social life, believe me, and I have friends at a few different Uni's, so I still get to expereince some of the student life!

I would be very interested to see what people think about this opinion,

All the best,

Jamie

[annethedonn]

I don't have a degree and I'm doing ok! My husband has one, my ex had one and their jobs are the type anyone could do.

[jimbojones]

I don't have a degree and I'm doing ok! My husband has one, my ex had one and their jobs are the type anyone could do.

Exactly my point - are degree's dying out in some businesses ? Does anyone have the opposite view to this ??

jamie

[Cornish Steve]

Exactly my point - are degree's dying out in some businesses ? Does anyone have the opposite view to this ??

As the needs of the workplace change, so will training needs. As time goes by, we'll all become independent contractors, and companies won't have real employees per se. That means that we'd better learn skills that are valuable. Education will need to match this model.

Almost two years ago, as a senior manager at a multinational corporation, I attended a planning meeting at which the topic of education came up. Basically, the conclusion was that the company should pay for focused training for which the return on investment (ROI) is almost immediate. It's difficult to justify paying large sums for degrees.

This influenced my thinking when starting up my own company. We designed our courses to be very practical and with a short ROI. I'm betting on the fact that more and more companies will look for courses of this type: very focused, of short duration, and much less expensive.

You are already seeing companies adopting this model. Anne the Donn offers a wide range of online courses. They are "very focused, of short duration, and much less expensive". The courses offered by my company are team-based and demand extensive interaction in the virtual classroom. Again, though, they are "very focused, of short duration, and much less expensive". I'm sure you have come across other companies that fit the same mould.

The one thing that universities offer, however, is credibility. It's tough to overcome the current perception that online courses are scams in the making. For this reason, I've had to partner with universities so we can offer continuing education credits. We also joined the local Better Business Bureau to prove we are a real company that treats customers fairly.

It's exciting, actually. I really feel like we are changing the face of education. I'm sure that education, and the workplace, will be very different in ten years' time.

[Jayne]

Steve for prime minister, yer :lol:

By the way Steve, a butcher in huddersfield (Yorkshire) has just won best of british for Cornish Pasties and Sausages :D That's Yorkshire not Cornwall :lol:

Jayne

[Cornish Steve]

By the way Steve, a butcher in huddersfield (Yorkshire) has just won best of british for Cornish Pasties and Sausages :D That's Yorkshire not Cornwall :lol:

Jayne

Please excuse me while I pass out from the shock of this announcement.

[Jayne]

What can I say, serves you right for nicking our Yorkshire Puddings :lol:

Jayne

[annethedonn]

I love cornish pasties!!!!

[Jayne]

No that's not correct...They are now Yorkshire Pasties :lol:

Jayne

[annethedonn]

So does that me that we now have Cornish Pudding with our roasts?

[Jayne]

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Jayne

[chris1317]

I have 2 HNC and an ONC and got 3 highers

ONC - Measurement and control
HNC - Electronic engineerin
HNC - Computing
MCSE - in progress

I did my college whilst working in nightclasses as that way i was gaining exp, qualifications and money at the same time. Now doing MCSE at nights as it is more focused and relevant to the type of work that I do.

Some people that go straight out of school into uni then onto work realy dont deserve a job at all IMO. I have worked with several grads and they just seem to have no common sense at all and dont understand what it is like to work in the real world. Im sure they are not all like that but the ones ive met have been. Dont get me wrong they are nice people but they just dont have a clue.

Chris.

[Cornish Steve]

Some people that go straight out of school into uni then onto work realy dont deserve a job at all IMO. I have worked with several grads and they just seem to have no common sense at all and dont understand what it is like to work in the real world. Im sure they are not all like that but the ones ive met have been. Dont get me wrong they are nice people but they just dont have a clue.

Isn't that a sad commentary on the state of education. I'm convinced that the current model will have to change.

To go a little off topic, we chose to homeschool three of our children (which is an option here). For example, my older daughter would occasionally come to work with me. She listened to the receptionist, sent and received faxes, attended occasional meetings with me, and did her regular schoolwork while I did my work. At other times, she stayed home with my wife and learned how to cope with her baby brother, to cook meals, etc. Sometimes, we would go on educational trips, such as visiting a national park or attending a trade show.

The principle is the same: Education should relate to the real world.

All credit to you, Chris, for working such long hours to ensure you have real work experience AND an education.

[Shaggy]

Got a BMedSci and an MPhil, and just finishing my PhD...

[Clare]

I didn't take the opportunity on leaving school to go on and do a degree but in later life decided to exercise the grey cells and did a degree with the Open University which I finally completed last year. It's not on a topic I use in my business but has great relevance to the world around me! I chose subjects that interested me on a personal level.

I'd highly recommend the OU they have an excellent way of structuring the work and a huge variety of topics - yes, it's hard work if you're working full time but it's a good way to get a degree without becoming a penniless student.

Clare

[PeteH]

Got a degree in business economics, now a fully fledged chartered accountant.

I also have my Utility Warehouse Discount Club (TElecom Plus) business, helping people to make money and save money.

Is the degree relevant? Well, its gives you options in what job you go for, but if you are setting up your own business you need skills/experience rather than academic excellence.

Pete

[Abdul]

All the degrees that I ahve studied for have been stepping stones for better life or greater things plus they ahve opened a few doors from me along the way. . They have helped acheive where I am today.
Abdul

[Meg]

Hello everyone, I too possess a degree and that's in Psychology...yes you all saw it right, it's Psychology, the study of mind. So, anybody interested to know his/her mind?:D

[level200]

BA 'Hons' Graphic Design

[theMBA]

I have a degree in Maths from Oxford University, a Chartered Accountancy qualification from a London accountancy firm and a recent MBA by distance learning from Warwick Business School.

Of these, the maths was very useful in my career - I've often used my numeracy in the jobs I've had, although many of the things I learned at Uni have never been applied. The accountancy has been very useful and often applied in one form or another. The most udeful degree, however, has been the MBA, since it exposed me to a wide range of business-related topics from people management to the politics of change.

I have my own fledgling business as well as a day-job. My particular business - reviewing business plans, gains credibility from my MBA, without which I doubt anyone would let me review their business plan for them.

All my qualifications, though, have opened doors at various times, particularly when I was in my twenties. The credibility of the names of the institutions carries as much weight, I think, as the types of qualifications, especially now that it is the Govt's intention for 50% of young people to go to Uni. However, I'm finding it increasingly difficult to open doors now I'm reaching 'a certain age'. There was a time when three different major international organisations all offered me a job at the same time. Not any longer, degrees or not.

[Alpha]

Steve for prime minister, yer :lol:

By the way Steve, a butcher in huddersfield (Yorkshire) has just won best of british for Cornish Pasties and Sausages :D That's Yorkshire not Cornwall :lol:

Jayne


Ah but did he put carrots in them :D

[Alpha]

Well I've got a joint degree in Geology and Chemistry (and subsequently an accountancy qualification) but apart from the experience the only other thing I got out of it was my first Job (Management accountant at Shell chemicals)

It isnt really the piece of paper that is important it is the process of learning, whether that be vocational or otherwise. Each respondant to this thread has actually demonstrated that they have the ability and willingness to learn but many do not require the letters after their name.

I have known a number of people who have failed to get any significant qualifications at school and then go on to get decent paid employment in roles where continual upgrading of skills is a requirement.

There are no real failures just varying degrees of success (To *******ize a quote from Edison:D)

[Juvanescence]

Ba(hons) Graphic Design

[little_stork]

I am in my second year at Uni for BA/ED Education studies and Social Inclusion, I am a mature student 32 and three kids. My business idea has been in my head for a few years now. Summer hols came and I needed something to get my teeth into!!!

I have always had well paid jobs previously to having my children however, the reason i started my degree is because i always knew i could do it and I never had the chance when I was younger, parents couldn't afford it.

What i would say is that since starting my degree the way I view the world and make opinions on things has greatly changed. It has been an education, what i do see alot of is young people at Uni who don't want to be there and can't be ar**d, and i feel sad for them for not grasping the chance they have.

How old do I sound??? lol :-)

[Scott-CopyandDesign]

Up to this point I just have 7 GCSE's and in 2 years I'll have A-levels in Computing, Accounting, Business and Graphics.

Still making my mind up about University.

[PeteA]

I have a few diploms does that count?

[Djfreema]

I have just finished my business degree, 2:1 :D

I'm in the process of starting my own business and I find that many of the things I have to do now (Business Plans, Marketing Plans, Sales Forecasts, Cash Flows, P&L, Balance Sheet, 'What if' statements, PESTS, SWOTS etc...) I have done whilst at University and these helped me a great deal.

So the 3 years of partying in Sheffield were well worth it.

[andrew1810]

I have a degree in Business Studies (and alcohol abuse)

Thoroughly enjoyed it and did a bit of everything (marketing, accounts, economics, HR, advertising, entrepreneurship etc.) which has given me a decent grounding for getting up and running, as well as for the future

[SillyJokes]

Cycling Proficiency, Pony Club C Test, Grade 3 Piano, Bsc Geog. (Lon) in that order.

[Light Speed]

I got one in Business IT.

But i must admit you cant beat good old job experience!

[Cornish Steve]

Cycling Proficiency, Pony Club C Test, Grade 3 Piano, Bsc Geog. (Lon) in that order.
Glad to see we have another pianist at the forums. While I get little free time, I do wile away some hours at the piano too.

[Alison Geldart]

BA (Hons) American Studies.

In my line of work, I don't think anyone would take me seriously without a degree (although I don't put letters after my name, so how would they know?!).

[Hedgehog Toys]

I have a degree in Architecture and to be honest I could not have achieved much in the way of progress in my field of work without it

[nsdesign]

BSc in Architecture, which may seem odd for a director of a web design/consultancy firm, but has actually been very relevant - "design" follows the same basic rules whether it's a building, a floorplan, or a website... (just don't get me to build you a house ;))

Gary

[nsdesign]

I have a degree in Architecture and to be honest I could not have achieved much in the way of progress in my field of work without it

Wow - "ex-architects" must all be in synch or something... spooky!!!

[easyasit]

i have a degree in chemistry.
Dropped out of the masters.

Never did me too many favours though

Now i work in IT

Al

[Girlw0nder]

I have a degree in Drama,Theatre Studies & Theology BA (hons). I also have a Post Grad in Secondary Ed (Hence me being a Drama Teacher!!) I don't think they've helped necessarily with my business, but I certainly have more confidence in myself. (AAAhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!)

[Bulldog Design]

I'm currently studying for a National Diploma in Business and Management. If my business takes off however I will drop out, I'm a firm believer that qualifications and pieces of paper don't make you a good businessman.

[HSLS]

BA (hons) French and Criminology and PGCE Secondary.
I couldn't do what I do without my qualifications, and I do use the letters after my name as people need to see I'm qualified.

[CG Effect]

I was in college doing advanced GNVQ in Art and design. I wanted to go to uni and do a degree but I ended up dropping out in my second year at college as the teachers refused to let me develop my own drawing and painting techniques. Being good at art & design was more important to me than being able to say I have a degree. I realised for a decent career in anything art or design I would have to teach myself using books writen by pros.

[gaz2373]

I have a Degree BA(hons) Business Administration.

To answer your question: it depends on what area you go into. I chose a business degree as I knew that eventually I wanted to run my own company. Now I am in the financial services and mortgages area I have to do more qualifications to meet the FSA criteria and the degree is less relevent for that, however as far as running my business is concerned my degree helps. The subject I studied has given me a better understanding of what makes a successful company, and has developed my thinking along the lines of a management consultant.

[RSL]

I have a degree in International Business (Economics) - don't use much of the theory if any actually...nice to have it though...like the title...that's about it...oh and I got a good graduation picture out if it...all those thousands of pounds of debt well worth it! lol!

[YEM]

I have a joint degree in Management and Tourism & Leisure.

I couldn't do what I do, without having studied for three years, and although I'm not working in the tourism industry, I can apply what I was taught at Uni to what I do now (marketing, customer service, etc etc) - It also strangely allows me to go on holiday and be totally relaxed during delays etc, because I have some knowledge as to why the delay may be happening!!!

On the management side, it was very theory based, but as I always knew I would be self-emplyed at some point in my life, or working as a key person in a small business, I tailored the modules to be equipped to do that - making sure I did modules on accounting (so boring - sorry accountant types), marketing, finance, etc etc etc

My dissertaion (which I loved diong by the way) was titled 'A Comparison of Male and Female Entrepreneurs) so the fact that I now work on YE Magazine, is quite fitting!

[Essence]

I have a degree in Marketing - hardly used it. Besides, with all the advances in technology and communications, my diploma was obsolete before I left the university car park.

I can't put my hand on my heart and say that my degree helped me any of the way - if anything, it hindered me at a few interviews! I'm all for education where appropriate, but believe that experience gets you further in the long run.

[JoyDivision]

I have a degree and it helps me with my business, not least because its directly related.

Also it always helps when clients ask if you're trained and I reply "I learnt it at university" it always sounds impressive, especialy since my local area is full of graduates and lecturers.

[bdarling]

No degree, but I have a HND in Digital, Print Media & Publishing, which sounded really interesting when I applied and prove not to be.
Mainly because I didn’t realize how much printing would be involved.
I have found the study methods I learnt i.e. time management, researching etc have been of much more use.
Although not sure those skills justify the debt.

[ajones@orielsupport]

Ive managed to scrape a 2:2 ion business management and business IT. I now work in sales but my degree definately helped to get me into the company in the first place - my time at uni was possibly the best in my life to date - when else will you get the opportunity to be out on the town 3 nights during the week and then a saturday

[garyk]

I dont have a degree, straight out of school at 15. It did hold me back when I first started back in 84 as I wanted to get into IT, I stuck with it though and by the time I started on my own in 93 my experience was worth much much more.