Lemmy, I have completed tens of modules across several different universities. I have been course-hopping for long enough that I’d have a bachelors degree by now had I found and stayed on a course that suited me. I can’t be asked to commit to one and study it for yet another 3 years before I get a degree*. Yet I feel like all of the effort that I have expended up to this point will go unacknowledged, just because it was spread across several unis and doesn’t fall into any of their pre-defined study plans. I am a person driven by short bouts of intense curiosity of the type that dives down Wikipedia rabbitholes**. I want to do a highly qualified job but am failing to fit in to the rigid framework that academia sets you. I have several Master’s theses that I’d start researching tomorrow if the system let me. Yet without so much as a bachelor’s I might as well go work in a supermarket. How do I move on from here?
*Perhaps it’s also because I’m now in my early 20s and finally want to have some time to explore.
**I am a logical thinker and predominantly interested in STEM topics.
The key is that what your degree in really doesn’t matter all that much. And it doesn’t really matter where you got it from either.
Having the degree is just a checkbox for hiring requirements. Some jobs will want specific “computer science-related” or “engineering” related degrees, but those are generally specialized jobs.
Just get a degree and you’ll see things open up for you. Later on, if you want to go more specialized, get a Master’s or second bachelor’s.
Take it from me, I didn’t get a degree until I was 9 years out from high school and now I’m pursuing a doctorate. Timelines barely matter, the degree itself barely matters, everyone is making everything up. Don’t be so hard on yourself.
Thanks for this reminder. I think I give in to imposter syndrome too much. Because I’m also aware of the dunning kruger effect