Common Myths and Misconceptions

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MYTH: My child should pursue a career that pays well.

REALITY: Not necessarily! To be successful one has to possess both ability and interest. Having a great salary may make life a little easier, but if you dread going to work every morning what is that extra money worth? Often a true passion for your work leads to promotions and unanticipated success.

MYTH: I know there are many options for my child, but it is probably best that s/he pursues a traditional career path with more security.

REALITY: The notion of "security" doesn't exist as it did only 25 years ago. Today's job market is in a constant state of flux, and high turnover rates are common. Today's job seekers and even those currently employed need to keep up with rapid changes in technology and policy. Flexibility and lifelong learning are the keys to having a steady line of work.

MYTH: My son/daughter ought to major in something that can lead to a job.

REALITY: Choosing a major is NOT the same thing as choosing a career. Majoring in psychology does not mean that you will step out college with a job in psychology, and majoring in art history does not mean that you are doomed to a low paying job. A major is a particular channel by which you develop knowledge and master a skill set. What matters most on graduation day is the skill set that is acquired by the graduate, which can be applied in almost any field with an adequate amount of experience.

MYTH: My son/daughter should make an effort to work during school. After all, a job now will lead to a better resume once s/he graduates.

REALITY: Yes, and no. It is true that there are many benefits to having a job during college. Some employers offer scholarships, others offer valuable experience, and few can deny the fact that extra money is a good thing. However, research shows that the academic performance of students who work more than 20 hours a week while classes are in session suffers in comparison to those working fewer than 20 hours a week. Students should devote time to experiences that are relevant to career goals and to developing leadership skills. This can be achieved through internships, externships, holding offices in clubs and organizations, and part time work. Regardless of the specific activity, if academic performance suffers, extra activities should be curtailed.

MYTH: The best time to go to graduate school is right after an undergraduate education. Completing grad school will lead to a better salary / job anyway, so you might as well get it over with now.

REALITY: Not necessarily. The value of a graduate degree varies greatly from field to field. In some fields a graduate degree is highly desirable and even necessary for a professional position. However, in certain fields a graduate degree may actually have a negative impact on a graduate's job search. Some companies are more willing to train employees and later subsidize a graduate education than to pay higher salaries to entry level employees with advanced degrees. As higher education becomes more popular hands on experience has become more valuable.