A degree. Almost got one.

But what does it all mean? Well, in essence, not much. You see, prospective employers are more interested in your skills then a degree. My journalism degree is almost complete, so on into the job world, right?

Previous Opinion Columns by Russ Edmondson:

November 28

Bob Marley beats studying late in semester

November 14

?Ray? of light still exists in sports program

November 4

Gerth caught in catch-22

October 24

Causeway Classic: not as dangerous as last time

October 17

How ASI let Gerth cheat students

October 10

Smokers can thank weak ASI

October 3

Opportunity abounds at Career Fair

September 26

ASI to student body: Help not wanted for new positions

September 18

Bigotry only compounds our tragedy

September 13

Senate bill aiming to keep secrets from you

September 7

Attention professors: students are adults

Well, not so fast. A friend of mine who works in the sports department for The Sacramento Bee just informed me that they are involved in a severe hiring freeze, and that he was lucky to get in when he did. “Check back in 2003” was the jist of the situation.

So it comes down to skills and luck. The piece of paper that says I spent four or five years of my life at Sacramento State means about as much as “”does to this column. So if I want to land a decent job in my journalism major, I?m going to bring along my fancy writing samples folder rather than my degree. And if I?m looking outside of my major for a job, my degree in journalism will count for even less.

The things that you accomplish and actually do in college are very beneficial to landing a job, but just the fact that you attended some college, proves just that to an employer: That you attended some college. If you can do the job, and better yet, prove that you have already done similar things in the past, you are set for success.

College is about more than just studying, partying and going to class. Good grades can only get you so far, and actually, you probably could have gotten there without college. Employers interview, sometimes call resources and review your qualifications for the tasks they will be requiring. Notice the absence of the obligatory degree check. It isn?t always there.

Another huge aspect in getting the career-oriented job is making connections. Obviously, getting involved and talking to people is the best way to do this. Each person you meet knows tons of other people, and the doors open fast.

There is plenty to do at college. Because of this, the very reason why most people enter college in the first place gets lost: to develop skills in order to get a job. Many students remember enough to get decent grades, but don?t know why they are getting those grades: Job.

Certain colleges carry the prestige everywhere they go, with every mention, and can be helpful in getting that job. But Sac State is not on that short list. A degree from this institution is not enough if it is all a student has to show for his time there. A prospective employer will grant you the interview, but once they see your credentials, the response may be along these lines: “Oh, you got a 3.0, attended two football games and supported both campus Burger Kings on a regular basis? Well, I hear that Togo?s is accepting applications.”

Experience outside the classroom is beneficial when hoping to land a job somewhere. But just having a degree is basically worthless. I?ll hang on to my certificate of completion, but that is all I can promise about my degree.

Russ Edmondson is a journalism major. He can be reached at [email protected]