Terry, Colin: Credentialing

     As the sociological and economic times change, the existing rules and regulations must also change. This is not only in relation to the judicial laws, but includes every area of society. Since the beginnings of civilization education has taken hold of people leading to a central belief that the longer or more advanced the education, the smarter or more intelligent a person must be. Recently, upon analysis of the current undergraduate education, people have begun to discover that education is not where it needs to be. Many people are now questioning the value of their degree, but are these questioning thoughts grounds for an education revolution?

     Being a current college student this is an issue that is very close to home. While reading this article, many thoughts rushed through my head. If I am spending my family's money and sitting numerous hours in class a week, my degree should definitely be worth something in the long run. The authors bring up a good point when they say that revolutionizing the current education beliefs and methods would take a drastic attempt from the current students. The students, ultimately, control what happens in the education system. Without students, what system is there? I believe the problem lies within the close-mindedness of the corporate world (A.K.A. the ones controlling who they employ and from what college they come from.) If these employers would attempt to define their potential job candidates in ways unrelated to the type and school of their degrees, I believe that would make a drastic turn for the better.

     The authors also make another great point when they bring up that the process to devaluing credentialism must begin at the higher job positions. If this process starts with the newly graduated getting a first time job, it would be pointless. As these "newbies" try to progress in their careers, none would be able to fulfill the standards required of the current higher end positions.

     The phrase money is the root of all evil pertains to this whole credentials and degree situation. The amount of money made from students giving an arm and a leg to pay for undergraduate and graduate school is almost indescribable. I agree that everyone should be properly trained for his or her job, but that comes more from hands-on learning.

     Overall, this ongoing war as to whether or not the credentials should be lessened relates immensely to college students everywhere. If employers look less into a person having an Ivy League degree and more into the overall experience and success of the person, positions will be filled with individuals more suited for the job. Sure, a person with an Ivy League degree is obviously smart, but is not necessarily a person better suited for any position.