How do I know I'll be competitive for jobs/grad school if I finish my undergrad late?

Question

I recently asked a question here about whether I would have trouble getting good jobs or into good grad schools if I finished my undergaduate degree late. Many of the answers I received were encouraging, however, I am still concerned about some things. Some respondants said that future employers would like the extra job experience I would get during my break from full-time school. I've been working at Target as well as a bar part-time. That isn't exactly impressive job experience. Yes, I do have office and clerical experience from previous jobs. Also, most of my friends who have not taken any kind of hiatus from school have internship experience as well as study abroad experience, which is probably much more valuable to future employers.

I want to get my degree so I can work have a good, productive career. I'm also set on finishing my degree so that I can be respected as an educated individual.

If I shouldn't worry about finishing my degree in 4 years like most people do, then why is there so much emphasis/pressure on doing so?

Answer 1

There is no pressure, it's just the status quo. People want to get out as soon as possible to work and without AP that usually takes 4 years. If you graduate around December you may actually have an advantage as most companies look for employees at colleges and universities around February or March. If you can still go to the job fairs and apply you may be able to get the job over someone who won't graduate for a few months.

Answer 2

B Thankful U have a job (part-time Jobs) first of all...

There's a lot of pressure to get good education and

then get the "Career Job you always wanted" that's

great in all if it goes that way. But in the real world

things always don;t turn out so smoothly. Keep at

with the schooling, and working as much as needed

to pay the bills. Remember, education is an asset

it can only benefit you in the long run, no matter how

long it takes!!!