Future relevance of business degrees?

[Chebasaz]

Steve, you mentioned earlier that technology degrees holders faced much the same dangers. The world is changing, and the specialization you learned in college is going to be obsolete 10 years from now. I'd both agree and disagree.

Take a look at the steam engineers of the late 19th/early 20th century. Steam engines were everywhere, and a person who was able to repair and make them work was raking in the money. Then comes this new fangled contraption called the internal combustion engine, and over a few decades time an entire career field almost ceases to exist. I imagine farriers went through the same thing when those darn motorwagons were first making their debut.

In the first example, the skill-set needed (mechanical aptitude and an engineering background) are the same. The steam engineers who were forward-looking probably made the transition successfully. The farrier had a harder time of it since there was little applicable translation for his skill-set. He either had to learn a new skill or relocate to where his skill was still needed. The farriers who were forward-looking were able to see this quickly and prepare accordingly.

The 20 year bolt tightener, if staying abreast of developments in auto manufacturing, might have heard about that robot long before it was implemented at his Ford plant. That knowledge would have given him time to prepare, and either learn another skill or find another position in the plant that can't be replaced as easily (robot supervisor?).

Always keeping an eye on the horizon of your chosen field will insulate you no matter your profession. Staying up to date isn't enough; you need to look at what the future holds too. I'm in IT, and often get asked what certification or education people should get for job security or to get promoted. My advice is always the same - If you want to succeed, don't stop at what you need today. Rather identify the education, technical knowledge, certifications that you'll need tomorrow. You'll never get left behind, and when the opportunity for advancement comes, you'll be ready for it.

Short answer - Be prepared!