en-us http://www.keithwatanabe.net/index.php Keith Watanabe's Website http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2008/7/14/f0a73fceb9e836ec45d77bf8d8e309c1.html
Reflecting upon these words made me realize how corporate America values certain degrees. So all the technical majors in college like engineering, sciences and mathematics, and to a degree, economics, stats, etc. receive high praise and payment while majors like humanities and arts suffer a great deal in the respect and job options area. Of course, some of these areas have been corrupted (political science/English => lawyer/politician), but it's interesting to note how the vast majority of respected jobs involve some non-critical thinking position.

That isn't to say that humanities and arts have no value in terms of job opportunities. Obviously, directors, actors, musicians, etc. are some of the most prestigious positions (despite the fact that they produce little social value outside of entertainment). But those that become successful are either lucky or are sellouts (not to mention typically not having any true great talent).

But you don't really see a lot of jobs for say a person graduating with a degree in critical theory or philosophy. Most of those people are relegated in underpaid, underfunded positions at universities. Those that decide to move away from academia enroll in simple office jobs that underutilize their studies (except for things like communications).

Perhaps the closest thing is a position in HR. But most positions in HR are accounting, maybe some Visa work (law) and simple paperwork. You might even see recruiting as another form (psychology). In general though, you rarely see a position like social engineering. I mean, how to improve work conditions and seeing it through. Or what about other applications of philosophical readings to work?

It's kinda sad that the humanities is completely underappreciated. But I guess people prefer to be content with their SUVs, 60" plasma screens, XBox, Netflix rentals, and other forms of materialism than realize just how screwed they are.]]> Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:24:43 -0600 http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2008/7/14/f0a73fceb9e836ec45d77bf8d8e309c1.html http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2008/8/10/276902e1f3a083a93e10e84954d50a27.html
At this stage, my only prevention is money. Certainly, I can obtain another loan but I don't know as of yet if it's worth it. In the case of an MBA, my focus would be on information systems. However, the general cost of an MBA program can range up to $100k, a figure that doesn't look pleasing, especially to one who just recently got out of most of his student loan and credit debt.

A computer science masters would require me to probably take a good 3-4 months of in preparation for the GRE test, especially on the math sections. I might even need to just go back and finish my bachelors at UCI, which I wouldn't mind, but I don't know if it's worth it.

Finally, the MFA program would be out of pure selfishness. My preferred school is Columbia University. The program there fits my style and mode of writing. However, the school being Columbia and the state being NYC, I'm certain that cost would play a huge factor. The nice thing though is that this type of degree is something I can pursue at any time, whereas the other two degrees have a definite time factor driving me.

Overall, it would be great to have such a diversion. Definitely, the time away from the office would heal some of my mental and emotional wounds as I would focus more on my studies. It's very tempting at this point in my life and would give me a nice excuse to depart from the business world without worry for a short period.]]> Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:35:13 -0600 http://www.keithwatanabe.net/blogs/2008/8/10/276902e1f3a083a93e10e84954d50a27.html