You know something interesting? Before I started going to the university, about the time when I was seeking admission, one of my siblings had, in our discussions mentioned something about them not going to be okay if I got admission to study one of the many 'useless' courses.
He had said how very unbeneficial they would be to me in the long run if I was done and went in search of a job. I knew those things. I have seen graduates who finished out of these courses and struggled through the employment market, many of whom had had to put aside their certificates to work at job whose roles ran parallel to their courses. I understood him, I understand how these things work. This is Nigeria.
I never like to say that any course is useless. I don't think that someone would teach or study something that is insignificant. I prefer to imagine that the sublect/course is outdated, and has been updated by some other that best suits the changing times and era and that depending on location, economic power and development, there may be limited job opportunities.
However, I still think that people should be more proactive and think beyond just getting into university real quick and leaving with a certificate. The world is changing, times are changing, and it's important to position oneself in a way that you don't feel left behind or regret later(as the case may be).
There are a number of courses that I do not get, and the chief on that list has got to be Library Science, I hope that's the full name description. Like, in this time and day? Who still goes to a library? Okay, I'm blowing things up, I know. People still visit the library. At least, I know a number of my course mates who visit my university's library. I only ever went there when we had an orientation in our first year. The last one after that was years ago when I was yet in high school.
I remember seeing a number of students walk past my department, and when I inquired what department they might be in, going by their uniform, I was told it was Library science. To say I was stunned is an understatement. I could only think of what prompted them to go ahead with the course and what they're being thought. I'm sure they get to hear the usual, "this is a hot course and when you graduate, you can work anywhere," which although is not a nice way to think, I have come to associate with courses that are not revered at all.
Some ten, twenty years ago and later, that course would have been a hot cake. Not anymore. There are advancements. Even hardcopy notes and textbooks are beginning to battle and lose to softcopy. People want ease, and I bet you that one of the main reasons why libraries used to be packed filled with users was cause they had textbooks that either people couldn't afford to but or that were scarce. That doesn't work anymore. Most materials are now online and easily accessible plus, there's the dwindling reading culture and poorer facility management.
There might be opportunities for a librarian and surely, I know of one such profitable idea in the career line, but, I also know that many, so many would be unable to afford it and too, it's not hundred percent guaranteed.
Frankly, I know of no alternative to this course. I just think the people involved should rather go for other in-demand, viable, or even technologically inclined courses. Given the times, it's a better option.
Thanks for gracing this post.
Greetings!