What's the point of Hogwarts? - Plenty of Opportunity

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 127764


>--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "sandra87b" <sandra87b at y...> wrote:
> 
> --- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Steve" 
> <bboyminn at y...> wrote:
> > So, to some extent, I do agree with your basic idea, but I think 
> you are blowing it out of proportion; making it more than it really 
> is.Just one man's opinion.
> > Steve/bboyminn

> Sandra:
> ... I still think Hogwartians are at a huge disadvantage. They spend
> 7 years getting qualifications that seem to lead practically 
> nowhere. 

bboyminn:

I still don't see how a Hogwarts education can lead nowhere. Certainly
more difficult in the real world, but certainly not nowhere. The
wizard world is a microcosm of the real world. Everything the real
world needs wizards need. They need soap, furniture, appliances,
china, silverware, houses, food, transportation, etc.... For every job
in the real world there is a parallel job in the wizard world and the
wizard world needs people to invent, improve, manufacture, distribute,
export, and sell these products. As well as a substantial number of
people in the service industry. 

These are not menial jobs. A menial job is flipping burgers at
McDonalds or working the late shift as a clerk in a convenience store.
And by the way, these menial jobs also exist in the wizard world; the
magical dishwasher at the Leaky Cauldron is mentioned somewhere. Being
a craftsman or artisan can certainly provide a secure and substantial
income as can a simple manufacturing job. Once Fred and George's
business really takes off, they are going to need to hire people to
manufacture their products. That's a lot of jobs for a lot of people.


> Sandra continues:
> If...the Weasleys ... fancied becoming either an investment banker, 
> a vet or a chemical engineer (no, really) he would have to go right 
> back to square one and waste  quite a few years catching up ...

bboyminn:

Well, you seem completely entrenched in this idea that anyone who
wants to enter the muggle work world is completely screwed, but I just
can't see it. First of all, all these kids have a basic level of
literacy. They are proficient at reading, writing, and basic math
which means they ARE NOT back to SQUARE ONE. They are back to about
square 8. 

You seem totally resistent to the idea that they could simply bone up
a bit, and take the O-Level and/or A-Level tests. But in real life
that happens all the time. People who for one reason or another aren't
able to finish school (high school), later go back and get an
equivalency diploma, and then go on to college. Really, that does
happen all the time, and for a wizard who was so determine, they
certainly could accomplish that task, and it wouldn't take years.

In your examples for one of the Weasleys, certainly Ron (or whoever)
could become the magical equivalent of banker (Bill), vet (Charlie),
or chemical engineer (potions master). Further, although extremely
unlikely that Ron or any Weasley would, if they took an interest in a
muggle profession, then certainly, if they were willing to work at it,
could become a muggle-world banker, vet, or engineer.

> Sandra continues:
> ... Say Hermione had to go back to her parents after finishing at 
> Hogwarts, due to ... whatever - then what? ...edited..
>
> Sandra.

bboyminn: 

Then Hermione goes back and works as a receptionist for her parents
Dental office. From their with on-the-job-training, she could become a
dental assistant or dental techincian, all honorable professions, all
yielding a secure and substantial income, and none of which qualify as
a menial job.

Again, these are literate people. They have a foundation of basic
skills. They can read, and futher read relatively complex and obscure
texts. They have a grounding in the English language as well as as bit
of the classics. They write compositions. They work out complex
potions formulas.

You seem to have made up your mind, but myself and others have
demonstrated a wide range of jobs in the wizard world, and I have
further indicated that it is very common for people who have fallen
behind in their muggle studies, to bring themselves up to speed and
move on from there. This happens everyday in real life, so it could
certainly happen to a sufficciently motivated wizard or witch.

Again, I do agree with your basic premise, it would be more difficult
for Hogwarts educated kids to move into working in the muggle world,
but certainly doable. There would be some documentation problems to
overcome, but I can see reasonable ways to overcome them.

There are plenty of jobs and plenty of opportunities if you're just
willing to look for them.

Still just one man's opinion.

Steve/bboyminn