What would you say

Question

It have to write a small paragraph explaining why I dropped out of University.

I would appreciate your opinion on the heading.

Concerning my abandoned studies/degree
Concerning my discontinued studies/degree
Concerning my dropping out of University
Concerning my University drop-out

For some reason all the expression sound very awkward to me and not as something a native-speaker would say.

Any suggestions are very welcome.

Thank you

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

ChristianeConcerning my abandoned studies/degreeConcerning my discontinued studies/degreeConcerning my dropping out of UniversityConcerning my University drop-outFor some reason all the expression sound very awkward to me

Me, too. If by 'heading' you mean 'title', then I suggest simply: Dropping out of University.

AlpheccaStars · Answer

If your paragraph has a conclusion, then the title can indicate the result, rather than the action.

eg.
Why I followed Bill Gates, Michael Dell and Mark Zuckerberg
How I ruined my career prospects
A Recommendation for the Young

Christiane · Answer

These are some good suggestions, I wish I were Marc Zuckerberg.

You are right there are certainly much better and more interesting titles.

However, my employer is quite conservative, so I am afraid it must be something more serious and formal and the title should indicate the action rather than the other way round.

Thank you both so far.

AlpheccaStars · Answer

Well, are you happy or unhappy that you dropped out?
Even if your employer is very conservative, that does not mean that your title has to be boring.
Even conservatives appreciate a clever but morally instructive title.

Anonymous · Answer

I completely understand your point.

However, in this case it definitely has to be
rather a bit more conservative and formal than not enough, even if that goes at the expense of originality, so better no experiments.

Mister Micawber · Answer

Anonymousso better no experiments.

Those are not 'experiments'. You are confusing 'formal' and 'natural'...or you are unaware of the difference. I suggest that you follow some of the advice above.

Christiane · Answer

Mister Micawber
I apologize if there has been a misunderstanding.

I did not mean your suggestion. Dropping out of University of course would be perfectly acceptable
and I think I will write it like that.

However expressions like "Why I followed Bill Gates, Michael Dell and Mark Zuckerberg" (I know this was just an example) even if they are only a tiny bit out of the usual, would mean closed doors in a very conservative firm.

So I am very much aware of the difference.

Mister Micawber · Answer

ChristianeHowever expressions like "Why I followed Bill Gates, Michael Dell and Mark Zuckerberg" (I know this was just an example) even if they are only a tiny bit out of the usual, would mean closed doors in a very conservative firm.

I doubt that seriously. I presume you are submitting it to an English firm, and even if you are not, Germany is one of the most advanced nations in the world. I am challenging your perception of what is and is not 'conservative', which I do not believe is realistic.

Christiane · Answer

I get your point Mister Micawber.

Yes, I am submitting it to an English firm. Maybe if its not your mother tongue you are a bit too cautious, I think that's the case.

Still have some time to decide and make up my mind.

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