A wise man once said that education is the key to opportunity. Perhaps a college education is not necessary or right for everyone, but there is no doubt that a college education will open doors and provide opportunities for success that nothing else can. In today’s market, more and more employers are seeking and hiring individuals with at least a bachelor’s degree. A college degree shows an employer that an individual is hard working and dedicated, as any college student will affirm that it takes both to graduate, as well as knowledgeable. Let’s take a look at a college degree from start to finish.
Before the late night cram sessions, ridiculous payments for textbooks that often just collect dust all semester, and some of the best experiences a person can have, a college and major must be chosen. There are several things to keep in mind when choosing both. It’s sensible to start with picking a major, which in turn can influence the choice of school, but for some it takes a little while to decide on what they want to do with their life, so let’s start with how to chose a school.
First, generate a list of priorities. This can include cost, degree programs offered, geographical location, student involvement activities, religion, sports, clubs, town size, night life, friends, and so many others. It’s necessary to figure out what’s important so that those priorities are the first to be considered for each school. Once the list is made, start looking for schools that have the desired priorities. It’s best not to pick more than five possibilities otherwise the decision will become unnecessarily difficult. Then apply to those five, or less, and the elimination process will begin. The decision of a college can influence the rest of your life, so don’t take it lightly.
A major is also an important choice to make. However, it’s a lot easier to change than schools so there can be less pressure to pick a major. In fact, nearly eighty percent of students change their major once and many students change two or three times over the course of their education. However, this is not necessarily recommended. Jumping majors can be very costly as it can lengthen the time at college. If a degree course is uncertain, don’t just pick one hastily for the sake of declaring a major. Instead, stay undeclared, take a variety of classes, and keep an open mind to the possibilities until a field is found for certain. Keep in the mind the areas of study one is particularly good at and enjoys, and go from there. Picture a desired career path and choose a major that will be the most supportive of that career.
College is no easy feat. It takes more time, effort, and money than a lot of other things is life, but it is also more rewarding than a lot of other things. It’s often said that it’s not what you know, but who you know. College is a great way to create those connections. Internships offer a window of business connections, but also gaining a relationship with professors and peers can provide unforeseeable advantageous connections in the future. College is often the first place young adults live out on their own. This teaches responsibilities like budgeting, self-motivation, and homemaking skills. Also, living with roommates, who are often strangers, teaches cooperation, compromise, and other personal attributes. All of these experiences will prove valuable in the adult and employment world.
The job market is constantly changing mainly due to changes in technology. Less and less people are needed for labor jobs, which used to comprise most of the workforce, because of technology that has been developed to do it faster, better, and more efficiently than humans. Now, people are needed to design, build, operate, and manage the advanced technologies, which often requires advanced training and knowledge. A college degree will not only offer a greater variety of job opportunities, but it will allow for movement within a job field or to a different field. Employers feel that college graduates are more prepared in work ethic, knowledge, and training than others.
Perhaps the foremost benefit of a university degree is the increased salary. Research has proven that workers who have a bachelor’s degree earn anywhere from fifty percent to double that of a high school graduate. Also, those with an advanced degree can earn fifty percent, or more, than a graduate with a bachelor’s degree. Reports show that an increased income directly corresponds with a higher quality of life. More hobbies and leisure activities are available, better quality health care, more cultural experiences, more time off, and an improved quality of life for offspring are all results of more income. All of these benefits can be passed on to succeeding generations and continue the value of postsecondary education.
Financial benefits aside, college is simply a good investment. It teaches skills and personal qualities that will be beneficial in any setting. As it is becoming more and more required, it is also becoming more and more available and affordable. Online college classes are booming so that even the older generations can obtain the training and knowledge needed for an improved career in a more lifestyle friendly way. Student loans, grants, and scholarships are more available to help assist with the costs of education. A college degree is an huge investment of time, effort, and plenty money. This may be a deal breaker for some, but they clearly don’t understand that the long-term benefits to themselves, as well as society, far outweigh the costs.
Site owned and managed by Keith Griggs