March 11, 2008

• Is college education a must for most people in the modern world? Why or why not?

  Here's the thing.  Without a college education, you simply cannot qualify for certain jobs.  Now, I've noticed a lot of college students who have answered this question definitively.  When I was in college, I switched majors at least four times.  From music, to  marine biology to telecommunications to finally accounting - and I'm sure there were a few more I've forgotten in between.  Even then, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do.  But more so than that - now that I am in the working world, you can be VERY assured that I am thankful I do have a college degree because while I currently am working in the field related to my major, I have had other jobs - and I can apply for and be qualified for - other jobs not in my field simply because I have that degree.  Here's my point:  There is a better chance I get hired as a retail store manager as someone with a college degree than someone who has climbed the ladder as a salesperson.  Is this fair? No, probably not.  But it's still fact.  If you haven't figured it out already, life isn't fair.  So figure out how to play the game and don't waste your time complaining.

  A college degree MEANS more to employers, regardless of what you do.   Now, notice that I chose my words wisely above:  "Without a college education, you simply cannot qualify for certain jobs."  I did not say you are not perfectly capable of performing that job (even to a better degree than a college grad even) but again - it's that piece of paper that means more on a resume, even when it truly, doesn't mean you're any better than the next guy.  Some college grads drink and sleep (lol, and I mean SLEEP...like "zzzzzzzzz") their way through school and come out holding their diplomas high.  Others work their butts off and actually EARN it.   I know people who have far more book smarts than I do but never went farther than high school.

  Get the piece of paper.  Regardless of if your career goals require it.  I changed my major 4 times.  Studies have proved that the average American changes their CAREER seven times in their lifetime......having that piece of paper gives you a lot more choices to bounce around in.  You have no idea what you're going to want to do in ten or twenty years - but you sure are going to be bummed when you realize you "could" have had that 'dream job', regardless of what it is, if only you had that piece of paper.
     

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  • 10:19 am
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