Destney
Do you feel that college is necessary to have an successful career?
#career #careers #career-choice
34 answers
Kim Gravell
Kim’s Answer
Hi Destney
Ken has given you some excellent advice and guidance. One additional thought to consider is to augment your understanding of your personality traits with some insight into your true strengths. My favorite assessment is StrengthsFinder. The resulting report will provide insights into your true strengths and how they are aligned to educational and career options. This information along with the information on your personality traits will provide a well-rounded guide to your decision-making process. Your educational and career path tends to be fluid so keep your mind open to opportunities that you may not have originally considered along the way. Best of luck.
Kim recommends the following next steps:
Ken Simmons
Ken’s Answer
No. The important thing for you to do is to get to know yourself and how your personality traits relate to various career areas - many of which do not require college and provide for a very good lifestyle. Here are some good sites to visit followed by some tips from my many years in Human Relations.
Should You Go To College
https://medium.com/the-mission/high-school-is-over-should-you-go-to-college-b5b6db6f6712
My Biggest Regret: Going to College
https://medium.com/the-mission/my-biggest-regret-in-life-going-to-college-ef2068f179cf
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Katie Burell
Katie’s Answer
College is necessary for certain careers--engineer, lawyer, doctor, teacher, etc. College is NOT necessary for all careers.
There are many career fields that require certification that can be gotten through other types of education. If you don't think college is for you, I suggest checking out the programs at your local technical school to see what best fits with your interests.
College doesn't always have to be the next step after high school. My parents both went back to school while I was growing up. There are lots of non-traditional options for college including night classes and online programs.
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Doc Frick
Doc’s Answer
BETTER LIFE SKILLS
During your classes, you'll often develop the reasoning skills needed to make life decisions, ranging from buying a home to helping their children choose their own college. In fact, college graduates are more likely to have children who also complete a college education. Other advantages of educational degrees may include better study habits and so-called 'soft skills' which spells out into communication and collaborative and cooperative behaviors that enables humans to not only de-escalate dangerous and potential fatal situations, but also negotiate for advantageous placement of self and those close to oneself even in the face of overwhelming obstacles or unfair disadvantage. When others react with anger or despair, those who have a broad palate of interpersonal skills and coping mechanisms, will be successful by persevering, analyzing and assessing the status quo and strategizing towards a new outcome. These are all skills taught in college in various courses such as Algebra, History, Sociology and Philosophy for instance, also known as General Education, or the Humanities.
HIGHER SALARIES
A college education may be one of the best investments of time and money for a person's career. A 2018 report produced by the American Community Survey that was released by the U.S. Census Bureau stated that those who held a bachelor's degree were expected to earn a 40-year lifetime salary of about $3 million dollars on average, while high school graduates only took a lifetime salary of about $1.5 million dollars (www.census.gov). On average, those who held master's degrees earned $3.8 million dollars. Holders of professional degrees could expect lifetime earnings in excess of $5 million dollars.
Good Luck Destney
Rama Chakravarthy
Rama’s Answer
Djaja Darmo, MBA
Djaja’s Answer
Yes for me.
My college degree help me landed my first job at a bigger company (Sprint PCS). One that job, I was competing with other candidates that also had a college degree. I do not think they will offer me a job if I did not have a college degree.
After my bachelor degree, I did my Master degree without experiencing a working life first.
My advice is not to do your Master degree immediately. After you finish your Bachelor degree, go to work first. See if you like the field you study. You can always go back to school later if needed.
Tsveta Ivanova
Tsveta’s Answer
What do you believe is necessary for a successful career? I believe the below would definitely help a ton:
1. Know people in the industry
College can introduce you to so many people that you may end up working with or for. I have seen many of my classmates ending up in positions that let's just say I am happy that I was nice to them. Also, your professors are a great source, not only knowledge and experience, but also network. I hope you understand how small the world is and how people just know each other. Use your connections wisely.
2. Be organized
Well, what better way to learn how to stay organized and prioritize accordingly than work-school-friends-family-maybe some time for myself life? Yes, learning how to manage all of that by actually doing it is most effective.
3. Learn how things are done in the real world.
If you do not go to college, it would be hard to get a job at certain fields without some experience first. And I am not talking about your beautifully written resume. What I mean is actual experience, so that you know what you are doing. Internship is a great opportunity to pretty much get introduced in it and see if you like it or not. How do you get an internship? Mostly through college, so pack your books :)
Let me make one thing clear - I do not believe that college teaches you everything you need to know. However, it can connect you to the people and resources and if you are being smart, you will succeed. Use everything as an opportunity to learn, do not count on college to do it for you. Graduating does not mean that it is over now and you will start the job of your dreams. College exposes you to so much, it is up to you if you will go for it or not! Note: if you do, make sure that you pat in-state fees.
Hope that helps!
Josana Troka
Josana’s Answer
Hi Destney,
That's a very nice that you are asking for an opinion as you might feel uncertain for the choices ahead of you. However, you shall not forget that this topic is relative for each one of us and in the end of the day it is you the person that will take the decisions and consequences. It seems to me that you are wondering around as you don't know neither what you want to do nor how you will do it.
Some of us seems to have it figured out, whereas some others struggle with it...and it is normal, maybe you still haven't experience work that is meaningful, that will motivate you enough to start off your day. Nevertheless do not forget that time is the most precious element and as sooner you start the "process of knowing yourself" as better. This doesn't necessarily mean that you will have it all sorted out...no one does! At least you will be on the right track .
I would suggest you a very simple task, take a pen and paper and write 10 positive traits that you have and 5 traits that you need to work on, 10 things that you love to do, 5 things that you will never like to do. Take another paper and write down 5 dreams, everyone has dreams, even better if those are dreams from childhood, compare these papers and make a list of goals. I would recommend you working in daily and monthly goals. Write your goals and stick those papers in the wall.
With or without college you need a plan in mastering your skills, that is how you become successful. You need to know what is your value proposition and how are you marketing yourself. If you decide to pursue a degree it is essential that you chose the right major that fits your character and that will contribute in your achievements.
If you would ask me personally, I would say that college is necessary in becoming successful, because that is how it worked for me, I needed education to discover different aspects of my self, and I still need further education, but again I personally know very successful people without a college degree. Choose a path that you love and it challenges you in the mean time...there is where success hides. Over and above, success is not defined the same for everyone, for some success is only money, for others success is fame, family, philanthropy,...etc
but what is success for you?
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Deanna Markham
Deanna’s Answer
There are many successful people who have never attended college and found success by getting their foot in the door in a profession they are interested in and working their way up.
Many people choose not to attend college for many reasons such as family obligations, financial reasons, not wanting to be away from home, etc. What you should first ask yourself is whether or not the college experience interests you? Does your desired career path require a college degree?
Depending on what career you are interested in pursuing, you may be able to get a job directly in the field and learn through hands-on experience working your way up as you go. For example, I work in banking. I have a 4 year college degree in business and that has helped me to a degree in building my career. However, my experience in the field (20 years) has also been key to my growth as well. I have several successful colleagues in banking who did not attend a 4 year school, but began their career working in a branch and learning the ropes. Over time, their knowledge helped them to move up into different areas of the company and they continued to advance and earn promotions to higher level positions over time.
There is no wrong answer to your question and only you can decide what is right for you. Either way, with determination, the desire to learn and grow and the right attitude, you can succeed!
Best of luck to you in your endeavors!
Christine Aubin, MBA
Christine’s Answer
That's a great question!
It all depends on what you choose for a career. If you choose the business sector, for instance, a college degree may be required before you are even considered for employment. However, if you consider yourself more of an entrepreneur, then a college degree is not critical as you can make your own path.
I do strongly recommend a college education if you (or your family) can afford it. Keep in mind, there may be financial aid available.
I can speak from personal experience....
Both of my parents did not graduate high school as they both grew up very poor and needed to find jobs to support the family. Despite these hardships and lack of college experience, they wanted both of their children to go to college as they knew it would make life a little easier. Both my brother and I have earned MBAs - we have made my parents so proud. And, they were right - a college education definitely helps move you along further and gives you greater earning power. I am so thankful that I spent time earning my college degrees. Overall, I went to school for twelve years to earn my associates degree, bachelors degree, and masters degree. I first went full time to a two year community college then spent earned my remaining degrees part-time during the evenings while balancing a full-time demanding job. I really enjoyed it as it was something I was doing for ME and I knew the hard work would pay off. My career thus far has included a Top 20 Forbes company as well as a top auditing firm.
No one can take away your college degree -- you may lose a job or suffer other hardships -- but you will always have your education to fall back on. It's worth gold!
Good Luck to you as you consider your options!
The world is your oyster - AIM HIGH!
Take Care,
Christine Aubin
Michael Ivelin Dragiev, CPA, CIA
Michael Ivelin’s Answer
The first step that you need to draw down some ideas of what you like to do and see what jobs correspond with that. Then do some research and determine what the requirements for those jobs are and what kind of money are earned for them. A lot of times you might want to do something, but when you realize that you will be making close to minimal wage doing it, you reconsider your options. For example, my friend wanted to be a firefighter because his father was. He did the one-year training and when he finally became one he realized that he was making only about $1,800 a month which was not enough for him to pay his bills. Therefore, he started a second full time job as an ambulance driver. However, even with that job he still could barely make $3,000 from both jobs a month and he did not had any free time as he was working over 80 hours a week. Now he is a truck driver and he makes over $4,000 a month working 5 days a week as a local truck driver. He is home every night and has all of the necessary benefits.
Anny Woo
Anny’s Answer
When I started college, I had ambitions to work in banking. However, mid-way through my undergraduate, I figured out that I did not want a career in Economics. However, I took enough courses in other fields to identify that Marketing was my true passion - college helped with that.
Note that if your desired field of work does require a degree, your investment in your college studies will likely pay off as college grads (on average) earn more over their lifetime vs. non-college grads.
Louise Beaubrun-Macaluso
Louise’s Answer
A college degree is a great asset. While we've heard of people succeeding without a college degree, it is not necessarily true for everyone. Many of those who have succeeded professionally without a college education ended up enrolling in college later on. They realized that their success did not guarantee certain knowledge (i.e. business management or law) that could be beneficial to their line of work.
Most importantly, knowledge is power. Material possessions can be taken away due to mismanagement or what have you. However, nobody can take away the knowledge and skills one acquired through a college education.
Finally, success is not only measured by accumulated possessions or accolades. A person is equally successful when they follow through on what they are passionate about, thus fulfilling their goals in life.
Best wishes to you!
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Kimberly Belval
Kimberly’s Answer
Estelle Archer
Estelle’s Answer
Nancy Hamp
Nancy’s Answer
Destney,
Hi, great question!
College is not always necessary for a successful career. Other paths to career education are vocational high school programs, which are free and can prepare a student for work in certain technical trades, child care, restaurant work, bookkeeping, and other jobs that don’t require college. Ask your guidance counselor at your high school.
Another career that doesn’t require college sometimes is sales. If you are a good salesperson, your skills will be in demand no matter your educational background. You could try a part time sales job to see whether you like it.
Nancy recommends the following next steps:
Shannon O'Neill
Shannon’s Answer
If you already know the career you'd like, them maybe technical schools, or earning particular certifications relevant to that field, are a better option. Those are great alternatives to college depending on the industry that interests you.
Good luck!
Baah Robert
Baah’s Answer
No because a chosen course at the college which is not in line with one's talent create conflict between raw talent and knowledge. It just like creating a nice out molded 16th-century means of transport like a galloping horse to be used at today's time demanding world. How creative you would had become to have created that but how will that horse move people from Ghana to America within two hours? Your raw talent will be admired but there will be more negatives attached to your work than positives and this what college seeks to address. College does not determine your success your talent does but an unpolished talent is not realised. You talent needs to be polished at college in order for it full potential to be felt. Building up Certifications by moving from college to college with no relevance to talent is like fetching water into a basket.
Diana van Kessel
Diana’s Answer
Vineeta Nair
Vineeta’s Answer
However, the chances of success are much higher with a college degree. If you are in a course that you would love your life to be invested in, it is definitely the best start. A college degree starts you on a path to financial and personal success. After that, it is totally up to you to make a good life for yourself. There are a lot of ways to define success in your life. If you have an education, you will probably have better opportunities.
Tina L Conner
Tina L’s Answer
Whatever you decide, remember completing a college degree takes discipline and dedication and those are life skills that you can use once you graduate and start a career. So....it's leverage and can't hurt, although it can be financially taxing.
Weigh your options..pray about..and follow your heart..
Best wishes
Boopathy Shanmugham
Boopathy’s Answer
Arjun Dubey
Arjun’s Answer
College is important but not necessary.
GABRIELA CORONADO
GABRIELA’s Answer
Deena Ganger
Deena’s Answer
Deena recommends the following next steps:
Harish Krishnamoorthy
Harish’s Answer
Arjun Dubey
Arjun’s Answer
This is important but not necessary
Brett Dalzell
Brett’s Answer
In todays day and age more and more businesses seem like they are requiring degrees from their applicants. That being said I think it may be in anyone's best interest to at least acquire an Associates (2 year degree). However I would not say that it is mandatory for a person to be successful. I know a lot of people who live good lives that do not have degrees. I myself would encourage you to get a degree. You should research the types of jobs you are interested in to find the requirements needed to apply. Then you can make a more informed choice.
Jessica Hojohn
Jessica’s Answer
Susan Munter
Susan’s Answer
quality education/content
culture of learning that suits your personality/learning style
reasonable financial investment that won't burden you the rest of your life
group of peers that support you personally and challenge you professionally
team of professors who make you feel successful practicing your craft even when it's hard
...is a step in the right direction.
Susan
Simeon Snow
Simeon’s Answer
Ron Alexssen
Ron’s Answer
My brother and I are both software developers. We've had similar career trajectories, especially taken in 5 year averages. I have a B.S. Computer Science. He dropped out of college after a year. One of his professors taught one class and worked full time in eCommerce. When my brother took his class the professor offered him a job so he dropped out. I stayed in college for an extra 3 years.
I definitely started at a higher salary than he did, but he also got paid for 3 years while I was still in school and accumulating student debt. There were times where he had to work harder to be heard. I also feel that finishing my degree taught me how to more gracefully navigate some of the politics in the workplace. Sometimes it doesn't matter why something has to be done, it just has to get done.
Once you have some idea of where you are headed career-wise you should talk to people currently in the field and ask what they think about a candidate with vs. without a college degree.
Gloria Ortiz
Gloria’s Answer
Melanie Tone
Melanie’s Answer
Hi Destney! My initial response to your question is, "No", college is not necessary to have a successful career. HOWEVER (notice, that's a pretty big "HOWEVER"), what is extremely critical is for you to be a life long learner. Things are forever changing and you must be willing to change quickly and often to remain relevant in the field you choose.
Many companies and/or institutions post positions requesting/requiring candidates have a college degree. In this situation, a college degree will increase your chances for consideration.
This said, as I stated previously, continued learning is critical and based on what type of career you choose, will depend on what type of learning is required. Whether learning via a trade school, certification courses or your traditional higher learning institutions (College/University), to excel in what you do and advance in your career, staying relevant through continuous learning is a must!
There are several web sites that offer quizzes regarding what type of career is right for you. This type of testing is usually offered in school also. Perhaps this is something your adviser or counselor can assist you with. The results might offer you great insight and point you in the right direction on your journey!
Education coupled with experience and a can-do attitude is the perfect recipe for success, Destney. The fact that you are already inquiring as to how you can be successful is inspiring! I am sure you will do great things!!