12 answers
Syd’s Answer
Hi,
From my experience, college has been one of the most amazing, challenging, and truly life altering experience I've had. I met some of my best friends there, and people that I probably never would have encountered if it had not been for the great bonding activities college has to offer (I was a business major, but met some great friends in the art, music and theater realm). Although some of the classes seemed pointless at the time (I mean do I really need to know how to write html code if I am not going into the IT world?), it taught me how to work through difficult situations and with difficult people, collaborate with my peers for support and the important skill of endurance (a semester can seem like an eternity when you have an uninteresting class, but when you know there is a higher goal in mind, aka graduation, you stick with it). However, a majority of my classes (even the general education classes that were not related to my major) were extremely interesting and a majority of the time, the professor teaching them has real life work experience outside of teaching. This is a plus because if you are not quite sure of your career path (like most beginning college students), professors can be an extremely helpful tool in giving you examples of what jobs look like in that field of study and the realities behind what is required to make it in that profession.
The above being said, I will recognize that college is not for everyone. First, college, especially in the United States, can be alarmingly expensive (I encourage everyone applying to college to also apply to as many scholarships as possible: http://www.collegescholarships.org/). There is no guarantee that you will receive a high paying job once you graduate to pay off student loans, and you will probably not be able to land your dream job for a while, so most graduates take entry level jobs that they don't love to start paying for the 'real world' (bills, rent, student loans, groceries). Of course, having a college degree enables you to potentially receive a higher paying job, but there are plenty of vocational jobs that pay a good wage/salary that do not require a degree (http://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/business/T012-S001-best-jobs-without-a-college-degree-2015/index.html). Some people prefer more hands on learning and the academic setting that college offers is not right for them.
If you still are unsure of which route to take upon graduating high school, remember that you do not have to go to college right away. Maybe take off a year or two to get an internship in a field that you think you are interested in to make sure you are still passionate enough to spend 4 years (and lots of money) earning your degree in that subject. Or, work at a job that does not require a college degree to see if you would be happy working in that type of environment and ask about the career paths there (even if you do not have a degree, you will want pay increases and more job responsibilities as time goes on). Best of luck!
Stephani’s Answer
There are many advantages of going to college. A degree is helpful or required for many types of jobs. College is not for everyone though. It costs a lot of money, so you should know what type of career you would like to be in before making a decision. If you did not go the college route, there are many jobs, like carpenter, electrician, etc. that require training, practice and internships, that are also wonderful and necessary jobs. Do you know what you want to do for a career?
Sarah’s Answer
College is a unique place where you not only get a chance to explore career choices (if you don't already have one particularly in mind), but also, figure out who you are as a young adult. College really teaches you about the importance of diversity, acceptance, networking, and most importantly, how learning is a life long process. These days, the standard is beginning to rise and places of employment are now considering Bachelors degrees as the minimum!
There are many other options to getting a full, 4 year college education such as: certification programs, vocational training programs, or getting an associates degree (2 year college education in a certain field). If you already have a solid idea of what you want to do, I think one of these options would be beneficial to look into. But I stand by the fact that getting the college experience gives you more leverage in the professional world, helps you learn how to create networks, build lifelong friendships, and really gives you that oomph to come into your own as an individual.
Best Regards!
Cicily’s Answer
what advantages do i have going to college?
-you become more marketable in a very competitive career industries.
-you gain personal focus on things that you like, and also topics that you may have never known about.
-and also you can meet people, who can assist you in pathways to learning.
Amy’s Answer
As said previously by someone above me, a good goal to work towards is having a career which you love and enjoy getting out of bed for most days, if not every day. It should be something that both challenges and engages you. So going to college can be a good option for many people who are seeking a career which requires a degree for entry. College is also a good opportunity to learn more about a subject and also gain valuable skills. These skills are not only important skills that employers are seeking but are also personal qualities such as independence ad confidence. College is a time of self-development and self-growth. It is not for everyone though and there are other routes into employment, before making the leap you should make sure you have considered all your options.
Gary’s Answer
Colleges and Universities are not just about studying and taking tests, Most of them have clubs, musical groups (choirs, glee clubs, instrumental groups, community service oriented groups, student study groups, etc. Larger educational settings include athletic and intramural sports, public speaking, debate, tutoring, and fraternities and sororities. You will meet thousands of students in all these places and some of them will be friends for life. Some of them may ask you to join their firms in later years, start a new firm as a partner with them, work in an area where your children or relatives may find employment, run for public office and need friends/counselors in their campaigns and later while service in office. CONTACTS with your fellow students will be extremely important to you, not just while in college but also throughout your life. The same importance should be extended to your teachers and professors - you never know when they might recommend you to someone or something that could impact your life most positively. For that reason, do the little things (in addition to linkedin, facebook, etc.) and correspond, send birthday, anniversary, wedding, and birthday cards to all of them - students and faculty/staff alike.
Lisa’s Answer
There are many advantages of going to college, if not for the social and networking aspects alone. You learn so much about yourself as a person, and discover much about the world while at college. If you fully experience college for what it is intended, you will come out with a wealth of knowledge and will have discovered yourself in the process. If you dedicate yourself to your learning, fully access your college and career resources while at college, and invest in building strong relationships personally and professionally, you will be successful. That said, college is not easy, and is not necessarily for everyone. It can be overwhelming and takes a lot of hard work. It also takes asking for help when you need it and using what the college has to offer to help you succeed. Many students are afraid to ask for help, and go on a downward spiral because of it. The key is to find the college that is the best fit for you so that when it does get tough, you will be in the best position to get through it. Depending upon what you want to do professionally or as your job, you will likely need to have some sort of college or trade, need to acquire certification, and/or licensing, and/or even have an advanced degree. It will take a commitment of time and money as well, varying greatly upon what you want to study.
Regina’s Answer
There are so many benefits by going to college: 1) College not only provides you with the skills for a role in a specific area, it provides you with the skill to think through how to complete an initiative. College gives you the tools resolve issues and connect the dots. 2) In college, you build long life friendships which are helpful in building your networks 3) Colleges is the start for learning how to deal with difficult people and situations.
Jonas L. Harris
Jonas L.’s Answer
There are many advantages to go to college:
1) The development of a diverse network.
2) Access to peer reviewed statistics and articles
3) Fraternity and Sorority Access and Networking
4) Resume Builders
5) Honor Society Nominations
6) Professional Fieldwork and Internships
7) Access to high level employments
Tamim’s Answer
To put it simply, it is an investment you are making for yourself for the future. A college degree would help you to understand your strengths, network with people, develop your skills and prepare yourself for the career of your choice. A college degree is like 'Gold" the value never depreciates and you could always build on it in future by specializing in your areas of interest. A degree would help you to stave off unemployment and gives you better opportunities in life compared to people who don't have one, it helps you to differentiate yourself and set an example for others to follow. Remember, there is no substitute for knowledge and a college degree would definitely help you to realize your true potential,
Jyothi’s Answer
Hi Olga,
College is considered a ticket to a better future, not just in terms of money, but also in terms of a higher quality of life. That could mean job security, greater social mobility, or the ability to afford big things. With higher education, u r more likely to involve in community engagements, volunteer for community events, and even donate to organizations that promote a better society. College education opens doors to a multitude of benefits.
All the best for a bright future !!!
Stephanie’s Answer
One of the best parts of college is the ability and maybe event the over all effect of figuring out who you really are. I always recommend college because it gets you out of a comfort zone and puts you in a place that you can be you.
The most important part of college however is finishing something, whether you go to a two year program, a four year program - or go all the way through to a PhD - it is important to set goals and follow through with them.
My current career has absolutely nothing to do with the degrees I have but it showed the people who hired me that I am a finisher and that is never a bad thing.