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How important is college for my future?
I am a Senior in high school
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8 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
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Paul’s Answer
It really depends on what you want to achieve in life.
There are going to be certain careers that will require you to have specific technical knowledge and skills in order to work within the profession.
Others may require you to be able to read and write at a college level.
And if you want advancement, there still are occupations that require you to have a college degree and achieve a certain level of educational or academic proficiency.
So, I would do some reflection, establish your career and life goals, and then make the assessment if those goals will require a college education. This is definitely an important life decision for you.
There are going to be certain careers that will require you to have specific technical knowledge and skills in order to work within the profession.
Others may require you to be able to read and write at a college level.
And if you want advancement, there still are occupations that require you to have a college degree and achieve a certain level of educational or academic proficiency.
So, I would do some reflection, establish your career and life goals, and then make the assessment if those goals will require a college education. This is definitely an important life decision for you.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Patrick
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Great Question Patrick!
I would encourage you to think about what career path you want to take in life. If you desire to work a skilled labor job such as an electrician, plumber, carpenter, welder, etc. then you don't necessarily have to attend college. You could acquire these skills at a technical school or do an apprenticeship. Once you learn these skills the above jobs usually pay very well. However, if you desire an industry that does not have that much skilled labor I would encourage you to go to college. The longer you wait the harder it can be to make a decision.
If you do not know what path to take then I would encourage you to work part time and go knock out some basics at college part time. By doing this you are not locking down a degree path but you are still moving forward in your journey. I know its hard not to but do your best not to get stressed out by this decision. Each day is a gift and its not worth wasting time on undue stress/worry.
All the best to you!
I would encourage you to think about what career path you want to take in life. If you desire to work a skilled labor job such as an electrician, plumber, carpenter, welder, etc. then you don't necessarily have to attend college. You could acquire these skills at a technical school or do an apprenticeship. Once you learn these skills the above jobs usually pay very well. However, if you desire an industry that does not have that much skilled labor I would encourage you to go to college. The longer you wait the harder it can be to make a decision.
If you do not know what path to take then I would encourage you to work part time and go knock out some basics at college part time. By doing this you are not locking down a degree path but you are still moving forward in your journey. I know its hard not to but do your best not to get stressed out by this decision. Each day is a gift and its not worth wasting time on undue stress/worry.
All the best to you!
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Patrick, you will be successful at whatever you put your mind towards, but I am definitely an advocate for college. There is SO much more than just additional education you get from college:
- You build lifelong friends
- You learn to live on your own
- You surround yourself with driven people
- You grow professionally
- You get to understand what you like
- You get to travel
- Of course, you get to party
There is no other time in your life when you will be living with your best friends, learning, growing, making mistakes, and partying together.
Enjoy, YOLO!
- You build lifelong friends
- You learn to live on your own
- You surround yourself with driven people
- You grow professionally
- You get to understand what you like
- You get to travel
- Of course, you get to party
There is no other time in your life when you will be living with your best friends, learning, growing, making mistakes, and partying together.
Enjoy, YOLO!
Thank you so much, Matt!
Patrick
Updated
Lorenzo’s Answer
Patrick,
I believe college is important for anyone's future. College for employer's shows a persons commitment, dedication and accomplishment. While college is not required for all career's, it is more difficult to attain a job that does require a degree.
I initially did not have a college degree after high school and I believe I lost opportunities because of this. Once I did get a college degree, my career opportunities greatly improved. My career started late because my lack of a college degree.
Best regards.
I believe college is important for anyone's future. College for employer's shows a persons commitment, dedication and accomplishment. While college is not required for all career's, it is more difficult to attain a job that does require a degree.
I initially did not have a college degree after high school and I believe I lost opportunities because of this. Once I did get a college degree, my career opportunities greatly improved. My career started late because my lack of a college degree.
Best regards.
Updated
Basil’s Answer
College can be very important for your future, depending on your goals and career aspirations.
For some professions, a college degree is a prerequisite. For example, if you want to become a doctor, lawyer, or engineer, you will need to go to college and obtain a degree in your chosen field. Even for some jobs that don't require a specific degree, having a college degree can make you a more competitive candidate and may lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries.
In addition to the practical benefits of a college degree, attending college can also provide you with valuable skills and experiences that can help you succeed in your personal and professional life. You may have the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills, improve your communication and interpersonal skills, and expand your knowledge and understanding of the world around you.
Ultimately, whether or not college is important for your future will depend on your individual circumstances and goals. If you are unsure about whether or not college is the right path for you, it may be helpful to speak with a guidance counselor or career advisor who can help you explore your options and make an informed decision.
For some professions, a college degree is a prerequisite. For example, if you want to become a doctor, lawyer, or engineer, you will need to go to college and obtain a degree in your chosen field. Even for some jobs that don't require a specific degree, having a college degree can make you a more competitive candidate and may lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries.
In addition to the practical benefits of a college degree, attending college can also provide you with valuable skills and experiences that can help you succeed in your personal and professional life. You may have the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills, improve your communication and interpersonal skills, and expand your knowledge and understanding of the world around you.
Ultimately, whether or not college is important for your future will depend on your individual circumstances and goals. If you are unsure about whether or not college is the right path for you, it may be helpful to speak with a guidance counselor or career advisor who can help you explore your options and make an informed decision.
Updated
Chirayu’s Answer
College can be very important for your future, depending on your career goals and aspirations. Here are some reasons why - In general, college graduates earn more money than those who only have a high school diploma. Many careers require a college degree or higher education, and having a degree can open up more job opportunities. College can provide you with a wide range of opportunities for personal and professional growth, such as internships, research, and leadership positions. College provides you with opportunities to build connections and network with professionals in your field of interest. College can help you develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, as well as help you discover your passions and interests. However, it's important to note that college is not the only path to success, and there are many successful people who did not attend college. It's important to weigh your options and consider your career goals and aspirations when making the decision about whether or not to attend college.
Updated
T.J.’s Answer
Hello Patrick!
Historically, college has been the main way people could enter the work force and earn a well-paying career.
There's still merit to going to college. However, it's good to consider all of the options available to you after high school and what you really want to do.
Besides a four year college, you can do:
- Community college: The cheapest way to complete your general education. Also comes with the pros of living close to home, giving you time to figure your life out, and could get access to jobs that only require an Associates.
- Trade school: The place where you learn hands-on skills for a specific field. Even though some people view trade school as inferior to college, the trades can provide people with a good income, even a higher income than some bachelor's degrees. Since people use their bodies frequently, some face physical health issues. Yet, there is a demand for people skilled in trades.
- Go straight into the workforce: There are jobs out there that only require a high school diploma. Doing this would pay the least in the long-term (compared to the trades, 2-year college, or 4-year college, but you have the opportunity to build up some savings and get work experience.
College can be great! Yet, it's a big investment of your time and money.
Most people cannot afford college and take on debt after graduation that follows them for a long time.
If you decide to attend a university, it's recommended to choose a degree that's a good return on your investment - that will help you pay off your debt as soon as possible.
Considering all four options (universities, community colleges, trade schools, and jobs) might help you feel less stuck as your leaving high school.
There is not only one pathway to success.
Wishing you the best as you plan your future :)
If you want to learn more about jobs without college degrees, check out Shane Hummus' video of job ideas at the entry level: https://youtu.be/fllnDb6kw9g
If you want to learn more about jobs with an Associates Degree, check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVe3BBUhNys
If you want to learn more about jobs in the Trades, check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dcdYlkzqOE
Take a look at the two-year-plan. The guide might help you form a clear, achievable, and less stressful idea of your future: https://ung.edu/career-services/_uploads/files/UNG%202-year%20career%20plan.pdf
Breathe. Planning the future is hard, but you got this!
Historically, college has been the main way people could enter the work force and earn a well-paying career.
There's still merit to going to college. However, it's good to consider all of the options available to you after high school and what you really want to do.
Besides a four year college, you can do:
- Community college: The cheapest way to complete your general education. Also comes with the pros of living close to home, giving you time to figure your life out, and could get access to jobs that only require an Associates.
- Trade school: The place where you learn hands-on skills for a specific field. Even though some people view trade school as inferior to college, the trades can provide people with a good income, even a higher income than some bachelor's degrees. Since people use their bodies frequently, some face physical health issues. Yet, there is a demand for people skilled in trades.
- Go straight into the workforce: There are jobs out there that only require a high school diploma. Doing this would pay the least in the long-term (compared to the trades, 2-year college, or 4-year college, but you have the opportunity to build up some savings and get work experience.
College can be great! Yet, it's a big investment of your time and money.
Most people cannot afford college and take on debt after graduation that follows them for a long time.
If you decide to attend a university, it's recommended to choose a degree that's a good return on your investment - that will help you pay off your debt as soon as possible.
Considering all four options (universities, community colleges, trade schools, and jobs) might help you feel less stuck as your leaving high school.
There is not only one pathway to success.
Wishing you the best as you plan your future :)
T.J. recommends the following next steps:
Updated
lillie’s Answer
I will always say this to everyone deciding on whether college is a good choice for them; stick it out for 2 more years and go to a community college, get associates as an undecided major. Then, at least you have some leverage for wages when you're looking for jobs. Employers don't necessarily care if you go to college or not however when they see that on a resume, they know that you can commit yourself to something for a long period of time and are dedicated enough to stick through with it.