12 answers
Melissa
Student
Yuma, Arizona
2
Questions
Asked
377 views
Do I have to go to college to get a good paying job?
Do you have any information?
12 answers
Linda Cole
Sales Manager
15
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Linda’s Answer
While making a good wage is important, it shouldn't be your first consideration. If you plan to have a career over many years, it is more important to leverage your interests and talents to pursue a career path that you will enjoy... one where you can continue to learn and grow and advance into other job opportunities. If you aren't sure of your interests or talents, I suggest you check with your school guidance counselor for some recommendations on career aptitude tests.. Often these assessments will map your scores to different career options.. This is just a starting point, of course. The results can help you identify your interests and talents along with guiding you to possible career paths that you can research further; for example, recommended education/training, etc. I was blessed to know at a young age that I wanted to be in business (I played 'office' when I was a young girl)... business is a very broad category and can lead to many career positions in marketing, finance, sales, operations, management, etc. I didn't go to college right out of high school but worked for a few years to gain some experience. I eventually joined a company that helped pay for my college courses (called Tuition Reimbursement).. Over the years, I've actually worked in many fields and so my career has been interesting, challenging, rewarding, fun and, yes, I have had very good financial security. Best wishes in your career journey and be well!
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
613
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
20 years ago maybe the answer was yes, but there are so many amazing jobs that don’t require a degree today that it’s absolutely possible to find success without one.
I do encourage everyone who is unsure to at least work towards an AA degree just to keep that door open. Most find it hard to go back once they move away from school.
I do encourage everyone who is unsure to at least work towards an AA degree just to keep that door open. Most find it hard to go back once they move away from school.
Anna Cantella
Exercise Physiology
25
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Anna’s Answer
Hi Melissa!
That is a great question! As times are changing and we are becoming more evolved with technologies and new jobs you can most definitely get a job that does not require a college degree. I also know that the typical idea of college is not for everyone which is 100% awesome and many people go into different academies in which they only do certain classes to obtain a job or cosmetology in which people study hair, nails, skincare, and any job you have should make you happy. There is a stigma in life where people make it seem like you need to go to college to obtain a job, but that is not the case at all, I know so many people who love the jobs they have and they never went to college. The most important part about finding any job is to find something that you will love, while yes it is important to have a job that should keep you financially stable, it is more important to find a job that you truly have a love and passion for because that is far more valuable than money.
Best of luck to you,
AC
That is a great question! As times are changing and we are becoming more evolved with technologies and new jobs you can most definitely get a job that does not require a college degree. I also know that the typical idea of college is not for everyone which is 100% awesome and many people go into different academies in which they only do certain classes to obtain a job or cosmetology in which people study hair, nails, skincare, and any job you have should make you happy. There is a stigma in life where people make it seem like you need to go to college to obtain a job, but that is not the case at all, I know so many people who love the jobs they have and they never went to college. The most important part about finding any job is to find something that you will love, while yes it is important to have a job that should keep you financially stable, it is more important to find a job that you truly have a love and passion for because that is far more valuable than money.
Best of luck to you,
AC
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Melissa!
Do I have to go to college to get a good paying job?
Introduction
The question of whether one needs to attend college to secure a well-paying job is multifaceted and depends on various factors, including the industry, job market trends, individual skills, and personal circumstances. This analysis will explore these factors in detail.
1. The Role of College Education in Employment
Historically, a college degree has been viewed as a critical pathway to securing higher-paying jobs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), individuals with a bachelor’s degree earn significantly more than those with only a high school diploma. For instance, in 2022, the median weekly earnings for someone with a bachelor’s degree were approximately $1,432 compared to $781 for those with just a high school diploma.
However, this trend is not uniform across all fields. Certain industries place a higher value on degrees than others. For example:
Healthcare: Many roles require advanced degrees (e.g., doctors, nurses).
Technology: While some tech companies prefer candidates with degrees in computer science or engineering, many also value experience and skills over formal education.
Trade Skills: Fields such as plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry often do not require college degrees but can offer lucrative salaries through apprenticeships or vocational training.
2. Alternative Pathways to High-Paying Jobs
In recent years, there has been an increasing recognition that college is not the only route to financial success. Several alternative pathways can lead to well-paying jobs:
Vocational Training: Programs that focus on specific trades can lead directly to employment opportunities. For example, electricians and HVAC technicians often earn salaries comparable to those of college graduates.
Certifications and Bootcamps: In fields like information technology (IT) and software development, certifications (such as CompTIA or Cisco) and coding bootcamps can provide practical skills that employers seek without requiring a four-year degree.
Entrepreneurship: Starting your own business or working freelance can also yield high income potential without traditional educational requirements.
Experience-Based Hiring: Some companies are increasingly prioritizing experience over formal education. This shift allows individuals who have gained relevant skills through work experience or self-study to compete effectively for high-paying positions.
3. Economic Trends and Job Market Dynamics
The job market is continuously evolving due to technological advancements and changing economic conditions. The rise of automation and artificial intelligence may reduce demand for certain jobs traditionally requiring degrees while increasing opportunities in tech-related fields that value skill sets over formal education.
Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated remote work trends and shifted employer expectations regarding qualifications. Many organizations are now more open-minded about hiring candidates without traditional degrees if they demonstrate relevant skills.
4. Personal Considerations
Ultimately, the decision about whether or not to attend college should consider personal goals, financial situations, career aspirations, and learning preferences:
Career Goals: If your desired profession requires specific credentials (like law or medicine), attending college is essential.
Financial Situation: College can be expensive; weighing potential student debt against expected earnings is crucial.
Learning Style: Some individuals thrive in structured academic environments while others may excel in hands-on learning scenarios.
In summary, while attending college can enhance job prospects and earning potential for many careers, it is not an absolute requirement for achieving a good-paying job. Alternative pathways exist that can lead to similar outcomes depending on individual circumstances and industry demands.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - A principal source for labor market data in the United States providing statistics on employment trends related to education levels.
Pew Research Center - A nonpartisan organization that conducts research on social issues including education’s impact on economic mobility.
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) - A primary federal entity responsible for collecting and analyzing data related to education in the U.S., offering insights into educational attainment’s correlation with employment outcomes.
God Bless You!
James Constantine.
Do I have to go to college to get a good paying job?
Introduction
The question of whether one needs to attend college to secure a well-paying job is multifaceted and depends on various factors, including the industry, job market trends, individual skills, and personal circumstances. This analysis will explore these factors in detail.
1. The Role of College Education in Employment
Historically, a college degree has been viewed as a critical pathway to securing higher-paying jobs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), individuals with a bachelor’s degree earn significantly more than those with only a high school diploma. For instance, in 2022, the median weekly earnings for someone with a bachelor’s degree were approximately $1,432 compared to $781 for those with just a high school diploma.
However, this trend is not uniform across all fields. Certain industries place a higher value on degrees than others. For example:
Healthcare: Many roles require advanced degrees (e.g., doctors, nurses).
Technology: While some tech companies prefer candidates with degrees in computer science or engineering, many also value experience and skills over formal education.
Trade Skills: Fields such as plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry often do not require college degrees but can offer lucrative salaries through apprenticeships or vocational training.
2. Alternative Pathways to High-Paying Jobs
In recent years, there has been an increasing recognition that college is not the only route to financial success. Several alternative pathways can lead to well-paying jobs:
Vocational Training: Programs that focus on specific trades can lead directly to employment opportunities. For example, electricians and HVAC technicians often earn salaries comparable to those of college graduates.
Certifications and Bootcamps: In fields like information technology (IT) and software development, certifications (such as CompTIA or Cisco) and coding bootcamps can provide practical skills that employers seek without requiring a four-year degree.
Entrepreneurship: Starting your own business or working freelance can also yield high income potential without traditional educational requirements.
Experience-Based Hiring: Some companies are increasingly prioritizing experience over formal education. This shift allows individuals who have gained relevant skills through work experience or self-study to compete effectively for high-paying positions.
3. Economic Trends and Job Market Dynamics
The job market is continuously evolving due to technological advancements and changing economic conditions. The rise of automation and artificial intelligence may reduce demand for certain jobs traditionally requiring degrees while increasing opportunities in tech-related fields that value skill sets over formal education.
Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated remote work trends and shifted employer expectations regarding qualifications. Many organizations are now more open-minded about hiring candidates without traditional degrees if they demonstrate relevant skills.
4. Personal Considerations
Ultimately, the decision about whether or not to attend college should consider personal goals, financial situations, career aspirations, and learning preferences:
Career Goals: If your desired profession requires specific credentials (like law or medicine), attending college is essential.
Financial Situation: College can be expensive; weighing potential student debt against expected earnings is crucial.
Learning Style: Some individuals thrive in structured academic environments while others may excel in hands-on learning scenarios.
In summary, while attending college can enhance job prospects and earning potential for many careers, it is not an absolute requirement for achieving a good-paying job. Alternative pathways exist that can lead to similar outcomes depending on individual circumstances and industry demands.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - A principal source for labor market data in the United States providing statistics on employment trends related to education levels.
Pew Research Center - A nonpartisan organization that conducts research on social issues including education’s impact on economic mobility.
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) - A primary federal entity responsible for collecting and analyzing data related to education in the U.S., offering insights into educational attainment’s correlation with employment outcomes.
God Bless You!
James Constantine.
IBM Employee Impact
59
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
IBM’s Answer
As someone who mentors quite a few individuals from high school/early college students to principal engineers within the financial services industry. I'd say that you don't have to go to college, because it's not for everyone and it really depends on what your end goal is. I know and have witnessed many great folks become super successful without a degree, I know people who thrive in a constant learning environment. What I will say there are things like work ethic, soft skills, and things like time management. If you are going to go to college don't get so far into debt that the degree isn't worth the difference. There are other alternative ways to get into the workforce like Year Up and Per Scholas if college isn't for you. One thing college does do for most of the students is help build your educational and professional networks.
IBM Employee Impact
59
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
IBM’s Answer
There's no hard and fast rule that says you must attend college to secure a well-paying job. What truly matters is acquiring skills that are in high demand in the job market. Regardless of the industry you're interested in, certain skills like AI and Data Science are becoming increasingly valuable. Even though these areas were once exclusive to specialists, the tools and techniques have become quite accessible now.
I'd recommend starting with IBM Skills Build - https://skillsbuild.org/. It's a free learning platform that provides certificates in a wide range of areas from A.I to z/OS. The courses start off with manageable chunks of learning and gradually move on to more complex topics.
Best wishes on your learning journey!
Try IBM Skills Build https://skillsbuild.org/
I'd recommend starting with IBM Skills Build - https://skillsbuild.org/. It's a free learning platform that provides certificates in a wide range of areas from A.I to z/OS. The courses start off with manageable chunks of learning and gradually move on to more complex topics.
Best wishes on your learning journey!
IBM recommends the following next steps:
IBM Employee Impact
59
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
IBM’s Answer
There are many options to consider if you don't want to go to college. Today we are lucky to have multiple online resources that will help you learn relevant skills at your own pace. Many people working in IT didn't have to go to college.
IBM Employee Impact
59
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
IBM’s Answer
College will help you. However, so will learning, certifications, on the job training etc. It's all about finding your path and putting your heart into it. Be willing to put yourself out there and learn.
IBM Employee Impact
59
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
IBM’s Answer
Hello! The answer is no. I am currently in the tech industry and make a great wage with no college education. I got in as a help desk/tech support representative with my customer service background in the medical field and retail experience. There was a lot of on-the-job training, and from there I was able to learn a lot about the IT world - what was important to the company I worked for (AI, Cloud, data mining, etc.), what education they valued (certifications, experience, etc.). I received certifications in Agile, ITIL, Comp TIA A+, and this year I will get my Security + Certification. Many good companies value your drive, so even if you start somewhere like I did at a very entry level position, showing that you are a driven employee can often help you get to where you want to be.
IBM Employee Impact
59
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
IBM’s Answer
College is not for everyone. The world needs creative minds and people that have determination and discipline. An IT tech career can be a great option and I suggest at this time 2024 the most sought out jobs in IT are in cybersecurity, IT administration and Systems Engineers.
The first two are the most straight forward path in obtaining a job. Get a 2 year degree and find an entry level job, continue your journey and do not stop learning.
System Engineers require more on the job experience (knowledge of IT HW infrastructure, Netowrk, SAN- Storage area network, and SW) as they involve making high level IT decisions for the organization's data centers or IT centers. These are more mid to high level jobs.
The first two are the most straight forward path in obtaining a job. Get a 2 year degree and find an entry level job, continue your journey and do not stop learning.
System Engineers require more on the job experience (knowledge of IT HW infrastructure, Netowrk, SAN- Storage area network, and SW) as they involve making high level IT decisions for the organization's data centers or IT centers. These are more mid to high level jobs.
IBM Employee Impact
59
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
IBM’s Answer
College is not for everyone. The world needs creative minds and people that have determination and discipline. An IT tech career can be a great option and I 2024 the most sought out jobs in IT are in cybersecurity, IT administration and Systems Engineers.
The first two are the most straight forward path in obtaining a job. Get a 2 year degree and find an entry level job, continue your journey and do not stop learning.
System Engineers require more on the job experience (knowledge of IT HW infrastructure, Netowrk, SAN- Storage area network, and SW) as they involve making high level IT decisions for the organization's data centers or IT centers. These are more mid to high level jobs.
The first two are the most straight forward path in obtaining a job. Get a 2 year degree and find an entry level job, continue your journey and do not stop learning.
System Engineers require more on the job experience (knowledge of IT HW infrastructure, Netowrk, SAN- Storage area network, and SW) as they involve making high level IT decisions for the organization's data centers or IT centers. These are more mid to high level jobs.
IBM Employee Impact
59
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
IBM’s Answer
College is a great place where to learn. However to today there are many other learning opportunities that allow people to gain they skills they need.
Please consider the elearning platforms.
Have look at IBM skillsbuild
Please consider the elearning platforms.
Have look at IBM skillsbuild
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