Does Everyone Need a College Education?
The answer to this question is a simple one, no. While colleges and universities provide a valuable experience in the realm of education they are not for everyone. Many occupations today do not need or require a college degree to have the capability to perform various duties. This is an important aspect of determining the need for a college education. College educations are required and should be for specific occupations such as doctors, lawyers and many others but whether a college education would benefit an individual in the workplace must be determined on an individual basis.
In terms of the discussion related to a college education in this article it is in reference to four year degrees. There are many fine two year colleges and technical institutions that offer and fill a need for a targeted education for specific fields. Healthcare is one of these fields. While I do not discount the value in receiving a college education and in many cases it provides an edge for some occupations. Getting a job without a college education is not as difficult as some would like you to believe. Many companies only require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent.
College degrees in the past were almost a necessity when leaving high school. Today students have other choices in fulfilling their educational needs. Some individuals can take courses online which offer opportunities to expand their potential. While some of these are part of colleges and university curriculum many are not. The values of online educational courses are increasing as the sources become recognized for the quality of their curriculum and the quality of their instructors.
The education needs of the leaders of tomorrow will constantly be changing and they are met will depend on what is required by private industry. The educational opportunities now available through the technology environment we are now are increasing almost daily. Colleges and universities will be in competition with other avenues of learning now available and it will be up to them to convince prospective students they are the best source for their educational needs.
The subject of this article may not be popular in some circles but our educational system is one that is broad in fulfilling the needs of today’s students who will be tomorrow’s leaders. In many respects it may not have an impact and in some respects it should not on the capability of an individual to perform specific job functions.
Another example which negates the need for a college education is courses to be certified for specific occupations. The source of these courses may be colleges and universities but certain courses are available through professional organizations or private schools. The key point in this aspect is to have something that is acceptable to private industry as recognition that the knowledge is there to perform the tasks they need to be performed.
In closing I wish to make one thing perfectively clear is that many occupations need or require a college education. In these instances those seeking employment in these occupations must earn their degree in the specific occupation. Lacking a college education/degree in specific occupations will provide little chance to succeed in being hired. Any education whether it is through a college, university, technical school or a professional organization must be recognized by private industry as an indication a person has the knowledge and capability they need for specific occupations.
