Is College for Me?

You’ve heard time and time again that you need to pursue some type of education after high school in order to make it in this society. And to some extent, this is absolutely true. Many jobs don’t want to even look at an application for hire if it doesn’t mention something about an advanced degree on it. So many students, wanting to avoid this problem down the road (and don’t want to hear the nagging from their parents) simply buckle down, attend college and acquire a degree. But while having a degree definitely offers a great cushion, it doesn’t automatically grant you a job as you may think. Many times, without having completed internships along the way, you will be deemed as having no experience and still be turned down for employment. So if there is another way to get the job you want, do you really need the extra education (and financial strain)?

The Pros and Cons

Attending a college or university, especially when you’re able to leave home for a few years, can be one of the most exciting times in your life. You’re safely given the opportunity to bridge the gap between your teen and adult years, are introduced to tons of new friends, and just get to live in a completely different environment. For many, there’s nothing better than having this experience. But for others, there’s nothing worse. Everyone was not meant to be thrust into this environment, and thus, do not thrive. They may get homesick, feel outcast or misunderstood, or just don’t like the work they are being asked to complete.

Honestly, there is nothing wrong with feeling this way. It may just be that you need to go back home and attend a local school. Or maybe you learn much more quickly than a standard education allows for and thrive much more on the job. There are ways that you can move up within a job network so that after being hired and taking a few on-the-job training courses, you’ll be well on your way to the top without formal training.

Trade Schools

For individuals who don’t feel that college is for them, some end up attending a trade school where they can learn much of the same information as they would in a university, but without all of the additional core classes like math, science or English. For instance, if you want to become a radio announcer, there are trade schools you can attend that allow you to dive right in, get trained in the “lab” and in one or two years be ready to get out there.

Whether you want to take on a college education (or not) is definitely a choice you need to make wisely. If you think that being lazy is much better than getting out and doing something, years down the line, you’ll probably regret your decision. However, if not going to college is because of the career route you want to take then you may be on to something. Just make sure that you consult with family and school advisors to ensure that the choice you make is the best for you.