Is going to college or university important?

Yesterday, I took a dozen of our Juniors and Seniors to a local University Trade Show – designed specifically for students who want to gain more information about the application process and maybe even find more information which can help them better choose which school to apply to.

Having a son who himself is in that process, as he will be applying next month to a university or college, the topic of choosing best college or not choosing one at all is of great concern for me.

Many students often ask me the one and only simple questions: Is going to college or university important?

Today, I did my own research (based on US / UK information – not CZ as the language is a bit of a disadvantage for me J ) and here are 4 reasons why you should go to college.

1.    You Will Make More Money

Let’s face it: most of us want to make money, and making more money is often a good thing. According to Simply Hired, the average salary for a  college graduate is $46,000, but the average is $32,000 for those with a high school diploma. Obviously, more money is often a plus, and although colleges can be expensive, many people feel that having debt is reasonable if it leads to a better paying job.

I am fairly certain, that in the long run in the Czech Republic the same principle applies (although with different numbers).

 

2.    Many Jobs Require a College Degree

You can certainly start at a company and work your way up, and you may be able to achieve the career you hope for. Even if you are able to move up in the company, some jobs will still be out of your reach without a degree. Depending on this position, you may be required to obtain a degree even if your experience far surpasses workers coming in with a degree.

In addition to specific jobs within a field requiring a degree to move forward, many specific careers also require a specific degree. There are certainly excellent jobs that you will not need a degree for, but certain positions (like most teaching jobs, nursing jobs, and so on) will require formal training. If you want to have a career in one of these fields, you will have to earn the necessary degree.

 

3.    You Will Gain Valuable Skills

College is often what you make of it. While some colleges are better known and more prestigious than others, you can gain a valuable education at most schools if you put the work in. If you attend class regularly, and you choose classes that will challenge you, you will get more from school. You can focus on classes that will help develop skills that will be useful. It’s also important to get an internship if possible. Often, internships are available to students with good standing which can provide a one foot in the door for a future job.

4.    College is a New Experience

Not only will college help in determining whether or not the intended career is the right fit, but it also provides valuable lessons in learning how to interact with other people. Once in the “real world” everyone needs to be able to work with many different personalities, and college is a great time to start practicing.

College also is a good introduction to being an adult. Although you will probably still have a meal plan, you will be responsible for attending class and doing well, keeping track of commitments, and so on. Many aspects of college translate into important life skills that will help you after college.

There are many other reasons to go to college. You may meet friends that you will have your entire life. You also might study abroad and learn about new cultures, or you may join clubs that you never knew existed. College gives you the chance to start fresh and reinvent or find yourself.

Hence, get off your bed and apply!