As we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, many soon-to-be high school graduates are asking questions regarding their future in regards to their next steps while looking at the world around them. Between the economic and political volatility and the student debt crisis prospective students are asking themselves “is college even worth it anymore?” and “should I even go to college?”
As you consider the different options available to you, realize that college is not intended to be a required stop after high school, nor is it for everyone. The benefits of attending college can include networking opportunities; increased income potential; more career options to choose from; specific skills and training and personal development, just to name a few.
Weigh Your Options
College is not for everyone and it is a good idea to start with the end in mind. What kind of life do you want for yourself? What kind of career will enable you to create a life that will allow you to be fulfilled with what you are doing?
With the number of courses and certificates accessible online, it is possible to gain the necessary background you desire, if you have an idea of what you want to be. The world is constantly changing and online courses can easily change to keep up with the current employment climate. If you are unsure about your possible career path, take some time to explore what you find interesting. Your interests can be used as a springboard to help you find some footing in finding your future.
An important point to note, is to talk to those around you. Many jobs and careers can be found through your personal and professional network. If you know someone whose career you admire, talk to them. Ask them how they got to where they are and what suggestions they have for someone wanting to be on a similar path. Shadowing them and asking if they can mentor you will help you truly know if this is something you can see yourself doing as a career.
Networking
The time you spend receiving your college education should be fun but know this is also a good time to be preparing for your future. One thing you can do now that your future self will thank you for is networking. The resources available to you as a student will be invaluable for you to cultivate connections you can draw upon for years to come.
Attending college allows you to get to know experts in your field as well as brush shoulders with those who are up and coming. Look for groups or clubs within your department or major to help you access internships, career advice, as well as help you prepare your resume and practice for interviews.
Career Services Center
The career services center at colleges is a free resource available to students, usually current and alumni alike. Career services can guide you as you explore different majors and careers, analyze your strengths and interests, help you craft your resume and brush up on your interview skills, and assist as you set up your professional LinkedIn account.
You may have access to online and in-person job fairs, a career coach or career mentor, or other career-related resources. Look for available internship opportunities. While internships aren’t known for the amazing pay, the experience you receive will outweigh your paycheck (if you get one at all). Internships may or may not be required for your program, but it’s a good idea to try to obtain some internship experience during your college years.
Increased Income Potential
According to the 2021 Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers who had receive less than a high school diploma earned the lowest median weekly earnings with $626 a week and had the highest unemployment rate of 8.3%.
In comparison, those who had earned a bachelor’s degree had a weekly median earning of $1,334 and an unemployment rate of 3.5%, while those with a doctoral or professional degree were earning over $1,900 a week and had unemployment rates of 1.5% and 1.8%.
While there may seem a number of financial reasons to hesitate before entering the world of postsecondary education, there is clear evidence that salaries can be much higher with a college degree.
Increased Employment Opportunities
College degree holders are less likely to be faced with unemployment as opposed to their high school diploma counterparts. While it is impossible to predict whether you will be faced with unemployment, it is reassuring to know that college grads seem to be better able to deal with economic turmoil.
During the 2020 pandemic shutdowns, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco reported that 52% of high school grads were working, as opposed to 72% of those holding bachelor’s degrees. The industries many college grads found themselves in were quickly able to adapt to remote work.
Personal Development
While college is definitely a steppingstone for your future career, it also can open your eyes to new interests and passions. There are opportunities to take courses outside your major to teach you new skills and develop new talents. This could be a class focused on a particular sport (i.e., snowboarding/skiing, racquetball, or fly fishing), or learning something that you find interesting, such as a typography, cake decorating, or book binding course. The variety of courses available depends on your school, so check your school’s course catalogue.
Many schools also offer study abroad opportunities. Colleges and universities allow students to pursue a particular program or courses in a foreign country. While you earn college credit, you can also learn about the culture, food, people, and enhance your world view. Study abroad opportunities may be a semester, a summer, or even a year. Talk with your college for more information regarding opportunities to broaden your horizon!