Education is one of the crucial elements of a successful career. It is the foundation that allows you to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in your chosen field.
While there are many ways to gain education and improve your career prospects, formal education remains the most important route to success. This is because formal education provides you with a structured learning environment where you can gain essential skills and knowledge. In addition, formal education also offers credentials that can help you stand out from the crowd and improve your employability.
However, when most people finish formal education, they think that the next big thing in higher education. But what is higher education exactly, and is it vital for a successful career?
What is Higher Education?
Higher education, also known as tertiary education, is the level of education that comes after secondary education. It generally refers to universities, colleges, and other institutions that offer academic degrees and professional certifications. In many countries, higher education is compulsory for students who want to pursue a career in certain professions.
Unlike formal education, higher education gives students the chance to freely learn the way they want using their time and the resources allocated to them. As a result, higher education sometimes doesn’t rely on the classroom setting that formal education does, but instead, it depends on more creative ways of learning, such as internships and research.
The Benefits of Higher Education
Many benefits come with higher education, such as:
- Improved employment prospects: In today’s competitive job market, employers are increasingly looking for candidates with formal qualifications. By completing a higher education program, you’ll be able to demonstrate to potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge they are looking for.
- Increased earnings: In general, people with higher levels of education earn more than those who don’t have any formal qualifications. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median weekly earnings for someone with a bachelor’s degree is $1,559. In contrast, someone without any formal qualifications earns a median wage of $606 per week.
- Greater job satisfaction: Higher education can also lead to greater job satisfaction. This is because people who have higher levels of education are more likely to find jobs that match their skills and interests.
- Improved critical thinking and problem-solving skills: Higher education helps you develop essential critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These skills are essential in any career, and they can also help you in your personal life.
- Enhanced social and networking opportunities: Higher education lets you meet new people and network with potential employers. You’ll also have the chance to learn from experienced professionals in your field.
While there are many benefits of higher education, it’s important to remember that it’s not suitable. Not many people in the United States graduate from colleges and universities because there are a lot of factors to consider.
Higher Education Isn’t Meant For Everyone
Only about two million college graduates get a bachelor’s degree every year. That’s because higher education isn’t meant for everyone. That’s because there are many things to consider before going for higher education. The first is the cost.
Cost of Higher Education
The cost of higher education has been rising steadily for the past few years. In the United States, the average cost of a four-year degree in a private college is now about $37,000. And that’s not including the cost of room and board, which can add another $10,000 to the total. For many people, this is too much money to afford.
The next thing to consider is the challenge.
The Challenge of Higher Education
Higher education can be a challenge, both academically and socially. In the United States, the average college student takes five years to complete a four-year degree. And that’s if they don’t drop out.
The academic challenges of higher education are not to be taken lightly. A lot of students find themselves struggling to keep up with their coursework. It can be especially true if you’re not used to the rigors of academic life.
Remember that higher education does not guarantee you’ll have a good job either. The unemployment rate for recent college graduates in the United States is currently 7.9%.
When is Higher Education Crucial to Your Career Growth?
If you want to start a business, there’s a good chance that you don’t need higher education to be successful. However, if you’re going to be in a field of science or a demanding field that requires a lot of learning, like being a doctor or psychologist, you’re going to need higher education. Most of these career paths may also require you to take up postgraduate studies to perfect your craft. Graduating with a master’s or doctorate’s degree is essential in these fields, but not in every field of study.
It depends on what you want to do with your life. Consider the cost, the challenge, and if it’s something that you’re passionate about. Weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Once you do, make sure to stick by your decision until you’ve reached it.
