Making the decision to obtain a college degree can be quite overwhelming and requires a lot of commitment. However, the general consensus is that the concept of social class in America today is largely determined by the level of education one acquires in life. This aspect can significantly influence one’s destiny and life chances in such a society. For instance, a college degree is becoming more crucial for a person’s career development. Nevertheless, even if the choice to acquire this level is driven by financial or personal preference, it can have extreme outcomes on the line of individual’s professional career as well as his/her life (Scott and Leonhardt par. 3). Consequently, this essay discusses some of the main factors that a person should consider before deciding whether or not to pursue this degree.
The factors that ought to be carefully scrutinized before choosing to work towards a college degree can be said to be rather complex. Also, they are not only linked to personal preferences but also to those of many segments of American society that recognizes the concept of social classes. One key factor to be considered is whether attaining this level of education will help the student acquire individual achievement. Several documents state that a four-year college degree in the U.S is always perceived as an important path to economic success and individual fulfillment. Since the time the higher education began to be offered, the sense of individual achievement through pursuing a college degree has not reduced. For example, being the first member of the community to graduate from college is an incredible honor even today since it recognizes the efforts and dedication of the parents to instill knowledge in their children and also encourages other kids in the community to work hard and pursue their own dreams (Scott and Leonhardt par. 3). Also, a college is one of the places where one can learn from failure without worrying about life- changing outcomes. These aspects may include individual challenges to work hard in order to get rid of bad grades and attain high scores on coursework. Through this practice, one can prepare for the certainties of the professional world. Similarly, after attaining this degree, people begin to set their goals higher due to market competitiveness. If they happen to pursue higher education, they desire to achieve the same kind of individual fulfillment in their life time.
Another factor to be considered is whether or not an individual has the time and money required for the college degree. With the current advanced technology that makes learning more flexible, every willing individual can go to college and follow the career of their choice. These flexible learning options include online courses offered by respective colleges for people who cannot be able to attend classes in person. Therefore, such courses are significant for students who are taking care of their elderly parents or younger siblings or suffering from physical disabilities. This kind of learning is simple and easy to undertake as long as the student owns internet connected computer or a laptop device. Also, online learning avoids boredom by presenting some classroom lectures in the form of videos and voice recording for clarification which can be replayed at student’s convenience. Some campuses provide platforms for distance learning students to engage in discussions with other students without meeting them physically (Scott and Leonhardt par. 3). Likewise, some online learning programs provide people with an opportunity to read textbooks and view videos via regular emails. Apart from time factor, lack of funds can be a great hindrance to pursuing a college degree of their choice. However, several organizations and campuses have been involved in providing scholarships and grants to qualified students coming from humble backgrounds. In addition, federal student loan programs have been put in place to help students who cannot qualify for scholarships to attain a college degree and repay the money later when they get employed (Lewin par. 12).
An additional factor can also be described in that an individual can consider whether or not a college degree will make them progress towards their career goals. It is arguable that the most important thing to do in life is to adjust one’s steps rather than goals. In this insight, students ought to adjust their steps by taking higher education studies to achieve their career goals. For instance, in the current job market, employers are relying heavily on college and universities graduates with necessary skills to perform varied tasks in their organizations. Therefore, it is important for every job seekers contending for entry-level posts to invest in the development of their professional careers. Equally, a college degree is an important instrument that can be used to convince potential employers that one has fundamental skills to carry out new assignments. Hence, registering for a recognized degree program, an individual demonstrates their skills using a strong educational record. Moreover, most companies prefer to check the transcripts of possible employees to establish whether they are trainable to take up new assignments. These transcripts act like track records of the challenging lessons that reveal an individual’s readiness to push themselves past their earlier limits.
Similarly, a student contemplating whether to work towards a college degree or not must consider if the training and education contain individual and professional advantages. College students gain a lot from interacting with their peers apart from obtaining knowledge. One of these benefits is acquiring the ability to socialize and interrelate with people from different social classes. Furthermore, the person with whom one team-ups to perform a task today could offer a significant job lead later in life. Also, most of the hiring managers have a tendency of supporting alumnae from their colleges for the reason that they know the intensity of training students receive in these institutions. Furthermore, registering for a degree program either on campus or online can present a person with a substantial chance to build individual connections which can be of great help when looking for employment. In the current civilization where social classes are recognized as the backbone of the society, the similar bond of a degree course may assist in creating societal networks that one never thought they existed (Scott and Leonhardt par. 8). Through social interactions, students can share economic and emotional challenges which reduce loneliness and low self-esteem. For example, many students can form strong bonds while studying in college and later become business or marriage partners.
The certification issue is another factor to be reflected on before deciding to work towards a university degree or not. With today’s changing government policies and regulations, many companies require some form of certification which is represented by a college certificate in most cases (Lewin par. 9). Also, the university certificate acts as part of the necessary documentation to apply for an entry-level post in different organizations. However, for those persons that attain advanced education like a Masters degree or a PhD. certificate, a college degree is always required as part of the work experience.
In summary, having numerous advantages and very little risk, it is important to invest time and financial capabilities in acquiring a college degree. Currently, most current employers are interested in transcripts obtained during the learning period to see if the candidate is an all round person who can handle different assignments without too many hardships. Development of a better social life also begins with interaction with peers on campus who share similar perceptions and life goals. Similarly, acquiring a college degree is a means of gaining a competitive advantage in the job market, particularly for the entry-level positions. Finally, receiving this degree meaning attaining a higher intellectual capacity and skills which help and individual to makes important decisions when faced with difficult situations and cannot be compared with a person who only attained a high school diploma.
Works Cited
Lewin, Tamar. "Many States Adopt National Standards for Their Schools." The New York Times. The New York Times, 2010. Web. 06 Sept. 2016. <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/21/education/21standards.html>.
Scott, Janny, and David Leonhardt. "Shadowy Lines That Still Divide - The New York Times." New York Times. New York Times, 15 May 2005. Web. 6 Sept. 2016. <http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/15/us/class/shadowy-lines-that-still-divide.html>.
