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The Necessity of College Education in Today’s Job Market
In today's world, getting a good job is more difficult than ever. Many people are asking
whether going to college is really worth it. Some people think that the college is very expensive
and takes a long time. Others believe that you can find work without degree if you learn a
business or start doing the right thing after high school. Although it is true that there are different
ways to create a living, college education is still the best way to secure a better future. A college
degree not only helps you earn more money, but also gives you skills that can open doors for
many opportunities.
First, one of the greatest advantages of attending college is increased future earnings.
Research indicates individuals who have a degree earn significantly more than individuals who
merely complete high school. In Yolanda Melville's words, "the lifetime earnings of families
headed by those who have a bachelor’s degree will be approximately $1.6 million higher than
families headed by those who have only a high-school diploma" (Melville 40). This implies that
although college can be costly, in the long run, it pays. Graduates tend to have better-paying jobs.
In most instances, individuals who do not attend college have low-paying jobs without health
insurance as well as retirement savings (Lewis 179).
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College also teaches individuals skills necessary for success in various careers. In today's
rapidly changing job market, workers must learn to adapt and acquire new knowledge. College
leads individuals to become skillful at problem-solving, thinking logically, and collaboration.
Hugh Lauder and Ken Mayhew discuss how "the nature of work and employment is changing so
quickly that flexibility and the capacity for learning new things are as valuable as initial
qualifications" (Lauder and Mayhew 3). Individuals do not just use these skills in school—these
skills are used in real life and in business. Someone who possesses these skills is better
positioned to be promoted and retain employment when the economy fluctuates.
Many professionals also learn beyond college in an effort to better themselves
professionally. In park and recreation workers, for instance, employees return to school and learn
courses in an effort to become stronger leaders. Michael Kanters and Taylor Jeromos discuss an
employee who stated after studying at a training school, “explored who we are as individual
leaders and the positive impact we can make on colleagues and within our respective
organizations” (Kanters and Jeromos 12). This illustrates that college and continuing education is
not solely for obtaining one job—it assists individuals in enhancing and developing themselves
for the remainder of their lives. One never stops learning, and college begins that process.
Another benefit of college is because it offers you more choices. With your degree in
college, you can look for various kinds of jobs, not only one. Irina Bagdasarian and her
colleagues state that college accreditation ensures that students learn the appropriate skills
employers desire (Bagdasarian et al. 3). Employers have confidence in degrees from reputable
colleges because they think those students have been well prepared. Roger Brown also states that
universities adapt to address the demands of the job market and ensure students are prepared for
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the outside world (Brown 5). That implies today's colleges strive hard to ensure students excel in
jobs, not solely in academics.
One of the large concerns surrounding college is affordability. Students pay for tuition
using loans and become indebted. Anne Lewis reports that “half of college students now borrow
money to attend college, up from 35% in 1993,” and average debt is at $19,000 (Lewis 179).
That is a large amount, at least for young adults just getting started. Yet, the payoff is still
worthwhile. With a degree from college, individuals can better get stable jobs and pay back loans
in the long run. Melville also points out that some students do not seek free funding in the form
of scholarships and grants to offset some of the expense of college (Melville 40).
Governments and schools also strive to make college less costly. For instance, President
Obama came up with a plan to reduce the cost of college for students. This involves bigger
grants, funding for community colleges, and repayment of student loans depending on income
(Melville 40). These actions ensure further students get to college without worrying excessively
about debt. Community colleges, which tend to be less costly than universities, also have an
integral part. These colleges provide practical training programs that pave the way for graduates
to take actual jobs in surrounding communities (Lewis 180).
Community colleges prove useful for those who desire to get started quickly. Some do
not feel they can immediately proceed to a university, while others would rather remain near
home. Anne Lewis describes how community colleges assist those individuals who “find
employment in a specific industry and move up the ladder in that sector of the economy” (180).
They instruct in academic courses and job training. One can possibly transfer to a university later
or learn while working. That path indicates one can be successful in various ways through further
education—not only in one.
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Some argue that one does not need to go to college and that suitable jobs or businesses
can do. Although for some this can be possible, for others, this is not an advisable option. Lauder
and Mayhew note that even “intermediate-skill jobs” today demand some level of tertiary
education (Lauder and Mayhew 6). A degreeless career can leave many individuals stuck at one
position without any possibility for career advancement. Lewis further adds that those who only
pursue technical courses in high school tend to earn less and have less opportunity for career
advancement (Lewis 179). College provides individuals with better opportunities and an
increased possibility of achieving success.
Attending college is not solely to get a job. It also allows individuals to expand as human
beings. Students learn to manage time, make choices, and resolve problems. Melville discusses
in detail that college teaches “networking,” which involves meeting individuals who can assist in
the future (Melville 40). Most jobs nowadays come through connections, and college is one of
the best platforms for developing those connections. Students become independent and learn to
deal with obstacles individually.
College prepares students to be good citizens. They learn various ways of life, ideas, and
cultures. Kanters and Jeromos note that students at leadership academies speak about “diversity
and inclusion” and become equipped to improve society (Kanters and Jeromos 13). Such
discussions enable them to know others and cooperate in solving problems. A better society
requires educated individuals who have an interest in society and can implement positive
changes.
In conclusion, although college isn't easy and isn't inexpensive, it's still needed in today's
workforce. Having a degree earns individuals more money, teaches individuals valuable life
skills, and leads to better careers. It also provides opportunities for further education, community
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service, and personal enrichment. Although other forms of working can be done, college offers
the greatest rewards in the long term. Whether at a university or community college, furthering
one's education provides individuals with what they need to get ahead. As Melville states,
“College isn't just one of the best investments you can make in your future… It is the best
investment America can make in our future” (Melville 40). The same applies to Kenya and for
the rest of the globe. Investing in education is an investment in one's future.
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Work Cited
Bagdasarian, Irina, et al. "Accreditation of the university education as a guarantee of the
competencies quality in the labor market." 19th International Multidisciplinary Scientific
GeoConference SGEM 19.5.4 (2019): 3-8.
Brown, Roger, ed. Higher education and the market. No. 273101. London: Routledge, 2011.
Kanters, Michael A., and Taylor Jeromos. “The Value of Continuing Education for Today's Park
and Recreation Professional.” Parks & Recreation, vol. 58, no. 8, Aug. 2023, pp. 12–13.
Lauder, Hugh, and Ken Mayhew. "Higher education and the labour market: an
introduction." Oxford Review of Education 46.1 (2020): 1-9.
Lewis, Anne C. “Jobs and Schooling.” Phi Delta Kappan, vol. 88, no. 3, Nov. 2006, pp. 179–180.
Sage Publications Inc., doi:10.1177/003172170608800302.
Melville, Yolanda. "Is College Really Worth It?" Crisis, vol. 119, no. 3, Summer 2012, p. 40.
