College, Career or Military

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Glenn Geher Ph.D.

Posted Jan 10, 2018

Here are 14 reasons to invest the time and money in the college route.

Sure, it’s true that college graduates make, on average, significantly more money across their lifetimes compared to those who do not graduate college. But as someone who is dedicated to helping college students succeed and prepare themselves for their futures, I see this as just the tip of the iceberg. I recently finished up writing a book all about the point of the psychology major (Own Your Psychology Major! A Guide to Student Success). Working on this book got me thinking not only about the benefits of a good psychology major, but also about the benefits of a solid college education in general. There are many.

Below is a list of 14 outcomes associated with a college education that are life-altering, and that, in combination, might encourage a student who is on the fence about college to put in the time and effort to get that degree. For the reasons spelled out below, it’ll most likely be worth it.

1. More money! Yes, college graduates make, on average, thousands of dollars more a year than do non-college graduates. And this difference leads to differences in hundreds of thousands of dollars in a lifetime.*

2. Become expert in a topic. In college, you pick a major area of study and take a bunch of classes (usually between 10 to 15) all on that particular topic. Whatever your major is, and no matter your GPA, successfully completing a college major automatically ensures that you have something to bring to the table.

3. Obtain a general education. Colleges usually make sure that you take a good number of classes (usually about 10) that deal with a broad array of themes, including such things as the history of western civilization, the natural sciences, and the arts. As such, these days, we can rest assured that nearly any college graduate has a decent sense of scholarly ideas on a broad array of topics.

4. Learn specific sets of skills. In your major, you will not just learn content, but will also learn skills related to knowledge acquisition in that particular field of study. If you study psychology, you will not only learn about psychological ideas, but will also learn how to conduct statistical analyses and how to design research in the behavioral sciences, for instance. In every field in college, you will learn a variety of transferable skills that can be used across your lifetime.

5. Group work. At some point in college, you’ll have a group project. This may be done in the context of a class or as part of serving in a club or in some other capacity. I have news for you: In the real world, there is a ton of group work. In fact, one of the secrets to the success of humans compared with other forms of hominids that have existed across evolutionary history is the fact that Homo sapiens developed the ability to work in collaboration with large groups of others (see Wilson, 2007). Love it or hate it, group work is in your future. College will prepare you for this fact.

6. Time management. Not everyone is an expert at time management at 18 years of age. College is a great place to learn time-management skills. You might have a paper due on Tuesday and two exams that each require 10 hours of preparation on Wednesday. And let’s throw in a quiz on Friday. Effectively preparing for all of these assignments and assessments is up to you. I promise you this: being better than average at time management will have enormous benefits for you throughout life.

7. Project completion. In college, you will have all kinds of projects that you will be working on. You might be writing a research paper in your sociology class while you’re working on a sculpture for your studio art class. And the club you are working with might be organizing a large end-of-year event including an invited speaker. And all the while, you might have a thesis that you need to constantly be working on. You’ve got stuff to do! In my experience, I’d say that the ability to effectively complete projects is priceless. And the ability to balance multiple projects at a time is icing on the cake. College is a great place to develop these skills.

8. Rules and consequences. In a typical undergraduate academic career, a student will take about 40 different classes across four years. For each class, there will be a syllabus full of rules, rules that are specific to that class. And there is usually a student handbook full of all kinds of other rules. In college, students learn to quickly learn the rules and to follow them, as there are always consequences for failing to follow the rules. For these reasons, we can think of college graduates as people who have had a strong first-hand education in learning about how to play the game and follow the rules.

9. Make lifelong friends. There are all kinds of social benefits to college as well. At 47, I am still close friends with several of the guys I went to college with (Go UCONN!), and we are actually planning a reunion (with our families included) for some time in the coming weeks. College is an intense experience, and in a sense, everyone who is there is in the same boat. And making friends is usually part of the deal.

10. Diverse ideas. In a good college experience, you will be exposed to all kinds of ideas, and you will often run into situations in which ideas don’t line up with one another. And you will run into situations in which one really-smart-seeming professor fully disagrees with the ideas of some other really-smart-seeming professor. Good. This should be part of the deal! Learning how to work with a variety of ideas is a major goal of any college education, and I promise that you will find ideological diversity to be a major part of the world after you graduate.

11. Diverse people. People are great—we come in all shapes and sizes! People vary in terms of gender, socioeconomic background, religious background, cultural background, and more. We differ from one another in terms of what kind of music we like, how we like to spend a Saturday afternoon, and what kind of food we eat. And this is a beautiful thing. In your classes, in the dorms, and all across campus, you will experience diversity in all its beauty. And this fact will help you see that the little bubble that you come from is but one of many such bubbles that exist around the world. And this lesson will help you work with all kinds of people across your lifetime.

12. Become a writer. Your college experience will come with a lot of writing. Students should embrace this fact. No matter how smart you are at 18 years old, I guarantee that you have work to do on your writing—that’s just how it is. Writing assignments in college are designed to get students to advance as writers, developing skills associated with presenting information in an engaging and cogent manner for all kinds of audiences. And strong writers are, simply, invaluable.

13. Public speaking. Your collegiate experience will most likely include some public speaking opportunities. Embrace these opportunities! When you grow up, you’ll need this skill! No matter what your job ends up being, you’ll need to communicate ideas to other people. You’ll need to speak to others. You’ll be giving reports on your work. You might find yourself trying to convince some client to buy your product. You might find yourself trying to convince the school board to hire another art teacher. You might find yourself presenting your research at a conference. The education that you will receive in public speaking is absolutely critical for your future.

14. Giving back to the community. Throughout one’s college career, there are many opportunities to give back to the community. You might be part of an honors program that includes a community-service element. You might have a class that includes an assignment related to community service. You might be in a student club or sorority that includes community service in its mission. From my perspective as a grownup in today’s world, I can confidently say that we need people with this mentality and with these skills now more than ever!

As I write in my upcoming book, geared toward college students: What you might not realize is that people in my generation are depending on people in your generation to help get this world back on track. This is partly why we care so much about you understanding the value of community.

Bottom Line

Sure, college isn’t for everyone. And yes, there are many, many examples of very bright and successful people who did not go the college route. I don’t deny this. And I don’t think that a college education guarantees success. This said, for the reasons given above, I think it is fair to say that a good college education comes with all kinds of lifelong benefits.

If you’re a high school kid who is looking at various options for your future, I say give the college route your fullest consideration. And if you’ve completed some college but have never officially obtained your degree, I say go ahead and register for those final classes and seal the deal. The college experience develops a young adult in a holistic manner in ways that positively affect one’s entire future moving forward. And yes, you’ll most likely make more money to boot

References

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, The Economics Daily, Weekly earnings by educational attainment in first quarter 2016 on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2016/weekly-earnings-by-educational-attainment-in-first-quarter-2016.htm (visited January 10, 2018).

Geher, G., (2019). Own Your Psychology Major! A Guide to Student Success. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Wilson, D. S. (2007). Evolution for everyone. New York: Delacorte Press.

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Most people believe that a college education is necessary for a stable career. An undergraduate degree is the key to success for most parents, teachers, and future bosses. A master's degree or doctorate is even better.

For certain professions, college degrees are required — even for entry-level positions. Yet, a college degree isn’t necessary to make a good living.

A skilled trade career offers the same benefits as a white-collar profession without the cost of a degree. From metal fabrication to plumbing to HVAC, the opportunities are endless. Here's why you should consider a skilled trade career:

1. You gain experience immediately. Some people don't perform best in a classroom environment. They're not great test takers and prefer learning on the job. They’d rather get into the “real world” and build their resume with experience instead of education.In skilled trade careers, apprentices immediately work on projects and earn viable certifications. They don't compete for unpaid internships. They're already on the floor learning from skilled professionals.

2. The price tag is more reasonable. A lot of people don’t consider higher education because of its hefty price tag. According to The College Board, the average cost of tuition at a public college for an in-state student is about $10,000 per year. If you’re an out-of-state student or at a private school, college is more expensive.With an associate degree at a trade school or community college, many students graduate with little or no debt. It offers an affordable price tag, higher scholarship availability, and easy-to-apply grants and loans.While many college graduates leave school with little "real world" experience and a mountain of student loan debt, those that pursue skilled trade careers carry less debt burden. They also accumulate "real world" experience and applicable skills while learning on the job.

3. It takes half the time. While four-year college students are still in the classroom, trade skill students are graduates and earning an income after about two years.

4. Skilled trade experts make a good living. According to U.S. News & World Report, entry-level sheet metal workers made an average of $52,100 annually in 2017. A master tradesperson is able to demand even better pay. The average college graduate made less than $50,000. Salaries vary between state, company size, experience, industry, and level of education. Yet, skilled trade careers consistently make a good living.

5. A huge need for master tradespeople exists. With the baby boomer generation retiring, a huge opportunity awaits millennials and Generation Z to earn positions in trade careers. Aside from mass job openings, there's always a need for metal fabricators, welders, plumbers, carpenters, and more. Because trades are always in demand, there's ample opportunity and strong job security.

6. You get to do what you’re good at. A lot of college graduates leave with a degree in one field but end up working in a different field. Why earn a $40,000 to $160,000 degree and settle for any job that’s hiring? With a trade skill, you have the necessary education and training. This opens up careers to start your own business or apply for a highly specific job — and likely get it.

Earning a college degree isn't a bad idea, but it's not for everyone. Trade careers give you practical and useful skills, incur less student loan debt, and allow you to earn experience and an education. Plus, trades are always in demand.

With so many advantages to a trade career, it should be considered a more viable option in the professional world. To learn more about trade careers, download our Guide to Starting Your Career in Sheet Metal:

6-reasons-you-should-consider-a-skilled-trade-career

Seraine Page | June 19, 2020

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Everyone has different reasons to join the military.

If you’re considering enlisting, it’s important to take some time to think about what you’re hoping to get from signing on that dotted line. A fat sign-on bonus may provide immediate gratification, but you’ll find more satisfaction if your commitment is about more than money.

Some people do it for a change of scenery. Others come from a long line of family members who served. Others simply want a life of adventure and personal fulfillment.

Whatever your reason, make sure it will give you lasting motivation to get past the hard parts — like basic training and deployments — and to the end of your contract.

Interested in a life of military service?

Here’s a list of 10 reasons to go into the military:

1. You Feel Called to Serve

Whether it’s a family tradition or you just have a patriotic spirit, sometimes you can’t help but feel called to serve your country. You might know from an early age, or perhaps you meet a recruiter at just the right time. However it happens, don’t ignore the urge to sign that contract.

2. You’re Ready for Adventure

If you love to travel and explore new areas, what better lifestyle is there? On average, you’ll move every few years to a new duty location. You’ll get to meet new people and see places you might have never gone otherwise. The best part? The government pays you to do it.

3. You Want Marketable Job Skills

No matter how long your contract is, you’re going to pick up skills that are marketable to the civilian world. From boot camp on, take advantage of training opportunities to learn skills that will matter in the outside world, including technical and analytical skills. You’ll find valuable, specialized skill sets in positions like nuclear machinist mates and military intelligence officers. Choose your military job wisely!

4. Benefits, Benefits, Benefits

If you’re looking for a job that will take care of you from the minute you “apply,” the military is it. From day one, you’ll have access to medical facilities and living quarters. Later down the road, you can contribute to benefits like retirement via TSP, your GI Bill, and life insurance. Also, how many jobs give you 30 days of paid vacation every year? If you’re looking for a secure lifestyle, the military can provide it in multiple aspects.

5. Job Stability Sounds Good

Even when the economy is bad, the military is always hiring. If you can’t find work in your local area, choosing to join the military might be a good option for you. You’ll get paid on time and won’t have to worry about your next paycheck as long as you have a signed military contract.

6. Higher Education Wasn’t for You

College isn’t for everyone. But you have to make a living somehow and sometimes that means joining the military. Make no mistake, you’ll learn important trade skills to best prepare you to do your job in the military. While the training upfront may be more intense than college in some ways, your service will be just as valuable as a college degree now and in the future.

7. College is in Your Future

On the other hand, if you do want to go to college, it can be very expensive. On average, in-state tuition alone averages $25,290. Private school tuition is even higher. If you one day want to go to college, consider signing a short-term military contract. Once you’re done, you can go back to school on the GI Bill. You’ll also receive a living stipend based to assist with living costs. Check out this GI Bill comparison tool to see which bill benefits you the most.

8. Leadership is in Your DNA

The military is always in need of strong leaders. Whether you come in as an enlisted recruit or a commissioned officer, bring a can-do, positive attitude along. Those who showcase leadership abilities tend to move up quickly, especially when paired with integrity and a desire to grow professionally.

9. You Want to Retire Early

If you serve 20 years or more in any branch, you’re eligible for retirement. For those who sign fresh out of high school, that means you can retire as early as around the age of 40. That’s plenty of time to enjoy a second career, start a business, focus on your family, or just relax.

10. You’re Seeking Positive Change

Sometimes a drastic change is necessary to make a life-altering, positive change. That might be joining the military for you. Whether you want to get in better shape, build your self esteem, or just change your environment, you can create a new life for yourself at any time. One way to discover your true potential is when you sign up for serving your country — it gives you a whole new outlook you’ve never had before.

Join the Military for Your Own Reasons

If one of the reasons above resonates with you, talk to a recruiter to find out what skills are in high-demand. Then, do research on your own to find out what fields interest you the most. You can always visit multiple recruiting offices to see which branch seems like the best fit for you.

Before you join, make sure it’s what you really want. Of course, you won’t know exactly what military life is like until you’re in the thick of it, but you can get a pretty good idea from talking to current service members.

And, remember, the service life isn’t for everyone. But it does offer some pretty fantastic benefits and opportunities that you can’t find in any other occupation. Benefits are only a small piece of reasons to go into the military, which means it’s wise to look at the whole picture of what military life would do for you.

When you join, do it for you. The long-term benefits will be far more rewarding when you make the choice to serve independently and to improve your own life.