Essay on benefits of a college degree

Introduction

Having a college education is increasingly becoming part of many people’s life activities. In the recent years, getting a college education is becoming much easier and many people are now able to enjoy the benefits that come with a college education.

One key benefit accruing from having a college degree is that one’s average salary increases as compared to those who don’t have any degree. Research indicates that people who have at least an associate degree earn up to twenty five percent more per year when compared to those who are doing the same job but don’t have a degree. According to Dougherty (2008) , the salary a college graduate earns through their lifetime is almost double the one that is earned by those with only high school diplomas. The reason why college graduates earns more is that degree programmes impart students with skills that are practical and are also able to receive the latest information of certain industries and therefore this information equips the students with the relevant skills that are in demand.

There are more job opportunities to degree graduates as compared to those who don’t have. Having degree increases one’s potential of getting a job in his or her preferred field (Boesel, 200). Besides, many employers prefer to employ people who have some sort of collage degree and in most cases, if an employer has a choice of two candidates with equal skills and experience an one has a degree while the other one doesn’t, there are high chances that the one with a degree will be picked. Having a degree also gives one a better chance of getting promotions and pay rises. This is because employers have more confidence in people who are more knowledgeable and experienced and are more likely to give them extra responsibilities and benefits.

Additionally, a college degree gives one control over their future and a healthier outlook in life. The extent one wants to go to get an education is an individual decision and the fact that a degree opens many doors in terms of a career means that people have the power to control their life by deciding to which extent they are willing to go to acquire knowledge to benefit them. Day (2002) further adds that, a college gives one personal satisfaction since it gives one an opportunity of having a belter future in terms of better economic and social standing. A study done in 1998 found out that college graduates enjoy higher levels of savings, increased personal and professional mobility, better quality of life to them and their dependents, and better decision making when it comes to consumption, leisure and hobbies.

A college degree prepares on for the work place through imparting academic knowledge and skills that can contribute to effective running of an organization. For academic skills to be beneficial to an organization it is important that the skills acquired are harnessed through appropriate job description. Efficiency in the organization will only happen if the skills acquired are balanced with other tacit knowledge and skills that come with work experience and a person’s personality. While in college, students are able to learn many skills including interpersonal skills which can be very effective in organizations. Constant interactions with students and teachers from diverse backgrounds and experiences usually serves as a foundation for one to build skills necessary to effectively interact with colleagues at the work place and ensure that objectives are achieved (Smith, 1995). The same can be said for management skills which are learned through activities like time management and setting deadlines on projects and academic work. Students can gain skills that can be transferred to the work place on how effectively manage people. All in all, having academic skills alone is no panacea for success in the work place. These skills need to be harnessed and made to align with the needs of the organization through practical application. Therefore to ensure that the skills are effective, organizations need to put in mechanisms that will ensure smooth integration in the work place and this can be done through activities like coaching, mentoring and further on the job training.

In conclusion, it is evident that having a college degree is a key investment in any one’s life. Despite the current high costs associated with degrees, especially for those people from low income brackets, the long term benefits to a person and the society at large cannot be underscored. The important thing is that degrees should always resonate with the needs of the market.

Bibliography:

Ashkenas, R. (1998). The Boundaryless Organization. New York: bantam Books
Boesel, D. (2000). College for all? Is there too much emphasis on getting a 4-year college
degree? Chicago: MacGraw Hill.
Dougherty, C (2008). High-Degree Professionals Show Power Survey Highlights Worry of

Winners, Losers in Economy. Wall Street Journal, September 10, 2008.
Day, J. C., (2002). The Big Payoff: Educational Attainment and Synthetic Estimates of Work-Life
Earnings. Available: http://www. census. gov/prod/2002pubs/p23-210. pdf
Gwartney, J (2009). Discrimination, achievement and payoffs of a college degree. Journal of
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Smith, . A. (1995). Creating Productive Organizations: Developing Your Work Force. San
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