Gloria Gibson formerly served as president of Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago. This article will look at higher education and its potential to help students build valuable career and life skills.
A recent study published by the Chronicle of Higher Education and Langer Research Associates compared two groups. The first group was made up of college students engaged in bachelor’s degree and associate degree programs, while the second group comprised workforce trainees engaged in apprenticeships, internships, or training courses. The researchers asked participants in both groups to talk about what they were working towards and why; how they chose their career path; how supported and satisfied they felt; whether college seemed worth it; and what challenges and doubts they had.
In terms of choice of path, students tended to describe their route as a default option in line with family expectations, tradition, and career requirements, etc. Trainees, on the other hand, largely demonstrated pride in their autonomy, in many instances, defying expectations to find their own career path. Although participants from both groups largely agreed that college provided a professional advantage, both groups also conceded that college was too time-consuming, reflecting on the loss of four or more years learning rather than earning. While students were more inclined to look at the big picture, investing money and time now for a better long-term outcome, trainees were less able or willing to take that bet gamble and more skeptical of the outcome.
Participants of both groups reported a need for more guidance and support, particularly in terms of academic and career planning and managing stress and time. Self-actualization was a key driver among both college students and trainees. While 19-year-old Elena wanted to be the first in her family to graduate college, 28-year-old real estate course participant, Rose, said that the reason she was doing it was to “prove to myself I can.” Both groups agreed that the chief drawback of college was cost, and both expressed concerns regarding AI threatening their current or future jobs.
Young adults continue on academic and educational pathways for a variety of different reasons, chief among them a desire to strengthen their resume and with it their career
prospects and earning potential. Studying for a higher education qualification presents a range of benefits that can last a lifetime. Not only can it be a springboard into a career, but higher education also helps students develop their confidence and skills, preparing them for the world of work and living as an independent adult.
Many careers, for example, doctor or architect, are only open to those with a specific qualification. Nevertheless, higher education can open doors to career opportunities that may not be directly related to the subject studied. Higher education helps students to develop a well-rounded, transferable skillset that is looked upon favorably by employers.
Irrespective of an individual’s connections or experiences, higher education enables students to access professional networks in their chosen field, as well as providing them with valuable experience to use in interviews. Studying for a higher education qualification also helps young adults to become more independent, encouraging them to take responsibility for their learning and manage their time and money. Whether living on campus or remaining with their parents, their experiences of college life help young adults to develop skillsets that are very valuable in the workplace.
A key motivation for students remaining in higher education is its potential to help boost their employability and earnings potential. Higher education qualifications not only make graduates more desirable to employers, thereby increasing their job opportunities, but in many cases enable them to claim higher salaries throughout their working life. For students struggling to fund their studies, there are grant opportunities and student loans available, as well as many part-time work options offering flexibility, enabling students to earn an income and gain skills simultaneously with their studies.
