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School-to-Career Blog 020608

The views expressed here are Chris' and are not necessarily the same as the Wake County Public School System.

Editorial: Bachelor's degrees not always key to success as outsourcing and lagging pay take their toll

link to the news article: TCPalm, February 6, 2008.

Article Highlights

A new study of employment statistics reveals that, contrary to conventional wisdom, bachelor's degrees don't necessarily add value in the workplace.

Fewer than 30 percent of all jobs demand [four-year diplomas] - a figure that has barely budged in the last two decades.

... 60 percent of people in existing jobs have "some college" or post-secondary credential - yet only one in three jobs requires that level of education.

For high schools, this should mean expanded options in hands-on occupational training to balance college-prep curriculum.

Chris' thoughts -

I don't want to knock the value of a college education, but anyone thinking that a four-year degree will magically ensure a better job and a higher salary just isn't looking at the latest labor market data.

Most people are shocked to find out that very few jobs require a four-year degree, and those that do, may have salaries that are less than a job that requires only one or two years at a community college.

Has anyone stopped to look at the ROI (return on the investment) of education vs a lifetime salary? I've seen starting salaries for PhD-required jobs that are the same or less than Associate degree-required jobs. Compare the cost of ten years at an expensive university vs. two years at a more affordable community college. Who's going to be the first to pay off their student loans, and who will be first to buy that expensive sports car?

Getting the right education for the career you choose is the right reason to go to college. Talk to employers in the field you have chosen to enter and find out from them what postsecondary education they suggest or require for employment.

 

Well, at least that's what I'm thinking!
Chris Droessler

Chris writes for the following Blogs:

 

 

 

                                                                                               

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