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What is the benefit of a college degree compared to real life training?

who will have the advantage? someone who spends four years in the work force vs someone who spent 4 years in college to obtain a degree when looking for a career? #college #experience #career-development #career-preparation #working #career-counseling

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Thank you comment icon Good question, depends on the job. Experience might show specific skill(s) and knowledge. College shows (hopefully) skills, ability to learn and communication across a spectrum. Also, college shows a recognizable body of work that employers still use as a benchmark. Leon Shordon
Thank you comment icon I agree with Leon! It truly depends on the job. I do feel that a degree of SOME type (associates, certificate or training in a specific trade, college degree, etc) shows that you are teachable, able to follow something through to completion, and believe in your own abilities enough to try something difficult. Experience is invaluable, and I find that when you meld the two - some type of higher education + experience on the job - that makes employers take notice. If my degree is in nursing but I also worked as a nursing assistant while going to school, that shows a potential employer that I am committed to being excellent in my field. Amy K. Jean, PA-C
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Brian’s Answer

Great question - it will often depend on the filed you are entering. Some may require a degree of some sort or require a specific degree. Other fields may be more interested in your capabilities that you've displayed through high school or your work experiences. I'd suggest you first decide on the area in which you want to get involved, then you can decide if a degree is required or helpful.
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Sen’s Answer

Hello Mr. Koray,

Great question indeed! I also had similar kind of dilemma when I was about to pass out from my school. In India those days, we were following age old British colonial education system which was developed to meet the manpower requirements of Raj! It produced more of white collared and some blue collard professionals and we use to look for government jobs only. That system has an anathema towards artisans and such vocations. In fact, till date manual labour draws low wages then graduates. Thus, it was an obvious choice for us who could afford higher education. But fortunately for you, it's not so.


Before I proceed, I would like to know what kind of professional advice you are looking for? what kind of background you have in terms of schooling etc? If you are you a top grader in terms of GPA or so, then you may look for college/university for your graduation or professional degree or diploma. So far is pay is concerned, a young boy who can crack into a secure network by hacking, who may not have any formal education in computers, would command a very high salary then that of a top of the line graduate from Ivy league. So the answer is neither a straight 'Yes nor a No', but it has various shades.


on the other hand, there are professions which fetches high salary by being in the field rather than those who comes out after graduation from a college. A footballer or basketball player need not go to the college to secure his position in NBA. But if a person wants his career in finance would need get higher pay if he comes out from a college with 4 years of formal education.


So you have to be specific about your career choice and then possibly a better and informed advice can be rendered. All the very Best!
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