Beyond the Classroom: The Value of College by Mahdia

Beyond the Classroom: The Value of College by Mahdia - October 2024 Scholarship Essay

From a young age, students are asked what college they wish to attend or what degree they want. A lot of times, this constant pressure makes students anxious about their future and resent the idea of college. Additionally, the expense is a barrier to many students who end up deciding a college degree is not worth it. However, in truth, a college degree is necessary in our modern world and has both practical and personal benefits.

The most obvious benefit of getting a college degree is the job opportunities it opens up. Nowadays, most jobs require degrees, so it’s crucial to have one. In particular, fields like healthcare, engineering, and technology need skilled graduates, so candidates with degrees are much more likely to be hired than others. A degree shows employers that you put years of effort into your education and have accomplished something valuable.

Besides opening up job opportunities, going to college provides the perfect environment for building a professional network. Arguably, this aspect of college is even more important than the actual material you learn. Forming connections with professors, industry experts, and peers opens up doors to internships, jobs, and learning opportunities. People at career fairs, alumni events, networking workshops, and in class can help students be successful in the future by offering guidance and support. For example, forming a close connection with a professor can lead to opportunities such as working on research projects with them.

Beyond the practical benefits, a college degree is also beneficial in terms of personal growth. The overall college experience exposes students to diverse ideas and teaches them valuable life skills such as critical thinking, communication, responsibility, and time management. Students not only learn academically but also about themselves-who they are and what they want to be- during this period. Getting a degree helps in personal growth because it gives students self-confidence; they feel accomplished and are ready to move to the next step.

Overall, a college degree is beneficial in many aspects and will help individuals succeed in life. Although it may seem time-consuming, unnecessary, and expensive, it creates a myriad of opportunities for both professional and personal growth. At the end of the day, the decision to pursue a higher education is up to everyone, but those who want to move forward in life will greatly benefit from a degree.