The Journey Begins

Thanks for joining me!

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney

What is the purpose?

Every high school senior has been asked the same question at least forty times: “Where are you going to college?” The idea of post-secondary education is shoved down our throats. However, some students believe they are not good enough for college. Their conclusions are drawn from their SAT scores, GPA, and lack of college funds. They limit themselves and accept failure. By researching specific case studies and statistics this study will analyze if a college degree is more valuable than work experience. Answering this question can open up possibilities to every aspiring student.

High school students, specifically juniors and seniors are the main audience. This project can help them decide their future and find a path that fits their circumstances. The study will also help them break their limits and open their minds to all opportunities. Additionally, the information can help high school administration and teachers aid the students in planning their life after high school. These influential figures can understand that contrary to popular belief college may not be the best fit for some students.

What does the study mean?

To put the subject into perspective a recent study compares the numbers of hours dedicated to a degree. 1,800 hours is the average time a student spends in college classes for a 120-credit bachelor’s degree. By comparison in this 1,800 hours, an individual could work 8 hours a day for almost a year, create nearly three mobile apps, and read the entire 42 works of Shakespeare twice. This data reveals the true numbers behind both routes.

What are the details?

The word beneficial will be measured as the career route that makes the person the most appealing to employers. I need to look at promotions, changing occupations (staying in the same field but shifting positions and specializations), and getting hired quickly. In other words, I need to research the long-term career benefits.

To fairly evaluate careers I will organize them into a few broad categories. This is due to the fact that certain occupations require a degree and experience for employment. For example, the medical field requires a medical degree and a residency to specialize in a specific area of doctoring. I can separate jobs like doctoring that require education from jobs that lie in a gray area between background requirements. These various fields include business, technology, hard labor, etc. I want to lightly touch on the jobs that have set standards and focus more on the jobs with room for change. Researching this will help me focus my search to general fields in order to give a versatile response.

I also need to identify the types of experience offered. This can range from internships to volunteer positions to part-time jobs.

A portion of my research will come from first-hand interviews. I will consult with college dropouts as well as graduates. I can interview the older generation and the younger ones to compare the history of this debate. By finding these patterns I can also predict the future of these statistics. If needed I can also consult with those working in management positions to understand what they look for in employees. These numbers will help me configure the patterns of past and future growth in the two subjects: work experience vs degrees. This will help my project because I can understand the social norms of society and the pressure people feel to go into the workforce.

Employers look for other factors than experience and degrees. These skills and qualifications can be researched by looking at surveys or even conducting my own surveys amongst different companies in the same field of work. Work ethic introduces the possibility of a person having low scores on paper but a strong dedication to getting the job done.  Work ethic opens doors for those who cannot show their talents in the workforce on paper.

Why is this relevant?

I have been exposed to many people in my life who have much diversity in this debate. I have family members who have gone to college for four-five years to obtain a business degree. Others were drafted into the military. Others skipped all post-secondary education and went into entertainment. I have seen all aspects of the situation and watched everyone I know be faced with a daunting decision. Some have made the best decision in their entire life. Others have sold themselves short based off of a social norm. My passion for this subject runs deep. I am excited to head a new generation of possibilities.

Looking to the future:

Over the next two weeks, I will collect the necessary numbers and statistics I need to educate myself on the background of this subject. I will be reading some opinion articles. As I dive deeper into my research I will be also be arranging interviews.