College Degree vs No Degree

I don't know about you, but this has always been a touchy subject growing up. Should I go to a university, stay local and take classes at the community college, or go a different route. Your parents push you to start thinking about college before you're even in highschool. Sometimes, going this path just isn't for you.

For me, I planned on going to college. I had a scholarship for a music program at a well known University. I had won multiple state and national competitions with the flute and planned on playing in college. My junior year I moved in with my dad in a different town and transferred to a new highschool. I fell into the wrong crowd because my need to be cool oversaw anything else. I ended up getting pregnant and having my daughter when I was 17. I still graduated from highschool but all my college plans fell through.

I'll go into more details on this story in another post but when my parents found out I was pregnant they of course were very disappointed in me. They knew everything was going to be more tough then what I had thought. Which was very true, but I made it work.

I had random jobs here and there but never took anything seriously until I was 23. This is when I got my first sales jobs and I absolutely loved it. It was a huge turning point in my life and I ended up getting promoted to a District Manager position a year later. I worked my butt off for 2 years and was recruited out of this position by a huge tech company. I ended up getting laid off from this position a year later but was brought into their corporate office as a recruiter. This was how I went from sales to HR. I thrived in this role for 4 years and later was recruited by another recruiting firm from a LinkedIn message. With this new position came a $15,000 raise. I said heck yes I'll take it!

The main thing I focused on in every position was learning as much as possible and completing my projects in a fast paced manner. This has always put me ahead of other team members and helped me move up to higher paying positions. I tried to focus on what was in front of me and blocking out the rest of the noise. I networked as much as I could within the company, having conversations with people in higher up positions, to learn more about the company, and to show that I could be an asset in other positions as well. This would be the advice I would give you if you decide on a different route other then college.

Let's dive into some comparisons about having your degree vs not having one.

The Case for a College Degree

1. Career Opportunities: Many professions require a degree as a baseline qualification. Fields like medicine, law, and engineering have strict educational requirements, which can limit job prospects for those without a degree.

2. Higher Earning Potential: Statistics consistently show that individuals with a college degree tend to earn more over their lifetimes compared to those without one. This can be a significant factor in deciding to invest in higher education.

3. Networking and Resources: College often provides access to valuable networks, mentorship opportunities, and resources that can help you jumpstart your career. Alumni connections can be particularly beneficial in finding jobs and internships.

4. Skill Development: A college education provides not just knowledge but also critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that are essential in the workplace.

   
   

The Case Against a College Degree

1. Rising Student Debt: With the cost of education skyrocketing, many graduates find themselves burdened with significant debt. This financial strain can overshadow the potential benefits of having a degree.

2. Alternative Paths to Success: Many successful individuals have built careers without a college degree, opting instead for vocational training, apprenticeships, or self-taught skills. The tech industry, in particular, values experience and skills over formal education.

3. Job Market Trends: Some industries are moving towards skills-based hiring practices, focusing on what candidates can do rather than their educational background. This shift opens up opportunities for those without degrees.

4. Entrepreneurial Opportunities: For those with a strong business idea or entrepreneurial spirit, starting a business without a formal degree can be a viable path. Many successful entrepreneurs have shown that practical experience can often outweigh educational credentials.

   
   

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision to pursue a college degree or not depends on individual circumstances, career goals, and personal values. While a degree can provide significant advantages, it’s essential to weigh these against the potential drawbacks and explore alternative paths that may lead to success. Whether you choose to further your education or jump straight into the workforce, what matters most is your dedication to continuous learning and professional growth.

There's obviously many roads you can go down after highschool and there's no right or wrong one. Don't feel guilty for not taking a route someone else has planned for you. In my case, I was able to take a challenging situation and turn it into a successful story. Sometimes, college isn't in the cards for you, but maybe a trade school is. Working in HR, I've seen many successful trades people making over 6 figures. You pick the path that's right for you and give it all you've got.