After Graduation

Pros of College

- Foundation for Career Success
One of the goals of college is to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills related to their field to help them succeed in the workplace. Typically, those who have received a college education in their desired field are better prepared for the workforce, overall perform better, and typically advance faster.

- Establish Connections and Network
College can help provide opportunities to connect and network with not only other classmates, but professionals in the field of your choice. Making connections with those already in your field while in college can help you find a job after college.

- Opportunities for Internships and Entry-Level Jobs
Most of the time, high-school graduates do not have the skills necessary to work in their preferred field of work right away. College can help you get experience through internships and entry-level jobs during college so that when you graduate, you will already have experience working in your field. Getting this first-hand experience while in college is extremely valuable and can help you get a job after college.

- Improved Earning Potential
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that those who have earned an associate's degree (2-year degree) earn approximately $8,000 more per year than high-school graduates. Those who have earned a bachelor's degree (4-year degree) are estimated to earn roughly $24,000 more per year. College is an investment for your future.


Cons of College

- Time-Consuming
Whether you decide to go for an associate's degree, a bachelor's degree, or a master's degree, college will take up most of your time for the next two or more years. You have to be willing to spend a large part of your time in class, doing schoolwork, and studying.

- Some Jobs Don't Require a College Degree
While most jobs do require a college degree, there are a lot of jobs that don't require a college education. It is possible to find a good job with a good salary without a college degree, but keep in mind, most employers will prefer someone with a college degree over someone who doesn't have one even if the job doesn't require a degree.

- A College Degree Doesn't Guarantee a Job
While college can provide you with connections and experience in your field, it can not guarantee that you will have a job in your field when you graduate. You have likely heard someone you know, say they have a college degree and aren't using it or couldn't find a job in their field. The most common reason for this is that the field they chose is very competitive or jobs for that field are scarce. It is important to do your research on the field you want to pursue to see projected job growth.

-Student Debt
Student loans can help you finance your college education and are one of the most common ways that college is paid for. However, borrowing too much can leave you with a large financial burden, with student loan payments possibly costing you hundreds of dollars each month. You might even find that the loans may not even cover the total cost of your education, leaving you to find other ways to cover the remaining balance. It is extremely important to fully understand the commitment you are making when obtaining any student loans.

Pros of Working

- You Can Save Money
Working right after high-school can give you the opportunity to save up money for big purchases, whether that be paying for tuition later, a new car, or a house. Some employers may even offer reimbursement for college costs if you study in an area relavant to the job you have.

- Gain Work Experience
If you aren't really sure what field of work you want to go into, it may be good to work right after high-school. This will give you a chance to try out a few different fields and decide what you like and don't like. You can also gain valuable people skills between your boss and co-workers, which is important for any job.

- Master Job-Search Skills
Searching for jobs right after high-school can give you a headstart on learning how to write resumes, search for jobs, and ace an interview.

- Make Connections
College isn't the only place that you can make connections and network. Being directly in the working world can help give you a chance to work side-by-side with professionals who you can use for references or recommendations. Someone you work with may know someone in your desired field and get you in contact with them.


Cons of Working

- Harder to Move Up
Without a college degree, it may be more challenging to move up within a company and obtain higher skilled and higher paying jobs.

- Harder to Get a Job
While there are plenty of jobs that don't require a college education, it can sometimes be hard to get one without having experience or a college degree. When trying to get a job, even one that doesn't require a degree, employers will typically favor someone who does have a degree over someone who doesn't.

- Your Job May Require Education Anyways
If you have a job and are trying to work your way up the ladder, your employer may require you to get a formal education before promoting you.

Pros of Vocational

- Hands-On Training
Trade schools provide hands-on training to students, which helps prepare them for obtaining entry-level job in their field. Some even offer apprenticeships or internships that can lead to jobs after graduating.

- Career-Relevant Classes
Unlike college, vocational schools don't tend to have general education courses and usually solely focus on classes for the area you are studying. This means paying less money for classes and usually a faster graduation as less credits are needed to complete the curriculum. Most students can complete their education in a trade school in two years or less.

- Reliable Job Industry
Vocational schools offer training for specialized and in-demand careers, like plumbing, HVAC, welding, etc. These fields typically can withstand any fluctuations in the economy as the need for those who have these skills remains high. You will likely not have a difficult time finding work in one of these fields.


Cons of Vocational

- Limited Career Growth and Change
Trade school careers can pay very well, but typically any advancement within them, such as a managerial position, will require a college degree. It can also be difficult to break into a different line of work as trade schools only offer education and training for a specific field. This can limit your opportunities for job changes in the future.

- Limited School Options
While it seems like colleges and universities are around every corner, vocational schools are a bit harder to find. You may find yourself needing to relocate to be close to a vocational school that offers education in the field of your choice.

- Limited Financial Aid
Trade schools usually cost significantly less than a traditional college, but finding financial help can be a challenge in some cases. Those looking to attend a vocational school may find it more challenging to find grants and scholarships that will help them pay for the school. You may end up having to pay for your education out of pocket.

- Demanding Schedule
Vocational schools allow students to graduate typically within two years. However, in order to fit all of the training and education that you need into that time period, you may not be left with much free time. Some vocational schools are year-round with very few vacations. It is a good idea to do research into the vocational school you are looking at to see what their schedule is like.