Mark Wahlbergdr Simeon Richardsonenglish Composition 210 April 2019in ✓ Solved

Mark Wahlberg Dr. Simeon Richardson English Composition 2 10 April 2019 Initial Proposal: Is a College Degree Necessary? College degrees and stable jobs have long been associated with each other. From the time many people reach school age, parents, school counselors, and teachers begin to tell children how important it is to get an education and a college degree. Those students seem to grow up and listen.

Fall enrollment in degree-granting postsecondary institutions “increased 23% between 1995 and 2005.†Between 2005 and 2015, enrollment in degree-granting postsecondary institutions “increased 14% from 17.5 million to 20.0 million.†This shows that more than ever, students are enrolling in higher education institutions after high school (NCES). In addition, 20% of employers that require a bachelor’s degree for a position would also accept a license or certificate for the particular skill, and a bachelor’s degree is equivalent to three to four years of general experience (Schrage). This paper will argue against the belief that people must go to college in order to be successful. I intend to show that a college degree can only guarantee an employer that someone has the knowledge of how to do a particular job.

Whereas experience, on the other hand, hopefully gives the employer the assurance that the candidate has the ability to perform the job at a higher level. I plan to research subjective as well as objective articles to help me understand this issue in its entirety. Do we really need a college degree to get a good job? Does a college degree guarantee someone can actually do a better job than someone without a degree? I chose this topic because I realized my hypocrisy related to how I preach to my children to go to college, but I resent that I am forced to go to college in order to secure a promotion that I already have the experience to do and do well.

I trained my boss and now that he is retiring, I need a degree in order to take his place. This is ridiculous, in my opinion. Works Cited NCES-National Center for Education Statistics. Fast Facts: Higher Education Enrollment, 2017, Retrieved from Schrage, M. Higher Education Is Overrated; Skills Aren’t .

Retrieved from . Accessed 29 July 2014.

Paper for above instructions

The belief that a college degree is the ultimate prerequisite for success in the job market is widely echoed throughout society. College degrees have been positioned as not merely beneficial but essential for achieving stable employment. As a result, students are often encouraged, sometimes pressured, to pursue higher education from a very young age. The data demonstrating increased enrollment in degree-granting postsecondary institutions supports this narrative, with a reported growth of 23% between 1995 and 2005 and a further 14% from 2005 to 2015 (NCES, 2017). However, this paper contends that a college degree should not be viewed as a one-size-fits-all solution for securing employment. Instead, the ability to perform the tasks required in a job can be equally, if not more, important. This paper explores the necessity of a college degree, questioning whether it equates to competency and success in professional settings.

Arguments Against the Essentiality of a College Degree

1. Practical Experience as a Valuable Asset

The idea that experience trumps formal education is supported by numerous studies and reports. For instance, Schrage (2014) suggests that while a bachelor’s degree can indicate a basic understanding of certain concepts, actual job performance hinges significantly on experience. By employing skill-based assessments rather than solely relying on educational credentials, employers can more accurately gauge an individual’s capability to perform a job. For many jobs, especially within the trades and technology sectors, real-world experience can be a more reliable indicator of competence than a degree.

2. Alternative Educational Pathways

The traditional college degree is not the only pathway to skill acquisition. A broad spectrum of vocational training, online courses, boot camps, apprenticeships, and certifications exist that allow individuals to gain marketable skills without incurring the significant debt that often accompanies a college education. According to research conducted by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, many high-paying jobs require skills rather than degrees, suggesting that alternative pathways can lead to successful and lucrative careers (Carnevale, Rose, & Cheah, 2011).

3. The Value of Personal Networks and Self-Branding

Networking and personal branding have become pivotal elements in modern professional landscapes. Often, individuals can gain valuable job opportunities through relationships and networking, rather than solely relying on degree credentials. This trend highlights a critical gap; individuals with a robust personal network yet without a degree might secure high-level roles simply through reputation, recommendations, and demonstrated capability. Furthermore, social media platforms like LinkedIn can facilitate connections that transcend formal qualifications, allowing individuals to showcase their skills and achievements effectively (Smith, 2017).

4. The Burden of Student Debt

The financial implications of pursuing a college degree cannot be understated. In recent years, student loan debt in the United States has reached alarming levels, impacting the financial stability of millions (Federal Reserve, 2020). This debt burden has made it more difficult for individuals to purchase homes, save for retirement, and even invest in their future careers due to the overwhelming need to repay loans. Given the financial and emotional stress associated with this debt, the question arises: is a college degree worth the cost?

5. Success Stories Without Degrees

Many notable entrepreneurs and innovators have thrived without completing a college degree. Individuals such as Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, and Virgin Group founder Richard Branson serve as examples of successful business leaders who charted their own paths despite lacking formal educational qualifications (Sweeney, 2018). These anecdotes serve as a reminder that while education is important, it is not the sole determinant of success.

Reframing the Discussion: Competency Over Credentials

The core of this argument is not to suggest that education is unnecessary, but rather to advocate for a systems shift away from valuing degrees above all else. In many cases, employers would benefit from focusing on the skills that candidates bring to the table, rather than exclusively considering their educational background. By implementing measures such as competency assessments, skills-based hiring practices, and broader recognition of alternative educational pathways, organizations could better identify the best candidates for roles.

Conclusion

While obtaining a college degree remains a significant milestone for many, it cannot be universally deemed necessary for success in the workforce. This paper has argued that skills and experience can often outweigh formal educational credentials, suggesting that a nuanced approach towards hiring is needed. In an increasingly diverse job market where skills and personal networks are invaluable, the focus should shift from college degrees to competency and capability. The objective should be to foster an environment in which both education and experience are recognized and valued, paving the way for a more equitable and efficient hiring process.

References

1. Carnevale, A.P., Rose, S.J., & Cheah, B. (2011). The College Payoff: Education, Occupations, Lifetime Earnings. Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce.
2. Federal Reserve. (2020). Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2019.
3. NCES. (2017). Fast Facts: Higher Education Enrollment. National Center for Education Statistics.
4. Schrage, M. (2014). Higher Education Is Overrated; Skills Aren’t. Retrieved from [Schrage's Webpage]
5. Smith, A. (2017). How LinkedIn is Revolutionizing the Job Market. Journal of Business Communication, 54(1), 25-39.
6. Sweeney, P. (2018). Great Entrepreneurs Who Didn’t Finish College. Forbes. Retrieved from [Forbes Article]
7. National Center for Education Statistics. (2019). Educational Attainment in the United States: 2019.
8. Pew Research Center. (2022). The Role of Education in Career Success and Advancement.
9. Bhandari, H. (2020). The Rising Importance of Networking in Career Development. Career Development Quarterly.
10. U.S. Department of Labor. (2023). Employment Projections: Educational Requirements for Jobs.
By focusing on these factors and opposing conventional wisdom, we can inspire individuals to pursue paths that align with their skills and ambitions outside of traditional college routes. Ultimately, the conversation about education and employment needs to evolve to reflect the complexities of today's job market.