This article speaks of the advantages, both professional and personal, that a college education offers. The importance of a college degree in today's competitive professional work is also discussed. A College Education has a significant in shaping the future of students.

1. Why a College Education is Essential
In today's competitive professional world, a college degree, diploma or
certificate is essential in obtaining the job of your dreams. Whether you want
to be a nurse, a social worker, a businessperson or something else all
together, a college degree is not just preferable. It is required. As opposed to
past generations, high school graduates today are unable to obtain the
number of high-paying jobs that were once available without a college
education. That's because North America has grown from a manufacturing-
based economy to an economy based on knowledge, indicating that a
college education is the gateway to abundant opportunities. Statistics also
indicate that workers who hold a degree earn higher salaries than those who
don't. However, there are also other benefits that come in the process of
earning a college degree that make a difference in where you will end up on
the corporate ladder.
College applications are steadily increasing, as students opt for smaller
classrooms, more hands-on training and shorter program lengths. The
smaller sized classes encountered in college, as opposed to a university
setting, ensure that you are treated as a student, not a number. Instructors
have more time for one-on-one instruction, therefore guaranteeing that you
are confident in you field. This sort of thorough knowledge that comes along
with a college degree gives you the advantage over the competition. If an
employer is choosing between two applicants, a college degree not only
shows a serious interest in the chosen field but also the knowledge and
training required to succeed.
Secondly, most college programs provide an ideal balance between theory
and "real-life" learning. This is achieved through work placements,
internships and apprenticeships. Not only do students encounter situations
that prepare them further for their field of choice but they also enhance their
resumes. Many employers are willing to train new graduates who have had
some sort of previous hands-on training.
Lastly, college degree programs offer the option to "fast-track" certain
programs and, if previous experience exists, to skip the work placement
option and graduate sooner. This feature of a college education provides an
ideal learning situation for people who may have returned to college to

2. upgrade their skills while already working in their field or students who are
eager to obtain their certification.
However, attending college is not just about obtaining a degree. The
experience of networking, meeting new people and making life-long
friendships is commonplace in a college environment. Social interaction is
key in the workplace and what better way to develop your professional and
personable skills than by interacting with instructors, peers and guest
speakers. Many times guest speakers come into a classroom not only to
lecture on a certain topic but also to meet the people who will soon be new
to the workforce. This provides an opportunity for invaluable networking that
is not often seen in a university classroom of 500 people.
The reasons to obtain a college degree are abundant. Not only are degrees
required in many professions, but the experience you get along the way via
networking or work placements, can give you the leading edge over your
competition.