You must’ve heard people mention how higher education is unnecessary in today’s world. They attribute this to the way the gig economy has developed and how people can make good money by offering their services directly. The valuation of their services is linked to the skill base they’ve developed either themselves or through a crash course.
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While these arguments cannot be falsified entirely since there’s some truth to them, this is only one side of the picture. A lingering problem with many people these days is the way they take positions on the extreme. The facts, however, remain somewhere grounded in the middle, but nobody wants to tread the path towards them.
Now, you must be wondering, what exactly are the facts in this situation? Considering that the internet is one huge marketplace for freelancers and those pursuing side jobs, people make a lot of money through it. This is entirely true, and it’s not difficult to understand the dynamics of this approach to employment. Even the foundations of this approach, which are mostly rooted in the learning process one undergoes, could be well-understood. If one puts in the effort to see the way this process changes gears time and time again, they could easily have a hold on it. A relevant degree in this field can be the easiest route towards understanding this in the digital age.
With all these facts in mind, we’ll leave you with the decision on the matter, because ultimately it’s your responsibility to form a judgment with due consideration to both arguments.
Exposure:
If you go to a university to study a certain discipline, you’re going to encounter people who are studying something else. These interactions can be extremely important since they allow you to learn a few things about other disciplines. This exposure is invaluable, and you won’t get it anywhere else. Most of these interactions are accidental, and if you pay attention to them, you might end up learning things nobody else would teach you.
Therefore, when we speak about higher education, exposure is the first thing that comes to our mind. It’s one of the finest things that a university can give you. Moreover, you’re also likely to encounter people practically applying their knowledge or experimenting with a business venture. You can get a practical first-hand demonstration of how certain things are done through interactions with them.
Personality Grooming:
Education isn’t merely limited to learning, and once you’re on campus, you’ll witness self-improvement and changes within yourself. The human mind tends to pick up habits that it likes, and sometimes, a confluence of influences leads to the creation of something unique. Whether it’s the way you speak or the way you dress, it can be attributed to the people you’ve met or seen in your life. These influences are extremely important for self-development.
So, while you’re on campus, you’ll come across people who come from different cultures, and it’ll enable you to see the colors of diversity. This will, in turn, allow you to become acquainted with the best way to communicate with them. The approach you then develop would be your signature approach.
Social Life:
Unlike high school, the people you meet in university are likely to stay in your life for a longer time. You all are there to become something in life, and the ones you meet in your department are likely to serve in the same industry as you. So, this affiliation can be very useful to build lasting contacts. These contacts come in handy when you’re moving from one job to another or if you simply need guidance with your career.
Moreover, you will meet people from other disciplines as well, and interactions with them can be enjoyable. It can protect you from boredom or from feeling stagnancy in your social life. Humans, after all, are social creatures, and any place that caters to the urge to socialize can have positive effects on oneself. Therefore, universities can be a great place to have a good social life.
Specialization:
You go to the university to major in a particular discipline. For instance, if you plan on becoming a physicist or an engineer, you’ll study subjects that directly impact your learning. This can help keep you focused. Unlike high school, you’re being taught concentrated information to transform you into a highly-specialized professional. Therefore, with like-minded people around you, you can thoroughly learn as much as possible about the discipline you’re pursuing.
Research and entrepreneurship drive economies in today’s world, as they allow states to get an edge over one another. Innovation is the one thing that determines the potential of a state. While there is always a need for specialized professionals, the economy also depends on innovation. Moreover, since you are pursuing concentrated information, you can also conduct your research or start a company while still studying. Therefore, if the campus has a conducive environment for these, you’ll end up making something out of it.
Social Impact:
Higher education teaches you a lot, especially in liberal arts colleges. If you’re taught subjects ranging from philosophy to politics, it’ll help you develop a broad overview of the society you’re living in. This, in turn, helps you become more politically conscious and paves the way for positive political engagement.
Moreover, if you become a part of a volunteer group and undertake social work, you develop a connection with society. While social work doesn’t necessarily require a degree, universities offer you the opportunity to undertake it while working towards your specialization. The way multitudes of experiences translate into your growth as an individual is the greatest thing you take from your university life.
We have listed down a few reasons in favor of higher education, and you can now see how its effects are unparalleled. While certain alternatives exist, attending a university can have numerous other benefits. So, while scoring gigs to pay off your bills is a good option, one must still pursue higher education. Not only would it help with their personal growth, but it would also enable them to become highly successful professionals.
