Not Everyone Needs A College Degree To Be Successful | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Not Everyone Needs A College Degree To Be Successful

College isn't really for everyone.

1639
Not Everyone Needs A College Degree To Be Successful
@zoelaz/Instagram

Modern society has built up higher education to where it seems like it is the only option to succeed in life. I am a college undergraduate English major, and the number of jobs I can get without a Master’s Degree are limited. Many of my professors assume I am continuing my education while I have no plans to do such a thing. Why does it seem like such a hard concept to grasp that someone might not want to continue with school?

Now my “problem” is little compared to those who find themselves not wanting to go to college at all. The common misconception is that those who do not go to college are somehow not as smart or at least at a major disadvantage. I am here to tell you that they are not either of those things. College is not for everyone, and it should not be mandatory to succeed in life. People are different; no two people are the same, and people’s journeys to success are going to be different.

Those who decide to skip college and get a jumpstart in the workforce are usually dedicated, hard workers.

Skipping college is not a cop-out. It is not easy. No path in life is easy. These people start with small jobs and then work their way up. They learn through hands-on experience rather through a classroom lecture and theory. I would even argue that these people have a slight advantage over us college-goers because they do not have to worry about the increasing debt that college students tend to rack up.

Our society has come to believe it is impossible to succeed in the workplace without some kind of degree or two. That is not right. There are plenty of very successful and influential people who do not (or did not) have a college degree. One such man was Steve Jobs, who built one of the world's largest companies, Apple. While he did briefly attend college, he dropped out before finishing his degree. He managed to make a massive difference in today's society and became a very successful man. He once stated in regards to success, "Be early. Stay late. Make the extra phone call. Send the extra email. Do the extra research. Help a customer unload or unpack a shipment."

Success is about hard work and dedication, and there is more than one way to reach that goal.

For some, success can be found through getting a college degree (or more than one), and for others, it might be found by working their way from the ground up with experience instead of a degree. Neither way is inherently more right than the other. Each person should be able to choose how they reach their success without the societal pressure, and like with Martin Luther King Jr., it all starts with a dream.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

20473
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

8639
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

6251
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5393
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments