If you’re someone who thinks you need to start considering your higher education options whilst you’re still in high school, you’re not alone! For many of us, those options invariably include attending a university of some sort. However, whilst a university degree may be something you really want to do, it isn’t necessarily the best, or most feasible, option for your future.
For one thing, most industries and business sectors these days accept certifications and training from other educational institutions apart from university degrees. In fact, some jobs require highly specialized training that is only available through dedicated colleges or via specific online courses. Therefore, if you don’t have a university close by, it’s not the end of the world, or the end of your higher education plans. Make a plan to check out your local community or online educational options instead.
Secondly, if you’re a fresh high school leaver you’ll have been used to a certain degree of personalized attention. You almost certainly won’t get that at university! Most universities, particularly the bigger ones, are quite impersonal. If you don’t attend lectures or tutorials, no one is going to come looking for you, or send a note to your parents! Whilst that may sound like a great thing, it doesn’t bode well for your future, or your chances of actually getting the degree you’re there to get.
Attending college on the other hand is a good way to transition from the type of personalized education you received in high school to the impersonal education of a university. Colleges offer a good intermediate ground. They typically have smaller classes, better tutoring opportunities, and even offer classes about ‘learning to study’.
Third, spending two years at college may be a good way to do those pre-requisite and qualifying courses you need to enroll in the more specialized courses required by your ultimate field of study. Colleges, and even online educational institutions, offer an excellent and often superior level of education in this regard.
Fourth, community colleges and online degrees are much easier on your wallet than a university degree. Most colleges have flexible schedules that allow students to fit their classes in around work and other commitments, and may even offer some of their courses online. Obviously, an online education allows even greater flexibility, particularly if the courses offer ongoing enrollment and are self-paced. For students without the financial means to commit to a full time tertiary education and ma in israel biblical studies, these are all very important considerations.
Looking Outside The Educational Square
As you can see, there are a number of reasons to look outside the university square when it comes to getting the training you need for your future career. A career in the fire services is one option that springs to mind that can be done without a university degree. Special institutions like the Florida Fire College (each state has an equivalent) provide the highly specialized training required for the various fire service certifications. Their fire classes are also available through authorized e-learning centers, offering an online option for people who can’t attend campus.
