College Not the Only Path

Recently a friend who reads this blog asked me a great question:

“Is college the only answer? I know my son is not college material, but he is very talented in other ways. What do you suggest for kids like him?”

I was so grateful for her question and the chance to address it in this blog. I can easily get on my soapbox about the number of kids going to college, who go into debt then drop out and try to pay students loans while working in a minimum wage job. 

College is NOT the only answer, nor should it be for many kids. Here are some facts parents need to be aware of.

• Almost 80% of jobs in the US do not require a typical “4-year degree.” Bureau of Labor Statistics
  
• Only 56% of freshmen manage to get a degree in 6 years, so the “4-year” standard is a myth for many families. National Center for Education Statistics
  
• In 2008, more than 6.3 million adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher were working in jobs requiring only short-term OJT. Parent’s Guide to College and Careers

What’s a parent to do? The best resource on this topic I’ve found is this report from Georgetown University. Check it out. Our students have options, many of which we don't even know about.

If you don’t believe me, read the words of this New Orleans high school student, published in Time magazine. While the author is African American, her arguments cross all racial lines.

Future Jobs & Unhappy Doctors

Two important stories were in the Wall Street Journal in recent days, both related to jobs. One is about jobs of the future, and one is about why medical doctors are unhappy and not recommending their profession.

Check out this article if you have a student facing college or already in college but unsure of what to do. The article is based on a report by the Conference Board. According to that group:

“Our extensive database of occupational data points us to the U.S. industries most at risk of labor shortages. Topping the list are: healthcare, including hospitals and nursing facilities; transportation industries, including ground passenger, water, and rail transport; utilities; social assistance; and mining and construction.” The report also cites skilled labor occupations.

I run into lots of students who think they want to be doctors. Their reasons vary from “I like babies” as a reason to be an OB/GYN to “I want to be rich” as a basic reason for wanting to go to medical school. This article, written by a doctor, describes why doctors are disillusioned with their field and often don’t recommend others pursue an M.D. Share this with a student you know.