APU Business Careers Careers & Learning

There is a School for Everyone

By Shun McGheecollege-graduate
Contributor, Career Services

A couple of months ago, my wife and I welcomed two of our cousins over for dinner. The evening involved much laughter, and for the first time I was introduced to vegan pizza. In this context “introduced” means I saw it, though I am not yet brave enough try it. In addition to learning about various vegan cuisines, I also learned about my cousins’ differing philosophy on higher education.  While both are neurosurgeons, Nancy firmly believed everyone should go to college, while Ronald was not  convinced. I admit, I was shocked two physicians would have such differing opinions on a subject my wife and I have discussed more times than I can recall.  

I decided to challenge Nancy by providing her an abundance of scenarios involving students with various career aspirations. At the end of each scenario, I asked her if that student should attend college? Her answer was always a definitive, yes. Nancy wholeheartedly believes there is no dream that would not be aided by a college education. Ronald however, saw things differently, being skeptical about the systematic in which he believed children are groomed to attend college irrespective of their passion.  Ronald believes college is a place where students attend to figure themselves out, rather than learn about their craft.

Upon reflecting on the conversation, I emerged more firmly rooted in my existing beliefs. While I still do not believe college is for everyone, it is not a philosophy I have arrived at lightly. Having spent several years as a high school teacher, several types of students came through my classroom. I taught students that wanted to become teachers themselves, and knew they needed to attend college to achieve that goal. I also had students that wanted to go on to be professional athletes, and understood that going to college would be a valuable next step. I also taught students that, despite barely passing my class, identified as being interested in attending college too. These students, while not that strong in their core courses, excelled in their electives. These courses included auto mechanics, art, wood shop, music, drama and cosmetology. While some of these elective courses might have related to bachelor’s programs, I am not sure a four year degree is required for all mechanics or barbers. This has led me to my current philosophy that while college is not for everyone, higher learning is.

Most of us do not become masters of our craft in a vacuum. We need assistance to help us hone our skills and abilities. The student that wants to be a mechanic needs some form of schooling to learn the specifics of an evolving field. Engineers and manufacturers are constantly making adjustments to make cars more efficient, forcing mechanics to be in a constant state of learning. That education may not result in a 2 or 4 year degree, though it is no less valuable or essential. Determining which careers require a bachelor’s degree or higher can be a steep task, and as such, I encourage you to enlist the assistance of a career coach to help. And, of course, should you be interested in learning for its own sake, or in pursuing a certificate, something which can help to enhance existing professional knowhow, a career coach can help with that too. American Public University System employs a team of coaches second to none in knowledge or professionalism. Visit the Office of Career Services website to become abreast of the array of services we provide and to find out how to contact a career coach.

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