Don’t be put off by the price of an education. An education pays for itself. Just look at the highest paying jobs. They require a very specific set of skills, and most companies are willing to give the best salaries to qualified professionals. In fact, many of them won’t even consider you unless you have a particular degree. So for that six figure salary, the corner office, or even just the promotion that you want, you need to invest in your education.
It is true that there are some things you can learn on the job, and that you may even be able to pick up skills at work that you would never have been able to get just by reading a book. But a degree is written proof that you have the knowledge and the understanding of your field. And even if you do have all the work experience in the world, an education can provide you with the tools and strategies that you can use to solve common problems, inform you of trends and movements that can give your company the competitive advantage, or even introduce you to revolutionary methods. In other words, your education makes you an asset to the company. They will be willing to pay a premium salary for that.
But what people don’t realize is that education shouldn’t stop after college. Even if you have a degree, you should continue to enroll in workshops and seminars, as well as certificate courses that will equip you with the latest tools and the most specialized skills. You can also take courses that will make you a better leader: time management, people management, even how to build your image and reputation.
Books are another way of learning. Not only do they provide valuable information, but reading can develop your communication skills and keep your mind sharp The great thing about books is that you can read them at your own pace, although it would be good to give yourself an assignment—for example, aim to read a chapter every night. It’s certainly more productive than watching TV!
Students, take heart: there are many ways of getting financial aid. While the costs of education may be high—tuition fees, dormitory fees, books and equipment, not to mention day to day expenses (even Einstein had to eat!)—you don’t have to do it alone.
Several colleges and universities can provide financial aid or direct you to the institutions that do. There are scholarships, work-study programs, student loans, and grants. This is especially true for those with excellent academic records or have performed well on entrance exams—schools want you, and they’ll be more than willing to help you with the costs of education!
But it’s very important to really look at a financial package before signing on. The initial offer may seem tempting—especially if they promise to meet 100% of your expenses—but like anything else that involves money, you should look at the fine print.
What you need to do is get out a calculator. How much actual debt will you incur? Review the interest rate and how it will multiply over the period of the loan. Then look at the total debt, not just the monthly payments.
Another thing you need to look at is when you need to make the payments. Many will only start charging the fees when you graduate from college, giving you time to get a good job and settle down. Remember that you may not be able to find the right company right away.
You should also look at any other non-monetary obligations. For example, some companies will offer scholarships but require that you work with them after college. Others will require that you stay in a particular course, or even attend a particular school. Some will demand that you meet a particular grade point average every semester. Are you comfortable with these commitments? If you feel you cannot fulfill these obligations, don’t push it.
The assumption is that you have given yourself enough time to review different financial packages. Don’t put it off until the last minute to inquire about financial aid. Begin your search early. You’ll find information on the web, and at your school’s guidance counselor’s office.
Many people get an education just for the sake of saying that they have a degree. But there’s more to it than a slip of paper.
Education is about developing your awareness of yourself, your industry, and your world. You may enter a classroom thinking that all you have to do is memorize a couple of facts and regurgitate that in a test or a paper. They see it as a mere exercise in giving the teacher what he wants, so he’ll give a grade, and you can complete a college requirement.
But if you really look at it, when you enter a classroom, what you are actually doing is opening your mind to a new idea. And ideas are powerful. One idea by Albert Einstein propelled the world into the nuclear age. And one idea can transform your life and your attitudes. Be excited by that. Think, “Today, I am going to discover something that I didn’t even know existed. Today, I am going to fine out something new about myself, and options will open without even me knowing.”
An education is also about developing life skills. You don’t just learn about engineering or marketing or the philosophy of Plato, you also learn discipline, work ethic, listening skills, logic. Just think about the process of writing a paper. You have to create a thesis statement, research, cull from thousands of books the points that will support your idea, and then elaborate your ideas in a logical and interesting way. Those are skills you will take with you to the work place.
An education will also give you confidence. This is not just bragging rights: “Hey, I have a degree, and you don’t.” As you practice your skills, as you learn more and more things, as you interact with others and get used to sharing what you think, you realize a lot about your own potential. You’ll surprise yourself: “Hey, I didn’t think I could do that.” You are also able to deal with different kinds of people, and acquire the social skills and the communication skills.
