Higher education is a major issue in current public debate. Should it be accessible for everyone? Why or why not? If not, for whom? How much responsibility should federal and state governments bear for providing higher education? These questions are complicated, difficult, and likely to remain in open debate for a long time. Consider, for example, a series of op-ed essays called “Should College Be for Everyone?” that the New York Times recently published. This piece, written by Lawrence Mishel of the non-partisan Economic Policy Institute, is part of the series, and was published in March 2012.
Read it here: Mishel, “College Is Not Always the Answer”
- Mishel outlines three key requirements for ensuring that non-college jobs are worthwhile, respectable, and desirable. Do you agree that the three components Mishel identifies are all necessary? Are they sufficient? What would you add or subtract from his list? Explain your reasoning.
- You’re in college now. Why did you choose to pursue a college degree? How much of your motivation was economic in nature? What other factors entered into your decision? If you were to learn that your college degree wouldn’t change your lifetime earning potential, would getting a degree still be your goal?
- You may find a great deal of overlap between Mishel’s argument here and Charles Murray’s argument in chapter 14 of your textbook. In what ways do their approaches differ? Which of the two arguments is more persuasive to you? Why?
- Mishel concludes with a call to challenge the “snobbery” he sees in attitudes that college graduates are somehow superior to non-graduates. Have you observed this snobbery in your life? Would your own attitudes meet Mishel’s description of snobbery? How would you respond to Mishel’s assessment? Write an essay in which you examine the attitudes around you—yours and those of people influential in your life—towards non-college graduates. Are they considered less intelligent? Less skilled?
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Mishel’s article focuses mainly on the stereotypical thought that a college degree is absolutely necessary in order to avoid poverty in America. Yes, that is a somewhat true statement, but what about vocational careers like electricians or construction workers? Although a college degree opens up many doors to be successful, there are ways to be successful without one. I do agree with Mishel’s argument about “preparing students for jobs that don’t require a college degree.” The majority of students plan on attending college and getting their degree, but there are millions of people who do not wish to, but still hope to be successful in a vocational career. If you put in the effort and perseverance, anything is possible, even without a college degree.
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Lawrence Mishel, the author of “College Is Not Always the Answer,” explains to the reader his opinion on the surplus of college graduates and the short supply of jobs for these students. Mishel recommends that students not strive for a four-year college education and instead try to get an education as fast as they can and so they can quickly receive a job. He even goes on to refer to students who go onto a four-year college as “snobs,” who think that anyone who has not attended a four-year college are unintelligent. Though I have never seen this first hand, I can imagine that it might happen occasionally. Personally, I feel that this is an immature thing to do. In my opinion, a lot of people go to a four-year college not because they are smarter than the average person, but because they figure that it is what is expected of them. Attending a four-year college does not mean that you are incredibly intelligent, only that you wanted to take time with your education which is perfectly alright.
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According to Mishel, many high school graduates don’t pursue their dream of going to college and instead they decide to get a job, which doesn’t require a college degree or education. The high costs of getting a college education and the fear of failing stops them from pursuing their dream. Because of this, we now need to prepare people for jobs that don’t require going to college. I agree with his claim, that since many people don’t have the chance to go to college because of financial reasons, they shouldn’t be robbed of the chance of getting a good paying job, like the rest of people in the country. They should be given an equal opportunity to do good and be successful in life. Although this is all true, I still maintain that those people that go to college should be rewarded more than those who don’t go to college. College students went through all that trouble studying, and going to classes and yet some of them might turn up getting paid less than those who took it easy. Although college is expensive and people might say that in the end it’s not worth it, I believe that going to college will benefit you in many ways. You have a better chance at getting a job you actually want and you can study for a higher paying job. In my view, if you have the chance to go to college, you should take it. In the end it will pay off.
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Lawrence Mishel, the author of “College is Not Always the Answer” responds to people that claim that in order to make a living you need a college degree. Mishel clearly disagrees with this statement, as he advocates for common people that chose to not attend college. He supports them and states they deserve good pay and insurance plans to help them have a stable financial situation under their belts. On one hand I can understand where people are coming from when they say that a lot of jobs require college degrees. But on the other hand I do agree with Mishel in saying that people without degrees deserve good pay and recognition.
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It has become common today to dismiss, the question of whether, college is actually worth it? Lawrence Mishel argues in his article “College is Not Always the Answer”, that having a degree is not at spectacular as everyone thinks or believes. Although Mishel does bring up a good point saying that you can still reach your goals without one, the truth is this day and age is that it is very difficult to rise up in classes without getting a high end education. Going to college and getting a degree makes possibilities 10x easier, most especially the way our economy is. Having a degree doesn’t mean that you are necessarily smarter or a better worker than say, a guy who can’t afford college or chose not to go. When it comes down to trying to find a job, the employer will almost always pick the person with the degree and education, over the person without one.
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Mishel is reaching out to society to suggest that a college education shouldn’t be necessary for all jobs, and that the jobs who don’t require it, should still have good pay and benefits. He thinks it’s wrong for people to view non-college students as “unskilled” and “unintelligent.” I’ve never experienced the “snobbery” that Mishel mentions, but to be so quick to assume that ALL college educated students and adults think that way is a little harsh. Besides, when you go to college, you advance your knowledge in that specific aspect. Thus, making you a better employer than the person without a college education. As you can see, I disagree with Mishel completely. If jobs that didn’t require a college degree had good enough pay to keep that job for life, then why would anyone want to go to college? Would there even be competition for jobs? Or would college students still be favored? College education is important and will be favored by businesses no matter the circumstances.
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I have to say that i disagree with Mishel. Although yes, you can find a decent job without college, it wouldn’t hurt to go and experience it. I feel like the author is tired of hearing how college is the most important thing to do right now. And i partially agree with him on this. But non-college jobs will always be there. They aren’t going to just disappear into thin air. But the opportunity to go to college won’t always be there. If you get a non-degree job you’ll be stuck with it. You’ll still be able to get that job even if you have a college degree. But if you don’t go to college then your chances of getting a good job are slimmed. With a degree you have greater opportunity to get a better job. Going to college doesn’t hurt. Even if after college you get a non-degree job, the college experience won’t be regretted.
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Lawrence Mishel seems to be rather bothered and almost disgusted by the “snobbery” he sees towards those who chose not to pursue a college education. In my personal experience, those views are in some ways very legitimate. I agree and have seem what he is describing in my own lifetime. There does seem to be a certain stereotype about those who lack higher education and it is almost always inaccurate. But I don’t think this stereotype is what Mishel really wants to focus on in his article. It seems he is just lashing out at those who don’t recognize the huge importance of workers in America – educated or not. The simple truth is we need people in our workforce, and many of the jobs our entire country depends on rest on the shoulders of those who didn’t see a college education as being as important as other aspects in their life. I think they have every right to think that and I wholly recognize their importance, along with the respect they are entitled to.
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When deciding on plans after college many people frown upon the idea of high school graduates not attending college, but why is that so? College isn’t for everyone, not everyone wants to grow up and be a doctor, lawyer, or businessman. It should be every student’s own choice for their future and for our country’s future. For our country to grow and develop we need people with exceptional skills and talents. Some of these skills and talents aren’t taught in college but developed with hands on training, learning, and experiences. I wholeheartedly agree with Lawrence Mishel went he states, “In other words, we also need to prepare many students for jobs that don’t require college degrees. Even more important is that we need to ensure that these non-college jobs pay well and offer good benefits. This requires strong labor standards, a tangible ability to obtain union representation, and mandated benefits in retirement and other areas.” In our modern society you can’t get a good paying job with health benefits and a retirement plans without having a college degree. Some people can’t afford college or don’t want to attend a college. They shouldn’t be punished for making a choice for their future, they should just have other jobs that provide benefits that don’t require a college degree. In conclusion I believe that if you work hard and put effort in, anything is possible in life (career wise or not) with or without a college degree.
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The author Lawrence Mishel, clearly has been affected by the “snobbery” remarks of people towards those with degree-less jobs. In a few ways, I actually quite agree with his attitude towards these “snobbery” people. As Miscel argues for those degree-less jobs, “We need a nation that has and values all sorts of work and skills, which means providing decent pay and benefits for many types of jobs”(NY Times). Simply, our nation has many responsibilities that need to be filled with jobs that require no degree. But many people strongly disagree. These people say that businesses require at the least a degree. Except, if we keep thinking that, I believe that the responsibilities would not be filled. In conclusion, people need to stop thinking that degrees symbolize academic achievement and experience, where a person with a master’s degree is more valuable than a person with 15 years of experience.
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Mishel makes controversial observations about America’s economy in his article, “College Is Not Always the Answer.” His conversation must stem from personal experience, as he comments strongly on the tragedies of our current economy. He talks about the insufficeint retirement funds set up for employees and how having a college education or not shouldn’t ruin your future. I agree with Mishel in the sense that your life after working shouldn’t depend on choices you made in your twenties such as the choice to attend college. I also think there should be sufficient job opportuinites for people without a college degree but since they chose that path, they are not entitled to anything, especially above the people with a college degree. Although I do take into consideration that some people can’t find any way to attend college at any point in their lives, those people do not deserve anything more than those who paid out of pocket to attend college for four or more years and earn a degree. Despite the importance of a degree, your future shouldn’t just depend on a piece of paper.
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Some would argue that college isn’t much useful as you’d want it to be. Up to today people still go through a process on their mind thinking about college whether it’d be a useful tool for them or not. However we don’t know ahead although we can estimate how much effort gets put into hard work of college life. We shouldn’t compare two unlike life decisions such as School and college because two unlike things brings benefits in two different ways. People should make the right choices for themselves since it is based upon them to pick what’s right and what’s wrong.
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Within this article, Michelle explains how college may not always be the answer. That some people can find jobs but they have to follow certain requirements so that they can have the best job possible if there is no collegic education. I think that there is a better reason to go to college than to not. With going to college you get the largest sense of dependency which everyone will have to deal with for the rest of their lives. So if you skip that, you may be at a large disadvantage. Not to mention that you will be behind in job opportunity and knowledge. Granted Michelle doesn’t alwways see that it is necessary, I would assume that they would agree that is the best move.
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I feel that Mishel is trying to respond to those who look down on the faction of the working class without a college education, since his own view is that going to college is not a choice everyone should be making. I do think there is quite a high level of “snobbery” in our society between those who went to college and those who did not, but I feel there is this snobbish behavior over many different things in today’s world. This is because people have never been as arrogant or self-involved as they are now. I am ashamed to say that I was raised to believe that a person cannot achieve much in life if they do not attend college, but I have recently realized that anyone has a chance to be successful as long as they put everyone they have into what they are doing. I find it strange that this view about not attending college was pushed on me by teachers, not by my parents. It makes me upset that some teachers think it is okay to expect everyone should have to go to college even though there are many smart people who just do not work well in academic situations. These people who do not go to college still have possibilities in life that can make them successful in the job market. In conclusion, I think the snobbery is unfair and unneeded and I see that non-college graduates can be just as skilled, intelligent, and successful as those who attended college.
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When thinking about college or what you want to do after high school, many people think that they “need” to go to college; but why do we think that? Not everybody thinks the same about where they see themselves after high school, college is not for everybody. It is a personal choice, not a mandatory step in life. My feelings on the topic are mixed. I do support Mishel’s position that college is not always the answer, since not every student is in the same financial spot as the others, sometimes people don’t have the chance to go to college But I also find myself disagreeing with Mishel because I think that there are many benefits with going to college. With going to college it does provide you with a better education, which can lead to better job opportunities. College also always helps you realize what it is like to live on your own and in the real world. All in all, everybody is different and the choice can only be made by the student themselves and how they want to live their life.
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Mishel conveys her message about how our economy isn’t at the state it should be and it isn’t benefiting us in any way. In “College Is Not Always the Answer” she explains her how the economy today is set up poorly and the general population can’t prosper from it because of the lack of opportunities given. Mishel states how college isn’t the answer and not every high school graduate should be considering it because of the financial burden it causes. I agree with Mishel but only to a certain degree because I believe that college is very valuable and its a risky investment that can have fruitful outcomes. College is expensive and some people probably can never make it out that debt, but the value of college and the long term success you can earn from it outweighs the cons. Mishel makes strong points in her article but I feel that college is an long term investment that you won’t regret.
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In his article, Lawrence Mishel argues that “College Is Not Always the Answer”. Although I believe that education past High School should be available to all of those who want and earn it, it’s not to say that everyone has to go to college. We can see it now in our own school. Not every student you in there wishes to continue their schooling, which is great. Highly skilled jobs, that require extensive training and apprenticeship are necessary to keep our country going. Besides, not everyone can become a lawyer, doctor, psychologist ,etc. As a result, some of those who do continue their education can develop “snobbery” and an egotistical view. It’s easy to see this begin even in High School. Others at the top of our class with myself sometimes label those who are have grades and a GPA much lower than ours as “stupid”. I am very far away from this view. I label someone as “smart,” even though I don’t like the term, by examining their combination of natural intelligence (IQ) with their knowledge they acquire. Being “smart” can’t only correlate to someone who went to college, continuing schooling. In order to challenge the “snobbery,” we must change the definition of “smart” from solely being focused on schooling to what I mentioned previously. Even so, I admit, that is not the perfect solution.
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In Mishel’s article, “College is Not Always the Answer” he argues that college isn’t suited for everyone. To live the life that people dream to live, you don’t get it easy. All of it comes to hard work. I doesn’t just come overnight, it might happen for some but don’t be looking for it. I thankfully have a lot a talent when it comes to academic, athletic, and musical ability that could bring me places that I strive to use. If you happen to really work hard pursuing in a trade, that too can pay off too. In the long run, if you are looking to go somewhere in life, college isn’t always the option (as put by Mishel.) It comes down to if you are going to work hard at whatever floats your boat, it will pay off in one way or another.
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In the opinion of Lawrence Mishel, the author of “College is Not Always the Answer,” he feels as if there is a great number of college students that are eager to enter the workforce, but don’t have any available job at the time of graduation because of the current job shortage. Contrary to popular belief, he recommends students chose an education that is speedy and convenient so they can enter the workforce as quickly as possible. Mishel makes a bold comment by saying that people who attend a four-year school are “snobs”. Although I do see eye-to-eye about job shortages and Mishel’s reasoning behind his strong opinions, I believe his approach is fairly rude and immature, which ironically made me more enticed. Mishel makes an eye-opening comment when he informs the reader that one-third of the work force has NOT attended a four-year college. To sum it up, he opens the eye of the readers when he indirectly suggests that the workforce is changing–it requires less schooling to be prepared for jobs. Although Mishel presents himself as harsh and blunt, his passionate voice is heard when expressing his thoughts on doing what is expected by going to college and doing what is best.
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In his article titled “College Is Not Always the Answer”, Lawrence Mishel proposes that a college education is not crucial to all of working-class American citizens. He argues that students need to not only be prepared for positions that require college degrees, but also those that don’t. He feels that college graduates are often wrongly labeled as “smart people” or “skilled workers”, whereas this may not be entirely and universally true. Mishel is most likely opposing the increasingly common assumption that a college education is crucial in today’s society. Mishel and Gillian White, the author of the chapter 10 assignment would most likely have opposing views regarding this subject. While White advocates an increase in college educated students, feeling that it will create a more broadly educated society, Mishel feels that there is a balance within the working class that must be maintained. In this argument, I side more with White. I feel that the increase in college graduates will be beneficial to our developing society. A population with an increasing high quality education will only make society more advanced, skilled, and future-orientated. Positions that don’t require a college degree will still exist, just in staggering numbers as society continues to advance. Contrary to Mishel’s argument, college may be the answer to meeting the demands of our rapidly developing society.
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Mishel states that college isn’t all that necessary, “…a third of the work force has a four-year college degree…” but with this said how many of them are barely breaking even when paying off debt? It’s been stated that the average cost of a four year college is $26,500; the people that went to college make more than $10,000 a year and if you retire after 45 years that’s much more than the cost of college. The remaining 2/3rds of the work force do not make nearly as much as the people that did go through a four year college.
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Whether or not a student chooses to go to college is a big decision. Most people look down upon student or young adults who decided not to go to college. Why is this ? are people who end up getting a college degree smarter than people who didn’t go? Not everyone wants to grow up to have an extremely well paying job and a fancy house and car. Some are happy with a simple life of just being comfortable. The way our world is built today there are jobs that could require a degree and others that can be self pursued or self taught. In my point of view I consider people with a college degree and a person who made a self pursued business less intelligent than one another. On the contrary others may feel different. Others might oppose and say that people who have a degree are only wanted in jobs as employees. While they can provide valid reasoning for their opinion, I am still in the position to disagree . In sum i believe it should be a person’s decision as to if they get a degree or not; and I feel as though a self pursued job is just as important as a learned degree in a college.
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It has become common today to ask the question, is college really worth it? Mischel makes the argument in his article that having a college degree is not as great as people think it is. Even though he mentions the fact that you can still be successful without one, it is known that degree holders have more opportunities in the work force. In conclusion, having a degree does not make you more intelligent than a person that does not have one, but the person with a higher education is more likely to get a job over the person that does not.
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I’ve always been taught the best way lead a life of stability and success is to attend college. In “College is Not Always the Answer”, Mishel challenges this common belief and argues that the need for college educated workers is shrinking, while the need for other types of skilled workers is increasing. He insists in today’s world, there are many other opportunities surfacing that require training other than traditional college and that there is in fact a need for these types of workers. He strengthens his argument when he explains that as long as strong labor standards are enforced, a group of workers is able to obtain union representation, and benefits in retirement are mandated, that non-college jobs are completely worthwhile. I agree that all of these aspects are incredibly important as a new work-force grows. Union representation is extremely important if we are to avoid the injustices that occurred during the 19th century when great waves of immigrants were being taken advantage by big industry-wage cuts and lack of benefits is something that must be avoided. Mishel’s predictions should be taken into consideration by all students in their quest to prepare themselves for their future, as there is clearly the potential for growth in many different lines of work requiring many different types of training.
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Mishel is saying that college is almost always the option for most people. Since most of the work force has a four year college degree or further. So the colleges need to prepare the students to be able to enter into a workforce that that’s a good paying jobs.
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Saying that I was in college now, I am going to choose to pursue a college degree because it will give me an advantage in the workforce once I graduate. I will admit that much of my motivation to pursue a college degree is economic in nature because I want to do well when I am older and hold a well paying job. Other factors that affected my decision were the need for a degree in my desired field, to be a dentist you need to have to go to college and dental school for a total of 8 years. Yes, even if I were to learn that my college degree wouldn’t change my lifetime earning potential a degree would definitely still be my goal if that meant that I could be part of the field that I love and get the job I want. The author is arguing that society needs people who do not have college degrees and that these positions need to be respected as well.
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In discussions of college, a controversial issue is whether a four-year college degree is really necessary in order to have a good paying job in today’s society. While some argue that a four-year college degree is truly necessary, others contend that it’s not and would rather not bother with college. Many Americans in today’s society would readily agree that getting a college degree is more beneficial simply because in order to get a good paying job these days a college degree is necessary. The reason why I would chose to pursue a college degree is to be successful seeing as that’s my main goal. Being successful is what motivates me to go to school and get a four-year college degree. Furthermore, going to college allows growth and independence big-time. This is not to say that being successful and getting a four-year college degree is the main goal for everybody because of course, everyone’s view is remarkably different. While it is true that a four-year college degree is not necessary, it does not necessarily follow that it isn’t immensely useful to get a good paying job. If I were to learn that a college degree wouldn’t change my lifetime earning potential, getting a degree would not be my goal as my goal is to be successful after getting a college degree. In conclusion, I would rather go to college and get a degree in today’s society or else I feel my luck at being successful would not happen.
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Mishel points out three very important points that jobs that don’t require a college diploma need. “Strong labor standards, a tangible ability to obtain union representation, and mandated benefits in retirement and other areas.”(Mishel). While Mishel points out all three of these very good points, i do not agree with him. As nice as it would be for non college jobs to offer things like this, they shouldn’t be required. The business should be able to choose whether or not they offer these benefits. The job pursuer should wage their options when they see what the job offers. If it doesn’t please them, they could either find a different job, or just accept that the job they want doesn’t offer these things and move on. Some of the things that i think jobs should be required to have are thing like not paying below minimum wage, or ensured safety benefits.
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The ever so popular topic of obtaining or not obtaining a college education is brought again into light in Lawrence Mishel’s article, “College is Not Always the Answer”. In this, Mishel gives a thought that explains that he sees “snobbery” from those who have a college education towards those who do not. While I would not go as far as calling it “snobbery”, I do believe there is a mindset that those with college educations will be more successful in life. This is not to say that those with the education are to blame for this mindset, but rather the population as a whole. It is drilled into our minds as young children that college is the ticket to absolute success. Every day I am asked, “So where are you going to college?”, “What are you going to study in college?” “college?” “college?” “COLLEGE?”. There is no avoiding the common belief that those with a college education are better than those without. It just depends on how you take this mindset. You can use it to inspire yourself, or as Mishel believes most people do, turn it against others. I do plan on going to college, but when I do I will not necessarily see those who do not attend as below me. They could be just as hard working and driven as I am, but some part of their life could be holding them back without a choice. So while a believe “snobbery” is an extreme term, I do believe because of the mindset that college is key to success that some people see those without a college education as below them. This mindset is distracting people from the fact that not everyone has their life in a place where they can spend money or time on college. Education should not determine the worth of a person because their life is not yours.
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I believe that everyone has a right to a high education and to a college degree but if they decided to get rid of financial aid then multiple people will not be able to go. With financial aid so many people are able to go to college, which can cause them to have trouble getting a job since nowadays some jobs actually require the person applying for the job to have an associates degree. So I believe they shouldn’t have gotten rid of pale grants and financial aid because without it a lot of people will not be able to have a good job or an education.
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In his piece of writing Lawrence Mishel discusses the need for a college degree in the workforce today. He claims that a third of the work force today possess a four year college degree. He is very clearly in favor of the fact that a college degree is not required to be successful in today’s word. Though he does claim that the wages of jobs not requiring college degrees need to be raised so that people are able to be successful while working at these jobs. I don’t necessarily agree with this, raising the wages for jobs that require very little skill is never really the solution. If stop and shop is required to raise the wages of their workers, than they will in turn just raise the prices of their groceries. Which doesn’t benefit anyone. While I don’t think a college degree is required to be successful, a job that requires no skill isn’t really the definition of success either. There are many options, such as trade school, or maybe you even have connections so getting a job is easier for you. If you have a skill and you would like an employer to see that you have harnessed it then you should go to college for it, because it will pay off if you get a good job out of it.
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When it comes to the topic of “College Is Not The Answer”, many people assume that’s absurd. Many people grow up thinking or being told that college is needed in life in order to succeed and have a great job. But did you know that college is one the things that stresses people out? College doesn’t guarantee you a happy ending like some may imagine they think they’ll get. Some go to college because there might not be a certain course or class they want to learn about in school. An example would be architecture which isn’t really taught in schools. Some choose to get a college degree because a job that they want is requiring it or some one told them they had to get one. My goal use to be to want a college degree. But in the past years, I’ve seen and noticed how getting that degree was never worth it. Most people never get the dream job they wanted (or it’s not how it seemed or think it was going to be) and/or they’re in debt from going to college. So, my opinion is that college isn’t really the answer. The answer is whatever your decision is and however you make of your future. Make sure you aren’t stressed out paying bills.
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Mr. Mishel, I agree with your statement that non-college jobs should be entitled more value. I would add a rating system on career value, a change in taxation, and improved methods of promotion. Part of that belief comes from understanding the importance of balance between classes. For example, if the CEO of any corporation walks into a café to pick up morning coffee, and the barista prepares his order quickly and efficiently, he’s able to return to work in a timely manner.
This process seems like common sense, but something is missed in the process. These two people are performing their jobs, to the best of their ability. They both managed to meet the requirements of their jobs, and they both managed to do so without one or both slowing down the process of the other. However, at the end of the day, the CEO will still have a higher pay grade than the barista. Why? What makes the CEO’s job worth more than the barista’s?
There are too many moving parts of an individual job to break down why one should be more valuable than another. Granted, there is probably a lot more involved in being the CEO of a corporation, but is it really so much more that the barista should live on a starving wage, while the CEO makes enough to continually invest, without ever wondering if he will make rent at the beginning of next month?
I am a college student now, with a history of completing a Certification in Carpentry, and a second Certification in Therapeutic Massage. Neither of the certifications placed me in the middle-class. I am currently pursuing a business degree, in which I hope to apply my passion and knowledge of the holistic medical field to use. Very little of what drives me has to do with money, but it does have much to do with the laws that prevent me from continuing or increasing my profit without obtaining more education.
As a massage therapist, I learned that I needed skills I did not gain during my training, nor would I receive through any required continuing education. These skills are relative to the business degree I am now pursuing. This is because massage therapy requires a lot of marketing, communication, and organization in order to maintain a successful career. In the process of pursuing my degree, I allowed my license to lapse in the state I previously resided in, because the education requirements do not match those requirements in my current state of residence. Although I intend to remain in the field of natural medicine, it will not be as a massage therapist, nor any other practitioner. I intend to own a facility.
Considering that I don’t believe the degree will change my earning potential, but that what I’m learning will, I am not concerned with knowing how others may rate the value of my education. Even my Work Study position has increased my knowledge of skills I will need in order to excel. I need to be able to communicate electronically, enter and read data correctly, and work with others effectively.
Although your essay—similar to Charles Murray’s “Are Too Many People Going to College?”—argues that more students should consider careers that don’t require a degree, it contains more focus on the monetary incentives, specifically those which occur once an employee has been with a company for some time. Murray delves into the purpose behind seeking post-high school education, and focuses on the realistic issues that students should be aware of prior to entering the career world. I was persuaded by Murray’s focus on interest and capability. However, I do not believe he is aware that even vocational education often requires a degree of continuing education, which often adds up to more than four years, and can—in some cases—cost more than a B.A. degree.
I would agree that there is a level of superiority that hangs about anyone who has attained a college degree. My own brothers have often made it a point to dispel any leverage I may have in a debate of current events, or life choices. You would think that the ten and twelve year’s seniority they have against me would be enough for them to disregard my input, however, it seems to be a necessity to add the snide remark that ends each argument. After all, how could I possibly know anything, if I haven’t fought my way through the barrages of text and lecture? Certainly my twelve years of being a single mother, and learning how to survive in that status on minimum wage is no learning experience equivalent.
Yes, I would say there has been an air of entitlement in my family for as long as I’ve been considered an adult. I have experienced some of what Mishel describes, but I do not agree that increasing a non-college professional’s employed incentives will change that opinion. My brothers and I were raised by non-college graduates. We are descendants of a first-generation American, who made enough money to sustain our family for generations. That man did not have a college degree, but he did not lack intelligence, class, or respect. Most importantly, he did not lack skill. That is how I would respond, both to Mishel, and anyone he described. My brothers aren’t worth the battle. Their ignorance and pride says what I cannot. They have forgotten where we came from.
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Not everyone should go to college, especially those who have no desire to. There should not be pressure on those who wish to go into the work force after high school to go to college. In that sense, there is a high possibility that it would be a lot of money down the drain. There should also be no feelings of superiority from those who obtained a degree and those who did not want to. People have different ideas of success and college should not be the determining factor of that.
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It should not be impossible for anyone to attend college. Scholarships should be taken for advantage by everyone who chooses to pursue a higher education.
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College and Then What? I’ll tell you what. A better life style, being economically stable and being able to have a career that you like and had the choice to choose on your own. College was a must for me and not because I come from a wealthy, upper living class but because I come from the total opposite. Where the graduating high school is only about 60 people. I wanted to succeed and become independent on my own earnings and not the bare minimum that McDonalds workers receive. I believe that college is a great opportunity to gain self independence, create a sense of hope and expend your knowledge. If jobs aren’t requiring you to have a higher education, they will probably be paying minimum wage or just enough to get you by with pay check to pay check income. College is definitely a challenge for myself but the thought of graduating and doing something that better me, gives me more self-confidence, and courage to know that when I do apply for a certain job that I’m qualified and will be a great asset to the company.
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I agree with Mischel’s ideas, because society is like a work assembly and everyone has a part to do. A college education can help monetarily provide more for individuals, but not having one does not stop them from potentially being successful. People who go to trade school, or have their own ideas traditionally do pretty good still. College isn’t just about school, its about many different variables. Those variables being do people have the resources to come, or is getting a loan and becoming in debt a problem. Another one is the environment change, there’s no more parents and everything is on you. Many people have trouble adjusting to the quick pace of college courses. I came to college because its just an instinct when talking about after high school. If i was to learn a college degree would earn me the same amount of money, I would still pursue one. The connections and experiences college teaches can help through life and puts you in a real situation of seeing the world through different perspective.
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You’re in college now. Why did you choose to pursue a college degree? How much of your motivation was economic in nature? What other factors entered into your decision? If you were to learn that your college degree wouldn’t change your lifetime earning potential, would getting a degree still be your goal?
Although, I have only been in college for a short amount of time and I am incredibly thankful for the things I have learned over this short amount of time. I choose to pursue in a college degree because it only benefits me. Who I want to become will only happen if I choose to make the decisions that will best benefit my education. College is that key. I see people every day who do not care to pass a class or care to be the best they can and those people inspire me to not take what I have and what I could have for granted. Even if my college degree wouldn’t change my lifetime earning potential, I was still able to have the experience of meeting new people, learning things I would never think possible, and having more of an understand of the importance of life. College is just one bump in the road to a world of amazing opportunities, just as long as you don’t give up.
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I think college is a good thing but maybe not for everyone. If college is provided by the government I think it may become less important and attractive for potential employers. If there is no negative impact for failure then a lot of money is wasted and the time available for students who want to learn is cut short.
As far as college graduates being a snob, those people were probably going to be a snob anyway.
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Michel’s article focuses mainly on the stereotypical thought that a college degree is absolutely necessary in order to avoid degradation of America. This statement does hold some water however, there will always be a need for other jobs such as construction or lawn care do not require a college degree. Now I am not saying that you should not pursue a degree, you should, but academics is not for everyone. Although it may open doors it is not a necessity, you can succeed without a degree, its just harder.I do agree with Michel’s argument about “Preparing students for jobs that don’t require a college degree.” While many plan on attending college, there are those that don’t and we need to have jobs for them. If you put in the effort and time you can be successful with a high school diploma, though it is much harder than if you have a college degree.
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My purpose for going to college is that without a Bachelor’s degree I would have to work many years to get to where I want to be. With a Bachelor’s degree it would give me a boost and save to and increase earnings all at the same time. I have my career chosen and that is what is needed. Without the degree it would take me a lot longer to get to where I want to be.
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I believe Mishel is right on education an establishing a high school diploma work force. The one thing a disagree with him is on his stance that they need union representation. I know there was a time we needed a union force in america but those days are gone with all the current labor laws that are in effect.
I am currently in college because I am one of the High school diploma work force workers. I have found out all companies now and these days require you to have a college degree if you want to go into management. So here I am going to college so I will be able to advance into a management position.
Mishel argument is more of my way of thinking. We do need a workforce that doesn’t require an college education. Not everyone needs to attend college because if you have too many college graduates then the job they went to school for is no longer available.
In my current life people without an education is considered the blue collared working class. So their is a snobbery present. I know I am currently considered one of those blue collared guys and the sad part is I know more than they do when it comes to my job. They have the education but I have the experience.
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I believe a higher education can be for everyone. Everyone should have equal opportunities at reaching their potential, but not everybody is for school. A good education helps to lower crime rates, helps the community which one resides in, and to better one self. A higher level of education should mean better financial security if one is learning about areas such as, computers and engineering and healthcare. I believe there should be NO responsibility from the federal government and little responsibility from the state level. I think that corporate America can play a larger role in giving out scholarships and grants to the schools in areas that are in higher demand. In return when students graduate and acquired the skills then their chances of being hired by those employers seeking to fill those positions are greatly increased.
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I have three main reasons that lead me to take the initiative to go to college. The first and most important would have to be recognition, because I want to be recognized for the skills I have mastered. The second reason, is to make a positive influence in society with the major I choose and that it can benefit others the knowledge I have learned. The last reason is to earn a degree that will guide me to work in my dream career. These are the three mains reasons why I am in college.
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I agree with Mishel when it comes to providing opportunity for both four year schools and technical schools. The truth is many people are better suited for technical jobs and would waste time and money completing a four year degree. The worst case scenario would be they don’t finish the four year degree which means they have definitely wasted money. I also agree that there should be an effort made to ensure personnel in manual labor jobs have fair treatment when it comes to pay and rights.
As far as my views on how much government should be involved with education? I don’t believe education should just be free for everyone. I don’t think that would be very fiscally responsible of our government. Once again I state, school is not for everyone. Our worlds would not exist as we know it without manual labor jobs. One thing the government could do is regulate schools to make sure the students are getting what they pay for. I understand a university is a business but that doesn’t mean it’s graduates have to be in debt for the first thirty years of their lives once they graduate. Not many people make enough money right off the bat to pay back $200 thousand in loans.
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In my opinion, education should be accessible to anyone that has the desire to want to go and take education seriously. So many students are often denied the privilege to pursue their education for various reasons. Finances play a huge role as to why so many people often drop out of school or don’t consider it to begin with. The government should work on ways to give these students the financial aid they need to attend college. Yes, there are grants and scholarships, but nowadays, you have to practically make nothing to qualify for the majority of these grants. A large amount of government money is spent on who knows what, when it could be used to better student education.
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yo this is kind of crazy. going into college i never thought about going this far into all of this. it really opens your eyes about what the government cn actually do about the type of education you are getting.
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I agree with the three components needed to make non-college jobs worthwhile. From my personal experience I could definitely use some more retirement benefits in my job. I also think being part of a union would be helpful in the long run. I am in college because I got tired of going nowhere in my previous jobs. I had been working part-time for six years and never had a full-time job. At my last part-time job I tried to get a full-time position with no success. Instead they cut many positions, closed down some locations and even reduced our hours. I got to a point where I felt like I hit rock bottom and I knew I would get anywhere without a degree. I definitely believe that most important factor in my decision was economic. If I thought a degree wouldn’t help my earning potential then I would have never gone to college. I have seen many people with a college degree who act snobby over those without one. I definitely don’t have this type of mindset and know that not everyone may have had an opportunity to get a college degree.
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I think that it is important for students to set high standards for themselves and strive for a higher education, but to an extent. I have friends that have gone off to expensive, prestigious schools, without even knowing what they are studying towards. Young students think that if they graduate from say, Harvard or USC, that they will be guaranteed a good job. That is not true. I know people that went to community college for two years and are more successful than the ones who are still trying to pay off college debt. It is more important to discover one’s passions through education at a slower, realistic pace than to just live up to a fake standard and attend well renowned schools because it sounds cool. The reason for attending college should be to reach YOUR level of success, not someone else’s.
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The three things mentioned are a strong labor, easy way get union representation and mandatory benefits when retiring. Even though he mentioned the three factors, he fails to explain just how these would make a person want the job. he should have elaborated on what it is in these aspects of the job that make the job so enticing for a man and his family.
I decided to get a college education with the dream of getting a good paying job that I will enjoy and be able to take care of myself. It will expand my knowledge of the world around me and give me the chance to discover and make use of my skills. I would still work for the education even if my prospects were the same with or without it. I would still like to retain all of the information and skills I learn while in college even if I won’t make particular use of them when I graduate.
Mishel fails to have much explanations, examples, and expansions of his ideas, but Murray clearly states what he is trying to say, give very effective arguments, explanations of what he is saying. Murrays ideas are more clear and concise so his are more persuasive.
I have yet to witness any real “snobbery” but his description do not match my attitude. I am angered by the idea that there are such people in the world. it is unfair and wrong to judge others, especially when we do not know their situations, goals or dreams. Those with a high school diploma are less intelligent than those with a bachelors degree. This, however is only because they have had more education, if the less intelligent people were given the chance, they could very well be just as smart. Everybody should have the chance to receive a college education if that is what they want. People should not be judged by the writing a piece of paper. As long as they are skilled and intelligent enough to do the job at hand, they are as intelligent and skilled as they need to be at the moment. Though being able to plan ahead and improve ones level of skill and knowledge is a smart move to make to more effectively secure the future.
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