A college education is beneficial for many reasons, including financial gain, job stability, new skills and the potential to live a happier life. Since more occupations are requiring advanced education, obtaining a college degree is critical for today’s workforce. We have come up with four different ways that higher education can cater to your life and career. We also interviewed Idaho State College of Business alumni, Gergo Rendek, to provide real feedback from a former student.

• Obtain a better career

The most known outcome of earning a degree is the ability to obtain a career with a high-paying salary. Many employers require a degree for their positions because it provides information about your background and experience in that related field. The work field can be competitive, so gaining that experience proves that you are the best candidate to hire. If you are unsure what career path you want to follow, taking college courses may help you discover what best suits you. Educators are dedicated to teaching you how to be a successful employee in your chosen field and will often try to give real-world examples and opportunities. 

• Participate in networking 

Gaining a wide variety of networks is a great advantage from college. Networking can also help you get a job. You might meet someone who works at the desired company you admire or someone who would be a great reference to include in your resume. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of networking, you can view our blog here. 

“A college education benefited me in multiple ways. It made me the well-rounded person that I am today as well as helped me to develop lifelong relationships with my classmates and professors. Which in my opinion is the best thing you could ever ask for,” said Gergo. 

• Learn new skills

Not only does college train you for your field of study, but also new skills that are critical for any job in general. College teaches you to think analytically, understand complex subjects and incorporate and communicate your ideas on topics. You can also learn skills such as time management, self-discipline, organization and soft skills. Having a broad range of skills could open up more opportunities and make you a more valuable employee. 

“The number one thing that college has taught me was time management,” Gergo explained, “I was fairly busy in some of my semesters and playing on the tennis team, being a graduate assistant for the College of Business and being enrolled full time in school while maintaining a high GPA. Being this busy taught me that I had to manage my time super well in order to succeed in the different aspects of my life.”

• Potential for a happier life

Obtaining a degree has the potential to give you a happier life. Jobs that offer higher salaries and require advanced education will usually also provide benefits such as medical insurance, life insurance, 401(k), oftentimes a more predictable schedule, and more. With income stability, you can prevent stress from living paycheck to paycheck and afford mortgages, bills, insurance and any other life expenses. This stability makes it easier to raise families and can give the opportunity to invest in the stock market, which in return might build up even more wealth for you and your family to enjoy. It’s also more likely you will enjoy and feel fulfillment from your job. In addition to working in a position that has the potential for advancement. Advancing in your career will earn you more over your lifetime and help to give you a stronger sense of purpose and self-pride. 

College education provides many benefits such as better career options, networking opportunities, new skills and the potential to live a happier life. No matter what career path you choose to pursue, having that background and degree will give you a better chance of getting hired.

“I would definitely recommend going to college. You can make lifelong friends and memories in college as well as to prepare yourself for the workforce and get a better understanding of what interests you and what you want to do long-term,” said Gergo.