Course or college? This topic has been debated over ‘n’ number of times. There are views that a good college enhances your overall personality and stimulates your possibilities of being placed at a leading company. On the other hand, those arguing for courses assert, the name of the college doesn’t matter, if you know what you want to do and are meticulous about it. This course vs. college debate seems never-ending.
Though none of the outlooks seems vague to me, I see this situation from a different standpoint. I understand that the three years period of graduation is the time that should be spent on your personal development. One of my friends, who graduated in science, is working as an editor with a leading website. Another friend, who graduated to be an engineer, is working as a successful wedding photographer. And I have a similar story to tell. While I graduated in commerce, I chose to make a career in writing.
However, before becoming a content writer, for three years, I worked with a tax firm. Sure, the job was related to my field. But, trust me, the experience I gained at work made all the difference to my knowledge.
This fact cannot be denied that in a country like ours, there is still a wide gap between what you study at college and how you apply it at work. Though this is a different issue altogether, there is one inference that can be drawn from this state – while choosing between a course and a college, you do not need to be obsessed with the process of figuring out your long-term goals. The course you select might certainly help you in your career, but it is not going to make or break your fate.
So, I would suggest you try and find a combination (of course and college) that leads to your holistic growth. Utilise these three years for your personal growth. Soft skills, confidence and overall personality play a vital role when you appear for a job interview.
Nearly all those surveyed (93%) agree that, “A candidate’s demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly and solve complex problems is more important than their undergraduate major.”
This article from The Wall Street Journal, clearly elucidates how your personal development is way more important than the subjects you study during college.
So, if you think a particular college can give you a better exposure and can contribute to your personal growth, college should be preferred. The best part is, enhancing your overall personality is going to help you with any career. Now, of course, this view doesn’t hold water in the context of highly practical-oriented careers like engineering, nursing, etc. In such cases, you should narrow down the option of colleges according to the course.
However, there are not many of us who have definite plans for their career or future. In such cases, getting admitted into highly technical courses just for the sake of your parents’ desire or considering the job prospects can adversely impact the velocity of your growth.
I highly recommend, you prefer a college that gives you a chance to interact with fellows from diverse backgrounds, participate in various events and extracurricular activities according to your hobbies and interests, make contacts that will help you advance your career and provide you with better placement opportunities.
Besides, a recent Forbes study, which I can relate to, lays down six reasons why you shouldn’t be so obsessed with the subjects you study at undergraduate level.
The Key Takeaways From The Study
- My favourite – “You don’t have to study English to be a writer, you don’t have to study business to be a consultant, and you don’t have to study political science to go into government. The real world doesn’t care about your degree as much as your work ethic and attitude,” says the study.
- Your active participation in various extracurricular activities, internships, events, etc. is what makes your resume enticing, not your subjects. In your years of graduation, rather than focusing on the subjects and grades, focus on developing skills.
- How efficiently you solve problems, respond to the assigned tasks, and how responsible you are towards your job are what decide the pace of your growth at work. How much you contribute to the organisation you work for matters more than your personal accomplishments to the employer.
That said, I or anyone cannot deny that for certain practical-oriented courses, it is wiser to prefer course to college. Also, for those who already know what they want to do and are firm about their decision must not consider forgoing the course for the college.
For the rest, it’s hard to mount the ladder of your career without developing essential soft skills. Do not think about course or college. Think about an environment that will transform you into a better and more optimistic person. Good luck! Make a sagacious choice.