Why go to college?
"I want to study fashion"
"I'd like to be a graphic designer"
"I want to work with children"
What do you want to do after high school? Thinking about a career? If so, think about how you'll get the training you need to pursue your dream job (or any job!).
Some jobs don't require a college degree or specialized training, but usually those jobs don't pay as well as jobs where additional training is needed.
Take a look at the jobs on this chart and how much each pays by the hour. Think about what you need -- will this job pay your bills? Will you be able to buy the things you want?
Job |
Wage* |
Education needed |
Number of hours you need to buy one music CD |
Building cleaner |
$7.70 |
None |
2 |
Childcare worker |
$7.25 |
None |
2 |
Grocery bagger |
$6.25 |
None |
3 |
Animal care worker |
$6.05 |
None |
3 |
Secretary |
$16.80 |
Certificate |
1 |
Office manager |
$18.26 |
2 or 4 year degree |
1 |
Medical/dental assistant |
$11.50 |
Certificate |
1.5 |
Chef assistant |
$13.00 |
Varies- some training required |
1.5 |
Hair styling |
$9.10 |
Certificate/license |
2 |
Firefighter |
$17.40 |
Advanced training |
1 |
Teacher |
$20.00 |
Master's degree |
1 |
For most entry level jobs, you will make about $7.00 an hour. So after just two hours of work, you could afford to buy one music CD. While that might seem okay now, imagine how nice it would be to work a little less for a CD and be able to afford something else you want or need.
Moving up the career ladder: If you begin your career now, without further training, you will probably find that if you want to make more money or get a promotion, you will need some postsecondary education- either college or specialized training (trade school, vocational school, etc).
For instance there are many jobs in the animal care field. Look at these jobs. Notice how the salaries differ.
Animal Care Jobs and Salaries
Job |
Pet sitters and walkers |
Animal Trainer |
Pet Groomer |
Veterinarian Assistant |
Veterinarian |
Average yearly salary |
$12, 600 |
$12, 600 and up with promotion |
$12, 600 and up with promotion |
$25,000 |
$70, 000 |
Education needed |
None |
Some animal care course recommended for promotion |
Some animal care/kennel management course recommended for promotion |
Associate's degree (2 yr program) |
College plus 4 years of Veterinarian medicine |
For many of the jobs, like pet sitters and walkers, animal trainers and pet groomers, the salary is about the same. Even for these jobs, though, it's a good idea to take some animal care classes if you would like a promotion. If you decide to work as a veterinarian assistant, your salary would double and a veterinarian's salary is even more. These jobs require more training. You may be able to get a job in the field you are interested in now, but you will need more training and education to move into other jobs in the field.
Why would you want to earn more money? How about things like:
- Monthly rent for an apartment
- Gas/electric bills (if these are not included in your monthly rent)
- Personal cell phone
- Monthly phone bills
- Clothing
- Transportation (bus or train fare, gas for your car)
In addition to these basic needs, many people want money for:
- Cable TV
- Movies, clubs, restaurants
- DVDs or videos
- Computers
- Internet access
Final thoughts:
There are other reasons why people go to college too, other than to earn a good salary. Some people want to go to college because everyone they know goes to college. Or they go to college because they really aren't sure what they want for a career and taking some college classes might narrow down ideas. Or they have some idea want they want to do and they want to take a class to see if it will help them get a job right away. Or, they want to meet people to study with and talk to and be in a place where they can learn about themselves and the world.
***
Beth T: Trying to sort out a career
"I'm hoping that by getting my high school diploma and taking college classes that I will decide on my career choice or major."--Beth Tornatola, 20
Matt: Going like his brothers
"My brothers go to college and now it's my turn."--Matt Ferrari, 21
Tina: Different lifestyle
"College would help me with a different lifestyle. I'm seeing life in a different view now."-- Tina Johnstin, 20
Rachelle: Teach people to be smart
"I can't wait to go to college. I want to learn everything. I want to be a tacher because I want to help people be smart."-- Rachelle Doucette, 18
Rachel and Beth: Be with friends
Adrian: Study a career
"In January, I want to go to college to take a class in human services. It's about counseling and social work. Talking with people about their problems. I want to help people with their problems."--Adrian Martir, 19
Martha: Interested in a career in kids or animals
"When I leave school I want to get a job and continue going to college. I want to work with kids or animals."
Fabiola: Sort out career
"This is helping my future. Getting skills. I'll probably be here next semester. I might try nursing. Or study police work. My father was a cop. But you have to get up early -- that's not me. Maybe I'll take something fun. Like photography." --Fabiola Faustin, 19
This article was copied from www.thinkcollege.net.
