Why students aren't ready to graduate college
Start writing a post
College

Graduating College Isn't All That It's Cracked Up To Be (Especially When Grads Aren't Properly Prepared)

Ready or not, the real world is coming. And most grads aren't ready.

273
college graduation

Graduating from college can be complicated. It's not like graduating from grammar school or high school, where the next step you take is clear: off to the next grade or off to some form of post-secondary education.

For others, their next step is too clear, and that's what scares them. Being a doctor requires a lot more years in school, making a lot less money than that of a banker or an accountant. Such a path begs the question: How badly do I want this career?

However foggy your view of the road ahead, one thing has become clear: There aren't enough college graduates ready to face the world.

According to the McGraw-Hill Workforce Readiness Survey, 21 percent of college graduates felt "very prepared" to get a job when they left college in 2016. That percentage is only a 1% difference from the previous year, and it reflects a deeper issue of higher education.

The question of why higher education exists is one that both students and faculty should consider. If a student is going to college to get a specific job afterward, then the education should be tailored to the student's needs. If college administrations are accepting students with the purpose of increasing enrollment and keeping the lights on, then students are left out to dry after graduation, just like many others in the workforce.

If the purpose of your college is to force students to enroll in a graduate program to get the most out of their concentration, then college just becomes another building block needed to accomplish your goal. Graduate school is a great idea, but it's an expensive one as well.

For most people, a bachelor's degree is their golden ticket to a job or promotion. But unfortunately, few students are leaving college feeling this way.

One major component is the lack of practicality regarding college courses. Unfortunately, there are schools that don't require internships or co-op experience before graduation. Even if they do, there's a chance that one internship is not enough to prepare college students for the workforce.

Besides job experience, job awareness is another major factor in college graduates striking out in the workforce.

In a survey of college students collected by GradStaff and reported by CNBC, "75 percent of respondents said they didn't know what jobs matched their interests." A second survey revealed that "46 percent didn't know what to do with their major."

I find it interesting looking at university homepages that highlight the employment rates of their graduates, rather than the job placement rates. Anyone can get a job at a local restaurant or a convenience store with a bachelor's degree, but a bachelor's degree should allow you to feel confident that you can work in your desired career field.

Within higher education, there needs to be more time spent on finding careers applicable to students' interests and majors, rather than making it simply about passing courses.

If you're in college and you don't know where career services is located, you have a problem. The problem becomes larger if you think you'll graduate soon.

I will not feel comfortable graduating until I feel like being in college isn't holding me back from facing the world rather than protecting me from facing the world.

At the end of the day, it's about wanting more for yourself. I don't want to graduate and hope my school hires me because I'm a valued member of the community. I want to graduate knowing I'm prepared to be apart of any community thanks to my education.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

10961
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

942725
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

120471
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments