It’s time for a little common sense talk. Yep that’s right. Just you, me, and the pixels between us. College isn’t for everyone. There, I said it. Maybe you’re a little surprised given that this is a college blog, but it’s the truth. Not everyone really needs to go spend four years reading about Nietzsche or learning all those symbols on the Periodic Table. It’s just not necessary for a lot of people.

But education? Education in general is a different story. Because education is about learning. And adapting to the changing demands of life is about learning, so essentially, your life is an ongoing education. In a way, you’re always in the classroom. This isn’t a discussion about the School of Hard Knocks, but an observation that our jobs continue to change and challenge us to learn new skills. Or we lose value in this dynamic job market.

So when you think about education beyond high school, I encourage you to think more broadly about continued education. There are a lot of educational options to explore including certificates, vocational diplomas, and associate’s degrees. For a mechanic, that may mean getting a certificate in automotive repair; cars aren’t what they once were, you know. With all the computer gear in them, they’re half android, and a mechanic needs to know how to program somewhat as well as to replace a fan belt. Plenty of other jobs require further certification or licensure for individuals to advance.

So, don’t get zeroed in on a 4-year ivy-strewn brick building education. There are a lot of other options, and many of those options may be far more meaningful to you. It’s not about how much education you can get; it’s about getting the right education to help you succeed in your career.