What Have We Learned?

What Have We Learned?

 

​Now is the time for some college students to start readying for commencement, preparing to enter the workforce and transition into what some call adulthood. The time since freshman year has been well spent, acquiring knowledge and mastering the art of whatever various field of study.  We’ve spent year after year writing papers and essays, completing projects and assignments all in the hopes of receiving a degree.  

Source: (Feminspire)

 

​To what level has higher education truly prepared us for the real world? Are all of the random and historical phenomena we’ve loathed over important? It is very true I’ve learned many important things during my tenure here, some of which is directly applicable; some of which just comes as extra facts and tidbits to be retrieved on random occasions.

Source: (outstandinglanding.com)

Degree is defined as an academic title conferred by universities and colleges as an indication of the completion of a course of study, or as an honorary recognition of achievement. Is a degree a ticket to success and wealth? Will I be able to get a job right after school? What about the thousands of dollars in student debt I’ve accrued over this time?

Such are the questions many students often ask themselves. The transition from college to workforce is intimidating enough, and now that we hear of studies in which hiring managers reportedless than two in five recent graduates being prepared for a job in their field, the situation is getting more intense.

Source: (MotherJones.com)

​How is a new graduate supposed to feel when living in a time where robots are taking jobs away from humans andtechnology is evolving faster than we can keep up?

​There has been a recent argument that has received much discussion over the years. Many people feel that our colleges, universities and systems of higher education are failing to instill students with real-life applicable, on-the-job skills for when we graduate. A study done by Gallup revealed that about one third of business leaders agree that “institutions of higher education are "graduating students with the skills and competences that my business needs” (Huffington Post).

 

Source: (Kali Ciesemier)

​Hiring managers in today’s workforce expect graduates to be flexible and adaptive to today’s ever changing workplace.  A Harris Poll revealed that hiring managers who have concerns about the readiness of recent grads cite a few reasons as to why they feel such: 53% say there is too much emphasis on book learning instead of real-world learning; 35% say their company needs a blend of technical skills as well as soft skills from a liberal arts degree; 26% say entry level jobs are more complex today than they used to be; 16% say there is not enough focus on internships and apprenticeships; 16% say technology is changing too quickly for academics to keep up; 10% say not enough students are graduating with the degrees their company needs.

Source: (pirate4x4.com/Camarogenius)

 

​If we as students are learning neither enough nor the right things, then who is to blame? The students themselves, the professors, the academic advisors or school faculty? Who is largely responsible for “how ready” a graduate is to enter the workplace?

Source: (pittbradford.wordpress.com)

 

​The best answer I have to give is that it really does not matter. The entire college process is much involved and composed of different individuals. It is safe to say that no one (to my understanding) has received a degree from an accredited institution of higher learning completely on their own. It is the job of the student, solely them, to ensure that they are the most prepared for whatever they may face entering the workforce. We must learn to take the reigns and understand that college is a journey; a path of discovery and revelation amidst learning and education. The key to evolving within this process is to find ones passion. Discover the spark that ignites the inner flame of motivation within you. When one has this, nothing can stand in the way or impede progress. Find yourself. Be yourself. Take risks. If it can be thought it can be achieved. If it has already been done then it is but action that leaves you in separation from it.

Source: (ironmanstrength.com)

“Live your truth. Express your love. Share your enthusiasm. Take action towards your dreams. Walk your talk. Dance and sing to your music. Embrace your blessings. Make today worth remembering.” 
― Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience