The Value of a College Degree: Rethinking Its Importance

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In social interactions, I often encounter the common inquiry: “What do you do?” This question used to be straightforward for me, as I could easily identify myself as an engineer due to my academic background. However, my partner, Alex, faces a different situation. He lacks a traditional job and hasn’t pursued a college degree, leading to awkward moments when he discusses his educational path. When he mentions he didn’t attend college, some people respond with pity, as if they equate that with a lack of intelligence.

In these moments, I feel compelled to advocate for him. “He’s dedicated to raising our child and doing an excellent job of it,” I often explain. “While many of our peers were busy with typical college experiences, he spent six years in the Navy, serving our country and exploring the world. Although he isn’t in a conventional job now, he has nearly a decade’s worth of experience in electronics and is highly capable.”

It frustrates me that society has become so reliant on labels that they overlook the more profound aspects of a person’s life, such as:

• “Where did you grow up?”
• “What are your hobbies or favorite films?”
• “What led you to your current path?”

My own identity isn’t solely defined by my degree. Although I studied engineering, my true passion lies in utilizing my skills in a way that aligns with my interests. I was fortunate to secure a position at a law firm, where I assist with patent applications, which surprises those who expect me to remain strictly within the realm of engineering.

Moreover, just because I earned a degree in one field doesn’t imply I lack the ability to excel in others. I once considered studying English but chose to pursue math and science instead, thinking it would be more beneficial. If I hadn’t gone to university, I’m confident I would have found other avenues to explore.

Society often perpetuates the myth that a degree is essential for success, leading to a narrow view of what constitutes value. Many mothers I know have degrees in fields like finance, education, or nursing, yet they choose to focus on parenting. There are no classes to prepare them for sleepless nights, no textbooks to guide them through childbirth, and no study groups to help them decide on homeschooling. What does this indicate about the worth of a college education?

It’s clear that while college can provide valuable skills, it doesn’t dictate a person’s entire worth or future. For example, my engineering background equipped me with analytical skills and problem-solving techniques applicable in various scenarios, whether I’m evaluating a structural design or strategizing responses to patent office rejections. Similarly, mothers with finance degrees often manage their households’ budgets, while those with nursing qualifications can assess when to seek medical care for their children.

Conversely, there are entrepreneurs who have thrived without formal business education, and innovators who have achieved success outside traditional academic paths. The crux of the matter is how we apply our learning, and I refuse to be confined to a single label.

I am more than just an engineer; I am a mother, a partner, a writer, a technical advisor, and a creative individual. I have unique tastes and philanthropic interests.

Don’t feel disheartened if your career path diverges from your degree, or if you choose to stay home. Your education has equipped you with skills that benefit your family, and that is profoundly rewarding. While a college degree may come with a hefty price tag, it doesn’t define your identity. It simply indicates that you committed to a field of study and completed it. Its significance is real, but it’s not the entirety of who you are. Hopefully, society will eventually recognize that many intelligent, capable individuals exist with or without a degree.

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Summary

This article discusses the notion that a college degree does not solely define a person’s value or capabilities. It emphasizes the importance of skills developed through various life experiences and the multifaceted identities that individuals embody beyond their academic achievements.