How to Make Your College Experience Worth it

One of the debates the recession has brought on is whether or not a post-secondary degree is worthwhile, in a world where employment is uncertain. On some level, this is understandable. After all, school isn't cheap. And statistically speaking, if you're a young person, the quality and amount of work you have to fund it is probably lower than previous generations. A recession seems like a good reason not to attend college, when in actuality it's the best reason to. For all the difficulties you might have funding and getting that education, you'll still be better off for it, especially if you're attending a community college such as Centennial, where the focus is on creating employable graduates with hands-on experience in their career of choice, ready to get down to business in the jobs they want. There are two things you can do in advance of that, though, to improve your experience, and ensure you make the most of that education.

Choose a career path with opportunities

We all have our talents, and the key to picking your major is to figure out what you can do with that talent that's personally profitable. It isn't cynical to advise a student to go where the money is, since that money will buy them stability and security in the long run, and pay for that education. So if you have your heart set on something, have a look at the field and figure out if it's changing, expanding, or shrinking and have a serious look at what the job prospects are. If it's a field that's hard to get into you may have to let your own financial and career needs override your desire to enter it. Fortunately, Centennial College's extensive list of programs includes some of the more profitable college careers, including engineering, business, and nursing, so browsing what's available is certainly a good start.

Know your career path post-grad

Don't just assume that everything will work out. College is designed to give you a foundation of real skills, and network you with the industry you want to enter, but the onus will still be on your to use those skills and opportunities, and make that job happen. So while you're at college, look less at sitting in lectures and acing exams, and more at picking up life skills you'll use when you graduate. Build a resume, and start hunting before your school's over. And if your program offers a field placement like many of Centennial's, do your best to leave a strong impression and make industry contacts. Centennial College will open the path for your success, you'll just have to take the steps yourself.