High School Graduates: Four Reasons Why You Should Look into College Degree Programs

There are many different paths out there for a student looking to enter the post-secondary world, get a higher education, and become employed, and one that frequently slips through the cracks is four-year college Degree Programs. University education is commonly conceptualized as four years or more of higher learning, while college is thought of as two or three years of job training, so a college program with the length and depth of a university education may not even occur to people. But there's numerous advantages to taking a Toronto Degree Program, and these include…

1. You'll get the same theory as a university education
While college programs focus on job skills, there's something to be said about the theoretical background a university education offers. After all, it's much easier to be confident in your actions when it comes time to get on your feet if you've been provided with courses of procedures and best practices. A four-year program gives you time to spend semesters learning that theory in a classroom before going out into the field.

2. It'll be supplemented with practical skills training
That "going out into the field" thing is important, though, and is the major advantage of a program based in a college. Toronto-based institutions like Centennial College treat their education as a dry run of the actual job a student will be doing upon completion of the program, and so aim to simulate the work they'll be doing as directly as possible. For example, Centennial's computer-related degree programs give their students access to laboratories featuring the technology they'll use in their jobs, including VoIP, cellular networks, and wireless broadband.

3. It's a specialized education
Another advantage from the fact that this program is held at college: Instead of being a general education, these degree programs are designed to put you into a specific career, or even a specific job. You've certainly heard jokes about university students taking english, or liberal arts, or some sort of general education, and how it supposedly doesn't lead to a career. While that's not really true (it's how the student applies what they learn), these college programs do have the advantage of pointing you towards a specific career, and teaching skills applicable to that.

4. It will lead you to a job
Really, that's the truth of college education: Skills training for an actual career. Higher education is excellent, but at the end of the program, you still need a career and money to carry on with your life. Between the skills college gives you, and the professionals you'll network with, you'll be well on the way to starting advancing up whatever corporate ladder you want to climb. And because a degree program spread out over four years, you don't have to sacrifice that theoretical base that university is known for. In a way, degree programs are the best of both worlds, and offer students looking for employment a uniquely blended learning experience.

Degree Programs: Using That Extra Time Wisely

A typical college course is over in about two years, the goal being to connect you to a career faster. But there's a special sort of college program in existence for students who understand the advantage of taking the time to acquire a broader intellectual base along with their skills. Called College Degree Programs, they run for four years, and focus on adding theoretical training to the practical skills training commonly associated with a college program. While it does take a bit longer to get this sort of degree, there's things a student can do to make use of that time while they get their Toronto degree, specifically, prepping for the job market. After all, you'll need a job when all this is over, and while your education will open a path as directly as it can, it's up to you to take your own steps down that path. Here's what you can do to prepare.

Figure out the skills you need and the skills you have
Near the beginning of your program, do a bit of research on your ideal job or your ideal company to work at, and figure out what skills you'll need to have that job or work there. After that, focus on acquiring those skills, through classes or through independent study. Of course, college programs are all about ensuring you're equipped with skills, but in a four-year program you can do due diligence to make sure you have them all.

Really polish that resume
This includes making sure you have things to put on them, which links back into the skills training mentioned above. Spend that time studying how to make a good resume that really highlights what you do, and is unique enough to stand out, but not to the point of needless ornamentation. Fortunately, the career centre at your college will be able to help you out, and you should become well-acquainted with that place.

Build a portfolio, too
Speaking of a portfolio, you'd be surprised at how few applicants bother to create one. It's an excellent way to show a proof-of-concept of the work you can do, by showing the work you've done. A good portfolio is both a personal website, and something physical you can hand off to an employer in the middle of an interview. So, begin looking for assignments or achievements that are particularly noteworthy, and document them.

Don't be afraid to modify your plans
It may come to pass over those four years that you decide your specific goals don't necessarily fit you. There's a variety of reasons for this. Maybe you've done the research and found elements of your job that you don't care for, or a particular strand of career that suits you better. Or maybe you've realized you're good at something else entirely. Don't let this intimidate you. It's better to pick a career path you're happy and talented at, and the extra time afforded by a four-year degree program lets you figure yourself out before you graduate, with no need for hindsight.

A Few Popular Misconceptions About College Education

Between the media, guidance councillors trying to put motivation in you, and general lack of knowledge, a high schooler heading into a College Degree Program can walk away with a few misconceptions of college, chiefly that it some sort of hostile environment, full of nothing but roadblocks. I won't sugarcoat one thing: It'll be tough, and you'll be a different person coming out of it than going in as a result. But there's a few things the average high schooler gets wrong about getting your Toronto degree, things that are less difficult and rigid than you may think.

Myth: Every class you miss brings harsh penalties
A big shock that hits a high schooler upon entering the post-secondary world is just how little attention is paid to where you are. There's no longer any penalty for missing a class. Unless it's a tutorial, attendance isn't being taken. In truth, there aren't any formal academic penalties for missing classes.

On the other hand, there's a more difficult angle to this now. No one's keeping track of you, so it's up to you to keep track of yourself. Yes, you won't be penalized formally for a class you skip out on, but you need to be aware that it's an important lesson that you missed out on. If not that, then maybe a due date for an assignment was revealed, or your instructor revealed topic that will be on your final. Either way, it's your risk now.

Myth: The structure of the program is even more rigid than high school
By structure, I'm referring to class times, deadlines, and scheduling. And this one is just false. If anything, structure is looser. In college, classes can be moved, cancelled, extended, or cut short at any time for any reason. Of course, most instructors and schools will avoid too much upheaval, but it's still more common than in high school. And if you're late for class, no one's going to lock a door, or ask you to get a late slip from the office. Of course, you may get some dirty looks coming in late, and constantly asking what you missed won't put you in anyone's good graces, but you needn't live in fear of the mad dash to morning class.

Myth: You're on your own
Another falsity. Just because no one's keeping track of you anymore doesn't mean no one cares. There are numerous resources present for your success in college, and it all starts with your instructors. Their email addresses will be out there, and they'll have office hours you can use. If anything, they're invested more in your future than your high school teachers. It's just up to you to seek them out instead of them finding you.

College Programs Focus on Offering Degrees

Thanks to degree programs at college level, earning a bachelor degree doesn't have to take four years of sitting through lectures but not obtaining any hands-on experience. For example, at Centennial College students can attend a variety of college programs that are either facilitated fully at one of the college's four campuses or see students spend some of their training at Centennial College and some at a partnership university. In these degree programs, which meet rigorous Ontario Ministry standards (provincial standards), students not only learn the theory they need to be successful but also partake in application of that theory.

The college programs that see students completing part of their studies at local universities are made possible through partnership agreements. For example, the Bachelors of Science Nursing program is offered with Ryerson University and includes students completing their first two years at Centennial and the final two years at Ryerson. Faculty members who teach the program are from both the college and university. Meanwhile, those interested in collaborative programs with the University of Toronto may attend college degree programs such as: Journalism, New Media Studies and Paramedicine.

Meanwhile, college programs that result in a degree and see students just studying at Centennial College include: Bachelor of Applied Information Sciences - Computer and Communication Networks, Bachelor of Applied Information Sciences - Software Systems Design and Bachelor of Applied Information Sciences - Bridging to Software Systems Design.

The first of these college programs, Computer and Communication Networks, is the only offering of its kind in Canada. It equips students with the knowledge they need to fill positions such as project management analyst, IT program manager, technical account manager, business account manager, network administrators, network analyst and network support. This is achieved through a combination of technology and business subjects, presented in modern laboratories specially engineered for the curriculum. They include uniquely equipped facilities offering VoIP, cellular networks, wireless broadband (WiMax), advanced routing and switching as well as network management. Students can specialize in network security or wireless systems.

Another degree program is Software Systems Design. With a critical need for highly specialized software designers, Centennial College was selected by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to deliver a program to address this demand. As such, the college program places emphasis on advanced software standards and management and covers topics such as website design and development, software development programming fundamentals, financial analysis, economics, object oriented programming, and more. The degree program also offers three software development projects. These real-world business applications require students to utilize all the technical, systems and business skills acquired during their studies to build higher quality software.

Bachelor of Applied Information Sciences - Bridging to Software Systems Design is another one of Centennial College's college degree programs. It allows eligible computer program/analyst graduates or software engineering graduates from Centennial or from a similar program from another college to obtain this four-year Bachelor of Applied Information Sciences in Software System Design in two years.

Advantages of College Degree

There are both obvious and not so obvious advantages of attending a college degree program. Even though our parents and teachers stress the advantages of a college degree, we don't always listen. But as we get older, we realize, "They were right." You should know that it's never too late to consider the reasons a college degree will have a positive impact on your life.

To many people, the most obvious benefit of a college degree is the average yearly income of a college grad. But we'll get to that later. Let's first take a look at some of the personal advantages you gain by attending a college degree program. First and foremost, you outlook on life will broaden by attending college. You will meet many different people, from different cultures and upbringings. From them, you will learn how to deal with different personalities, how to interact with people who may not always agree with you and you will form strong bonds. You'll also gain confidence by attending different events on your college's campus such as sporting events or even study groups. This will allow you to expand the network of people in your life who may be able to assist you with a job upon graduation or later on in life. The connections you make while attending a degree program are irreplaceable.

You will also be taking control of your future and guaranteeing yourself a healthier outlook on life.

The fact that having a degree opens more doors for your career means that you have the power to determine which doors you want to step through. Getting the edge needed to land a job in a field that makes you happy is one of the greatest benefits of a college degree.

Speaking of your career, a college degree allows you to earn 25 per cent more each year than someone who is doing the same job without a degree. That's because degree programs provide you with practical, up-to-date information of certain industries and equip you with skills that are in demand. This makes your knowledge more available to employers. In addition, it is a known fact that many employers prefer hiring someone with a college degree of some sort.

Centennial College in Toronto offers a variety of diploma, advanced diploma, graduate certificate, degree programs and more. It is dedicated to ensuring that students leave with an education that will get them ahead in the workforce immediately. Centennial College's degrees programs are four-year undertakings that offer you both the practical skills you need to win the job you want and the theoretical background to give you the extensive subject knowledge employers are looking for.

Centennial College Offers Degree Programs to Get You Ahead

Imagine attending a college program and obtaining a degree. At Centennial College you can do just that via its degree programs, which take four years to complete. These undertakings are designed to impart both the practical skills you need to win the job you want and the theoretical background to give you the extensive subject knowledge employers are looking for. Therefore, you obtain the technical strengths of a college and the theoretical foundations of a four-year bachelor degree. Centennial's college degrees meet rigorous Ontario Ministry standards (provincial standards) and open doors to even better learning and career opportunities.

Unlike universities, the classes within Centennial College's degree programs are small, which allows for more one-on-one time with instructors. In addition, this allows for discussion among peers, which can result in networking. As with all of the college's programs, the degree programs feature many hands-on components. You obtain real life experiences before you even graduate, which gives up an edge on the competition that comes for a strictly theoretical background. In addition, you will interact with instructors who have considerable industry experience and can help to impart their first-hand knowledge on you.

Centennial College offers two college degree programs, as well as joint programs with a university. The first of these two is Computer and Communication Networks. The program offers a unique blend of technology and business subjects, creating an innovative balance between the practical and the theoretical backgrounds for which employers are looking. Students participate in courses such as: Fundamentals of Business and Information Systems, Logic and Problem-solving Strategies, Computer Architecture, Financial Analysis, Marketing of Services, Network Operating Systems and much more. Upon graduation, students go on to work as: Project Management Analysts, IT program managers, Technician Account Managers, Business Account Managers and much more.

The other degree program option that students have at Centennial College is Software Systems Design. The only of its kind in the province, the program has a unique focus on system design, a blend of technology and business subjects as well as industry placement. It also provides specialization in mobile application development or service-oriented architecture and cloud computing. Lastly, the college degree program includes three software development projects. These real-world business applications will require students to utilize all the technical, systems and business skills acquired during their studies to build higher quality software. Upon graduation, students go on to work in software development, software engineering, systems analysis, business analysis, web application development and more.

Centennial College also has agreements with Ryerson University and University of Toronto to offer college degree programs during which students spend time at both the college and university level. With Ryerson, students can participate in a Bachelor of Science Nursing program. Meanwhile, the college degree programs offered in collaboration with UofT include: Applied Microbiology, Environmental Science and Technology, Journalism, New Media Studies and Paramedicine.

Why a College Education is Essential

In today's competitive professional world, a college degree, diploma or certificate is essential in obtaining the job of your dreams. Whether you want to be a nurse, a social worker, a businessperson or something else all together, a college degree is not just preferable. It is required. As opposed to past generations, high school graduates today are unable to obtain the number of high-paying jobs that were once available without a college education. That's because North America has grown from a manufacturing-based economy to an economy based on knowledge, indicating that a college education is the gateway to abundant opportunities. Statistics also indicate that workers who hold a degree earn higher salaries than those who don't. However, there are also other benefits that come in the process of earning a college degree that make a difference in where you will end up on the corporate ladder.

College applications are steadily increasing, as students opt for smaller classrooms, more hands-on training and shorter program lengths. The smaller sized classes encountered in college, as opposed to a university setting, ensure that you are treated as a student, not a number. Instructors have more time for one-on-one instruction, therefore guaranteeing that you are confident in you field. This sort of thorough knowledge that comes along with a college degree gives you the advantage over the competition. If an employer is choosing between two applicants, a college degree not only shows a serious interest in the chosen field but also the knowledge and training required to succeed.

Secondly, most college programs provide an ideal balance between theory and "real-life" learning. This is achieved through work placements, internships and apprenticeships. Not only do students encounter situations that prepare them further for their field of choice but they also enhance their resumes. Many employers are willing to train new graduates who have had some sort of previous hands-on training.

Lastly, college degree programs offer the option to "fast-track" certain programs and, if previous experience exists, to skip the work placement option and graduate sooner. This feature of a college education provides an ideal learning situation for people who may have returned to college to upgrade their skills while already working in their field or students who are eager to obtain their certification.

However, attending college is not just about obtaining a degree. The experience of networking, meeting new people and making life-long friendships is commonplace in a college environment. Social interaction is key in the workplace and what better way to develop your professional and personable skills than by interacting with instructors, peers and guest speakers. Many times guest speakers come into a classroom not only to lecture on a certain topic but also to meet the people who will soon be new to the workforce. This provides an opportunity for invaluable networking that is not often seen in a university classroom of 500 people.

The reasons to obtain a college degree are abundant. Not only are degrees required in many professions, but the experience you get along the way via networking or work placements, can give you the leading edge over your competition.