Earning a College Degree -- Does is Really Pay?

It's possibly the piece of advice that everyone has heard. It has, perhaps, even become cliché-ish. Of course, it's none other than go to college. Don't get me wrong, it's not bad advice. In fact, I encourage all those nearing college age to consider continuing their educations beyond high school. For many new high school graduates, going to college is the most logical next step. Anything is better than taking a minimum wage position at the McDonald's around the corner. The families of first generation college students are elated at the possibility that someone in the family will be successful enough to pull the rest of the family out of a rut.

Most school districts prepare their students (well, at least their brightest students) to make the transition to higher education. American College Test (ACT) preparation workshops are offered as early as middle school. School counselors encourage students to apply for a number of colleges and to look for financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Some counselors will even fill out applications and forms for their students. It's not just a job; these counselors work tirelessly to ensure that the new graduates will have as many opportunities as possible to be successful.

Each year universities and colleges welcome an increasing number of older students. These non-traditional education seekers are returning to college campuses to finish the degrees they started in their early adult years or to correct the mistake of foregoing a college education. Older students seem to have an unwavering determination. Many alter their lives by giving up jobs and relationships or driving long distances in pursuit of a better education. They are relentless.

Today, however, many college graduates find themselves in tough situations. They were misled by the idea that a college degree guarantees a successful career or even a decent job. More and more college grads have found that there are definitely no guarantees. Unless your education opens doors, it could, in fact, prove to be totally useless. There will always be someone in the job market that is smarter, nicer, better looking, more charming, or that has taken a few more college classes. Older graduates are made to face the reality that potential employers are often searching for the younger, sharper minds - not those who should be nearing retirement.

One thing the college professors don't teach you is to not be so dependent on the job market that you are discouraged by a few negative interviews. After graduating from Mississippi State University with a BA in English and concentrations in both communications and marketing, I was sure that I would get that dream job in public relations. Besides, although my grades had fallen slightly since marrying and having two kids, they were still pretty good. I had graduated on time. I had earned a number of honors and awards. I had earned that extremely expensive piece of paper. I remember waiting for weeks to have the mailman deliver the dusty brown envelope to my door. Inside it was what I thought was my career ticket. I thought I had the total package.

But, to my dismay, after months of sending in applications and resumes, the only job offer I received was to be a glorified secretary with my alma mater. I convinced myself that I had gotten my foot in the door and moving up would be no problem. So, I took the position and made it more than it had ever been before. I was miserable yet I worked hard, all the while applying for other campus positions. After a little over three years, I found that I was trapped with only one way out - resignation. Now I find myself making my own decisions. I'm finally starting my career and doing what makes me happy. That's so much more important than any job.

It may not be easy, but the idea is simple. Don't just wait for someone to give you the job you want. Sometimes you have to make the job you want.