University, College, or Work?

By Matthew Butler

Somehow, it has been impressed upon students that attending a university is the only, and most natural, progression beyond high school. Not only is this outlook incorrect, as every student is different with varying abilities, interests, and passions, but this kind of thinking can mismatch students and schools.

If a student hears, day after day that university is the be-all and end-all for getting a ‘good’ job after high school, there is a much smaller chance they will consider other alternative paths - some of which may lead to an even better result! I am suggesting that you consider all of the alternatives before making a decision.

Here are two paths you could try:

1) Attend a college or general university program first and then transfer your credits to another institution after a period of time. This is a great way to ‘get your foot in the door’ and also start building skills and learning about your interests that will continue moving your education forward. You may find that a university is not the best option for you and find a suitable program in your college that puts you on a better path.

2) Work or volunteer first, in a job or industry that will compliment or motivate future study. Again, after working for a period, you may decide to forgo future study, but many of you will find this plan a strong motivation to continue with schooling.

Whether you decide to work first, attend a pre-program or plunge right into a full-fledged university program of your choice, remember that there is no ‘right way’ and in fact, there are multiple alternative ways to get you to where you hope to go.

Make the decision that is best for you and make it yourself.