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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.