We’ve been where you are, so we get it: the college admissions process is harrowing. In fact, you probably found this post after a panicked Google search: Does your college choice affect your career? What if you don’t get into — or choose — the best school? Should you just give up and binge One Piece again?
We’ve got the answers to your questions:
Let’s dive deeper into how your college choice can affect your career — and how to choose the right school for you.
At this point, you might be suffering from so much decision fatigue, you wonder if a college degree is necessary at all. You might’ve noticed that many U.S. job postings are no longer requiring a four-year degree. Maybe you’ve talked to peers who say you don’t need more than a high school education to succeed financially — a view that 45 percent of Gen Z holds. The truth is, going to college is making the right choice. Here’s why:
As you can see, a college degree can advance your career. But does it have to be a four-year bachelor’s degree? Not necessarily. You might consider alternatives if:
Let’s take a peek at vocational programs and associate degrees.
Post-secondary vocational schools — also called “trade schools” — teach you practical skills for a specific occupation, such as:
Before choosing a vocational program, research:
You should also find out how in-demand your chosen industry will be. For example, plumbers are paid well — but there won’t be many new plumbing jobs created in the next few years, according to this New York Times article. On the other hand, employment for massage therapists is projected to grow 18 percent between now and 2032.
An associate degree — often earned at a community college — is less costly than a bachelor’s degree and can be completed in half the time. According to U.S. News & World Report, industries that value a two-year degree include:
Keep in mind that you might face stiff competition from applicants with a bachelor’s degree. That’s why it’s important to gain hands-on experience through internships, which will make you a stronger job candidate. And you can always complete your bachelor’s degree by transferring from a two-year community college to a four-year school, of course. USF even offers specific “pathway programs” for students who want to start their education at a community college before transferring to one of our three campuses.
Most college students choose to enroll in undergraduate bachelor’s degree programs. A bachelor’s degree can help set you up for career success because:
But does it matter which school your bachelor’s degree comes from? “As far as college choice affecting job opportunities, several other factors may be more significant than the college you pick,” explains this article from Empire Resume. “These factors seem apparent, but they’re the quality of the student, the major you select, and your drive and ambition.”
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some specific concerns you might have.
The short answer is no. It’s true that top colleges in the U.S. — like the Ivies or Ivy-adjacent schools — can open doors for you. Big doors. Doors made of solid mahogany that have important names on them. Graduates are more likely to land jobs at prestigious firms or hold elite leadership positions in society. If you have an acceptance letter from Harvard or Yale, take it seriously, but don’t despair if you don’t get in.
“I see this razor-sharp focus from families that it’s only worth going to college if you can go to a life-changing college,” says Alvin Tillery, director of Northwestern’s Center for the Study of Diversity and Democracy. “The pathway to CEO is not necessarily an elite university.”
Tillery goes on to explain in this CNBC article that most CEOs are actually graduates of large state universities.
You’ll also be happy to know that, whether you go to a selective private school or a state university, research shows that you’ll have an equal chance of finding satisfaction with your job and life. A Harvard diploma isn’t your only ticket to happiness.
“Today, whether you go to college retains some importance in your employment options. But where you go to college is of almost of no importance,” says Michael Bernick, the former director of the California labor department and the employment development department. “Whether your degree, for example, is from UCLA or from less prestigious Sonoma State matters far less than your academic performance and the skills you can show employers.”
College is a big investment, which is why choosing a school can feel so high-stakes. After all, with the federal student loan debt at more than $1.77 trillion in 2023, many borrowers struggle to repay their loans. Debt can keep you from pursuing career goals because you might have to choose a high-paying position over your passion. That’s why you want to choose a college that will pay off. But how do you know which college is a good investment?
You can also do some investigating yourself:
Although the “best school” doesn’t exist, some colleges or universities might help you reach your career goals more readily than others. When you’re looking at potential schools, ask yourself these questions:
Does your prospective school offer your major? If so, great! And if the school has a wide range of majors to choose from, that’s even better. A third of college students end up changing their major at least once — so it’s best to give yourself plenty of options, even if you think you’ve got your field of study nailed down. USF offers 200+ programs of study, making it possible to switch from mathematics to music or English to environmental science.
Keep in mind that some jobs will require a master’s or doctorate degree. If that’s the case for your career path, see if the school offers an accelerated program that allows you to earn master’s-level credits during your bachelor’s program.
Experiential learning gives you the chance to step outside the classroom and practice new skills in the real world. Why is this important for your career? Hands-on practice lets you “test” your major so you can be confident in your choice of career.
Plus, real-world experience will make you more competitive when you’re ready to job search. 98% of employers believe that experiential learning improves the job readiness of college students, according to the National Society of Experiential Education.
Along with internships, experiential learning might look like:
If you need a tiebreaker between two great schools, factor in their locations — which can affect your career more than you’d think:
Location can also affect your tuition price, but don’t let that keep you from exploring out-of-state schools. USF’s out-of-state tuition is actually more affordable than most in-state schools.
A fantastic career center can be a game changer, so it’s worth comparing what each college offers.
65 to 80 percent of jobs are found through networking so, you want your school to have a strong alumni base. Barbara Green, a former member of USF’s enrollment team, put it like this: “Alumni organizations can provide powerful networking opportunities while you’re in college and long after you graduate, connecting you with professionals at various stages of their careers in your geographic area and beyond.”
“Networking” sounds like a fancy word, but it’s just who you know. The best way to start networking is to make friends during your college years, so first, explore how students can get involved on campus.
Next, find out how your prospective school takes care of alumni:
Be kind to yourself as you navigate the college admissions process. Take time to sleep, rest, and yes, maybe treat yourself to a One Piece rewatch. We know college decisions aren’t easy, so we offer a ton of useful blog posts on the subject. Remember that you can talk to one of our admissions counselors, too! Reach out to the Office of Admissions to find out how we can help you.