Choosing a Valuable Education.

• Position: EDUCATION

It has become a standard expectation for students to attend college. As a society, we have come to believe that college guarantees success, but it is essential to consider all the options that may help a student be successful. A traditional college education may not be the right choice for everyone.

Some people are happier and more successful working in trades, skills positions, technical jobs, or other jobs not requiring a traditional college degree. When it comes to many trade jobs, people often misunderstand what these truly entail. These positions often are overlooked as careers for the uneducated or for having little income and career potential. However, many of these positions and careers lend themselves to private business ownership or provide promotion and higher wage opportunities when working for employers.

An increasing number of job and career opportunities that people presume require a college education seek students trained and certified without requiring a full bachelor's degree. Some employers are willing to train prospective employees in the skills necessary for what they produce. Jobs and careers in robotics, computer programming, and other technology-based opportunities only may require a series of certifications or a two-year degree.

These companies feel that technology is changing so fast that the first years of college are obsolete by the time students graduate. Instead, these firms look for the skills and certifications they feel will create the best foundation rather than the four-year degree.

In fields such as manufacturing, these jobs have changed drastically in their requirements. Positions that in the past entailed using power tools to install components on an assembly line have turned into teams of technicians trained in various specialties, such as robotics operation, electrical trades, welding, CNC (computer numerical control) machine operation, and some basic computer programming. Many career opportunities have gone overlooked and now comprise the bulk of job opportunities in the current economy.

In many other fields, a college-level education is essential for a student to have an opportunity. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields have a substantial chance for long-term success with a college education. Many STEM fields play a significant role in booming sectors of the economy, such as doctor and nursing professions, engineering, computer programming, and robotics.

Businesses must...