After graduating from high school, some students have the option to directly
into the work force. Most students have the opportunities, however, decide to
go to college before finding jobs. They attend college to obtain more choices,
higher salaries, and more opportunities for advancement in an increasingly job
market.
Before attending college, students have limited opportunity to specialize.
After obtaining a special college degree a job applicant is more competitive
for previously unavailable jobs. For instance, a job applicant with Computer
Science degree is not only be qualified for jobs in high-tech companies, they
are also well prepared for any jobs with the computer skills as prerequisite.
With large range of potential jobs to choose from, degree holders are more
likely to find a job that suits their particular needs and interests.
Additionally, employers are willing to pay premium for highly qualified
applicants. For example, many companies desire employees who are competent to
more than one language and offer high salaries to attract them. Even if a job
applicant without college degree has high standardized test scores, employers
still place high value on an applicant with similar test scores who also
possesses credential from a well-known university. Because of the extent to
which a college degree is accepted by employers as the proof of competence in
given filed, college graduates are not only more likely to receive more job
offers, they can also command higher salaries than applicant who lack of
college diplomas.
Finally, in addition to offering more choices and higher salaries, a college
degree offers access to the job with clear path towards professional
advancement. A. B. S in biology for example, can allow students find a job in
the lab after graduation, a first step on the road towards a career in
scientific research. The same major could also be used to apply to medical
school, a career as doctor. Both of these avenues would be unavailable without
taking the first step of undergraduate degree in biology.