Debates have it that we study to get employment, and once someone gets one, there is no reason to continue with college, let alone more education such as a masters degree or a doctorate. By definition, a college or university (both terms are interchangeable) is higher education or specialised professional or vocational training institution. Students attend university after graduating from high school. What’s the purpose of college? I believe that earning a college degree is a way to stand out in a highly competitive job market, says Diane Kayitesi, a Masters student at the University of Rwanda. It adds value to yourself as an individual, she continues, and the degree attests to the skills youll have to prove once on the field. However, Bart Mutabazi, a University of Kigali graduate, believes that college is about more than just getting a degree. I believe that the purpose of college is to gather as much experience as you can, he says, noting that experience may be gained through both informal and formal education. College life provides both informal and formal skills that you will need in your day-to-day work and in life in general, he says. For those who have already enrolled in college or are considering doing so, there are a few realities that you should be aware of. College is all about networking Networking is making and building meaningful connections or professional relationships that could help you currently or in the future with your career or personal goals. These are to be maintained over a long period of time and they may not necessarily be one’s social interactions. A 2019 report by The Haven at College showed that 85 percent of all jobs are found through networking. The networks that one builds make it easier or harder to spot better opportunities. You will not necessarily work in the field of your degree If you have a journalism degree, for example, you may not be limited to working as a journalist. Following the example of journalists, who are usually well-versed in communications, they may be qualified for positions in public relations, marketing, and other related fields. The point is to not limit oneself, according to author and teacher Jean Marie Vianney Nshuti. Even if several factors play a key role in determining the type of job one obtains, he said, it is still important to keep looking for more, better, or higher positions based on personal preferences or to simply seize opportunities as they present themselves. College is not enough to prepare you for a job Internships are one way to gain experience. Education and minimal job experience are generally specified as employment requirements. When someone initially enters the workforce after college, they are unlikely to have the necessary experience. An internship can be one approach to bridge the gap. Interning allows you to acquire valuable insight into the realities of your chosen area, participate in meetings, build a network, and complete assigned tasks in a real-world setting. It’s okay to change your mind! We hear a lot of stories about students who start college only to discover they made a mistake by enrolling in their current field, or graduates who start working in their field of choice only to discover it isnt what they had hoped for when they were dreaming about it. Theres no reason to be upset about it; its fine, Nshuti remarks. If you cant afford multiple degrees or dont want to start over and acquire another degree, then you should be open to other career options or majors for those still in school,” he recommends. Have fun throughout college First and foremost, taking part in campus life and various extracurricular activities should not be overlooked. Its not just a means to connect with your peers, but its also a way to unwind. When it comes to having a good time, do what makes you happy.
