College - A Failing Proposition

Historically, college education was seen as a way to equip individuals with the higher-level skills and knowledge they needed to contribute to the economy and society. However, as the economy has evolved, the curriculum offered by colleges and universities has often failed to keep pace, leaving students with degrees that are not aligned with the workforce's needs.

At the same time, the cost of tuition has continued to rise at an alarming rate. This has led to many students and their families taking on significant levels of debt in order to pay for college. The burden of this debt can be especially burdensome for students who are not able to secure well-paying jobs after graduation, due to the misalignment between their education and the needs of the workforce.

This leads one to ask, is the higher education industry taking advantage of young people and their families, instead of properly equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s economy? It is important for colleges and universities to address these issues and ensure that they are providing a relevant education valued by both students and employers.

College curriculum is often not aligned with the needs of the workforce. This can mean that students are studying subjects that are not relevant to their chosen careers, or that they are not being taught the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for.

This disconnect between college education and the needs of the workforce can make it difficult for students to transition from college to their careers. There is often no bridge to carry students from getting their degree to using their degree in the real world, leaving them to navigate this transition on their own.

This lack of alignment and support can be particularly challenging for students who are trying to break into industries or fields where they have only educational experience. Without the necessary support and guidance, they may struggle to find job opportunities or advance in their careers.

College is supposed to be a place of learning and personal growth, where young people can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their chosen careers. However, for many students, college fails to deliver on this promise.

Some colleges and universities simply do not do a good job of educating their students. This can be due to a lack of resources, outdated teaching methods, or a lack of focus on critical thinking skills. As a result, many students leave college without the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their chosen careers.

One reason is university politics, where colleges and universities may prioritize maintaining their reputation and attracting funding over providing a high-quality education to their students. This can lead to a focus on superficial measures of success, such as attracting top-tier faculty or building state-of-the-art facilities, rather than investing in the quality of teaching and learning.

In addition, many colleges and universities do not place enough emphasis on critical thinking skills or problem-solving. Instead, they focus on memorization and rote learning, which does not adequately prepare students for the challenges and complexities of the real world.

Student debt is a major issue in higher education, as many colleges and universities charge high tuition fees that are often funded by government-backed student loans. This cycle of increasing tuition fees and increasing student loan borrowing can create a financial burden for students that is difficult to escape. Many students graduate from college with significant debt that can take years to pay off, hindering their ability to succeed financially and professionally. Furthermore, the availability of government-backed loans can create a false sense of security for students, leading them to take on more debt than they can realistically afford. Unlike other types of debt, student loans cannot be discharged through bankruptcy, meaning that if you are unable to pay them off, they will stay with you for the rest of your life. The interest on student loans can also continue to accrue over time, causing the total amount you owe to grow beyond your ability to pay. This can create a financial burden that is difficult to escape and hinders your ability to achieve financial stability and security.

The focus on reputation and funding can also lead to a politics-first approach at many colleges and universities. Institutions may prioritize maintaining relationships with donors and other influential figures over supporting the needs and interests of their students and faculty. This can create a toxic and unhealthy culture, as individuals and groups within the institution jostle for power and influence.

This political environment can have a number of negative consequences for students. It can lead to a lack of transparency and accountability, as decisions are made behind closed doors and without input from the broader community. It can also result in the suppression of dissenting voices and the marginalization of certain groups, as those in positions of power work to protect their own interests.

The politics-first approach can also have a negative impact on the quality of education. Decisions may be driven by short-term financial considerations rather than a long-term focus on student success. This can lead to a lack of resources and support for students and faculty, as well as a lack of investment in innovative teaching and learning approaches.

One of the most valuable aspects of college education is the opportunity to interact with knowledgeable and experienced professors who are passionate about their subjects and become mentors to their students. These professors bring real-world experience and knowledge into the classroom and provide valuable insights and perspectives that go beyond just the material being taught. However, many college instructors lack industry engagement and simply go through the motions of teaching, hindering the learning environment and contributing to the failure of colleges to truly educate and prepare students for the workforce. The best professors are those who are not just educators, but also mentors who are deeply engaged with their students and committed to their success. It is these interactions that make the college experience valuable and worthwhile.

 *Edit - Someone just shared a rant with me by Ken Coleman that I think is also worth a look: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkRMc8kXnfg