Students about to graduate from
high school are often uncertain as to which direction to go in terms of their
choice of a future career or a profession. They wonder whether they should
choose a vocation or seek a higher level of education at a college or
university. At times, even their parents do not know how to advise them.
Baby
boomers and seniors returning to work after years of previous employment may
need more education to return to work or proceed to another level of employment.
While vocational training can
be of merit to many students, in a rapidly changing world like ours, there is a
growing need for students to acquire knowledge beyond the level of vocational
training.
What is a vocation?
Dictionary.com suggests a vocation refers to “a particular occupation,
business, or profession” or “a calling”
that leads one to a specific kind of “activity or career”.
Vocational training implies specific training toward a
vocation or occupation.
Aptitude testing for students
is important in the decision making process.
When students show an aptitude
for a particular occupation because of interests, experiences or backgrounds,
specific training in those areas may be appropriate in terms of a future
career. For example, a young man trains in his father’s greenhouse, because he
wants to have the same vocation as his father. His younger brother opts for
higher education because he wants to become a doctor.
Many students need vocational
guidance or counseling in order to make appropriate career choice for
themselves.
Note that vocations can be on
many different levels, including the professional level of a minister or priest
with a calling towards a chosen vocation. For example, a young woman decides to
train as a minister, because this is what God has called her to do in terms of
her vocation.
Higher education:
Acquiring higher knowledge
beyond the level of high school empowers students to function on a different
academic level in a world where knowledge represents power.
Meeting academic standards for
colleges and universities is an essential requirement for entrance. Colleges
and universities seek highly motivated, ambitious and hardworking students with
a history of excellent marks. These requirements may prevent some students from
qualifying for entrance. Upgrading may be required or sometimes, a student must
submit to several months of academic probation prior to admission..
Nowadays, there is financing
available for those seeking higher education in terms of student loans and
grants, but one of the major concerns related to higher levels of education is
still that of cost. Higher education is expensive everywhere and many prospective
students are not able to afford it. There are more potential candidates to
compete with from all around the globe, making the possibility of acceptance in
a higher education program more competitive.
In spite of the demands of
entrance requirements, the increasing cost of higher education and competition,
it is still possible for anyone who is serious about obtaining higher education
to do so. Applying at a number of different colleges or universities is
beneficial, as these can prove to be less popular locations that are more cost
effective.
At times, it may be necessary
for a student to work at a vocation in order to pay for his or her higher
education, or to work on a part time basis, at another job. Taking part time
courses makes it possible for many students to obtain higher education, but it
takes longer. Some levels of higher education offer specific training modules
where the student receives remuneration while being trained.
If you are a student who is
still undecided about your career choice, spend time with someone who has a
vocation or seek a guidance counselor at various colleges and universities
about higher education. Both options have merit, depending upon your interest,
ability and preference in respect to a career choice.
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