Arguments for the Presence of Higher Education - Essay Example

Argumentative Essay for Higher Education Higher education, in most parts of the world, is viewed as an avenue for individuals to create a future, and have a shot at a fruitful and successful career. The main purpose behind higher education is to equip students and individuals pursuing it with lifelong skills that might assist them in their daily endeavors, and may greatly impact the manner in which they handle everyday issues. In the past, higher education has always been seen as something only the elite classes of families attain, but the change in times is proving this theory wrong. Most households present in modern times are boasting of having at least one member who has attained higher education, and is now well-equipped to deal with the ever-changing job market. There are reasons for and against higher education, and individuals will always have an opinion about the changing or shifting paradigm that is higher education (Jedding 76). However, it is crucial to note some of the vital issues that arise as a result of higher education. The advancement or graduation of an individual from one level of education to the next is always something that brings satisfaction to all the people involved. This is a clear indicator that there is a growing and intensifying need to understand the value of education among most people. Families are gearing up to the fact that their children will have to acquire a certain level of education in order to have a fighting chance in some of the world’s leading institutions, and have some sense of security. This pushes individuals to try and excel in the different fields they find themselves in, and try to make it regardless of the challenges present (Jedding 81). As mentioned above, there are reasons for and against higher education and this paper will examine some of them, and try to indicate why higher education is a vital element in the security and future of a region. One of the most crucial and best arguments for higher education is the fact that no individual can be over-educated. Once people reach a certain level in their quest for education, the might try to look for excuses to stop or quit by claiming that they have had enough of it. This may be a wrong assumption, especially when one considers that education never stops. Education is a means to learn something new every day, and use that to improve one’s life and problem solving skills. Higher education is just a means to acquire experience through what someone else has already discovered, so as to make life easier and less complicated (Jedding 84). It is vital for individuals to make educated decisions in their daily activities as this strives to improve the quality of their lives, and the quality of those around them. This increases the satisfaction among all people present in society, which then fosters exceptional relations among individuals. Moreover, the presence of higher education in most regions often leads to the creation of opportunities. This is especially for all those with certificates and degrees to match the changing times. Experience gained through education is vital in the current job market. This indicates that an economy that needs to grow needs to have a productive team of experts to guide and steer it in the right direction. This is not possible if the workforce or labor force lacks in certain areas, especially on an educational level (Jedding 92). The understanding and levels of commitment by an educated workforce is a clear indicator that an economy needs education to improve its current status by elevating it to higher levels. This is only possible if people attain higher education and promote a culture based on educated people who make well-informed and well-thought of decisions. Education can be considered as an investment for the future, and in this case, a highly valuable investment. Furthermore, the value of higher education is seen and respected by every individual in the world. Even though there is a high rate of drop outs from some of the higher learning institutions, there is an even higher level of applicants who are trying to get into some of these institutions. The need to join these institutions is pushing graduating students to apply for positions in some of the prestigious institutions because the value of education is priceless. A culture is developing among most students about the acquisition of higher education and the benefits one can accrue from enlisting in such institutions. For some of them, it is the idea of getting to meet more people and comprehend the aspect of socialization and improving on social skills (Selingo 47). This can also be considered as learning and an improvement on the part of the individual’s growth, which can be both mental and emotional. This then forces the individual to grow into a holistic individual with the ability to handle any and all situations that come their way. Despite these advantages and benefits, higher education has received criticism from different groups who think it may have some negative impact on the overall standing of society. One of the main reasons given against higher education is the fact that it is too expensive to acquire. Some economists even go further to claim that the money spent by the federal government on higher education should be spent on other crucial sectors of the economy, for example; the healthcare sector. Higher education has also led to the problem or issue of the degree losing its value. Degree dilution would be the term to use in such a case where most people find themselves having the same degree or certificates, but no probable avenue which may allow them to utilize their skills. This goes to show that the degree is losing its value with every lot of graduating students from higher learning institutions (Altbach, Gumport and Berdahl 43). Education is a growing factor in today’s environment, and without higher education, there is no chance for any kind of growth in the region. Furthermore, there is higher competition for the available jobs in the market. It is easy to see individuals competing for the same high-paying jobs available in some of the well-renowned organizations, which have little positions to offer many qualified individuals. Also, with regards to this type of competition, individuals who have attained higher education do not wish to be employed in low-level jobs. Their wish is to graduate from prestigious higher learning institutions and get employed immediately in top organizations in high-level jobs that are rewarding. This is especially in terms of salaries, bonuses, and any other benefits that come with the job. Even though this may be unrealistic, most individuals claim that their educational level is not meant for any other task below their qualification. In such instances, employers may opt to not hire them and opt to hire the low-level individuals who are willing to work from the bottom so as to understand the nature of the organization (Altbach, Gumport and Berdahl 57). In conclusion, higher education can be classified as a gift that every individual needs to acquire. It is the best gift that society may give to its growing generation who in turn, might guide society to brighter days. There would also be no opportunities for any development in society. Individuals need to prosper and flourish in different fields, and in order to do so, there is a need to have education in one’s arsenal. It is vital for individuals to make education a significant aspect in their lives, and thus; create a sustainable and reliable future for everyone involved. Educated individuals do not necessarily have to feel that they are of no value or are losing their value just because there are countless more individuals getting the same. It just means there is a bigger avenue for the sharing of information and the exchange of ideas in society, which is aimed at benefitting everyone. Works Cited Altbach, Phillip G., Patricia J. Gumport, and Robert O. Berdahl. American Higher Education in the Twenty-First Century: Social, Political, and Economic Challenges. 3rd ed. New York: American Printing Press, 2011. Print. Jedding, Kenneth. Higher Education: On Life, Landing a Job, and Everything Else they didn’t teach you in College. New York: Hart Publishing, 2010. Print. Selingo, Jeffrey J. College (Un)Bound: The Future of Higher Education and What it means for Students. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013. Print. Read More