The purpose of higher education - Essay Example

Constructing an Argument - Purpose of Higher Education In today's knowledge economy, education has occupied an increasingly importantpost. As such, many people nowadays have opted to pursue higher education on top of primary and secondary education made available by the government. There are various reasons why people decide to go for higher education. The foremost and all-encompassing reason cited is that it is deemed as a vital to achieve a better life.It is a common belief that to have a good job, meaning high paying, one must be armed with a college degree or even a post-graduate degree.

There are numerous employers who mainly consider the academic background of potential employees as a top job criterion. So in order to secure a good position in a company, higher education is often a requisite.In relation to landing a dream job, higher education is also viewed as a magnet for good money. In an interview conducted, one student asserted that those with higher education are more likely to possess higher income potential. With more earnings, one is able to provide for his needs and even afford luxuries like expensive vacations, beautiful home or nice cars.

In the interviewee's case, with more money pouring in he would be able to provide for his children's basic needs including better education. In addition, he would be able to financially aid his parents if need be.As a believer of education, I totally agree with the arguments given above. Pursuing higher education may be instrumental in being accepted to a prestigious firm. Although one may lack job related experience, a degree would certainly have a signaling effect to employers. A higher education would communicate to them that an applicant has learned vital skills needed to perform a particular job effectively.

With this, everything else follows - higher salary, better life, brighter future. However, it is apparent that the said arguments revolve around the financial benefits derived from higher education. I reckon that it is also equally important to dwell on the non-monetary benefits like self-fulfillment. Being able to gain expertise in a particular field may bring substantial fulfillment to a person. Furthermore, being able to impart the knowledge to others and gaining recognition for such noble act may bring even greater satisfaction.

In this regard, the role of education in the attainment of a higher quality of life becomes more evident.