Choosing Between University And College
There is a common misconception that university students gain more from their education in comparison to those that attend college. Due to this, there are students who apply to university classes in order to appear a certain way with their peers.
Linda Franklin, the president and chief executive officer of Colleges Ontario emphasizes the importance of eliminating this misconception, as there has been a 40 percent increase of university graduates going to college in the past five years.In order to clarify the differences between these two institutions, let us define what they will provide your kids.
University is an institution that can grant degrees. In university the first four years are referred to as undergraduate (or bachelor) degrees which usually take 3-4 years as long as the student is attending full-time. A bachelor’s degree is essential if your child wants to progress in their education into graduate programs. Universities focus tends to be on academic and professional programs.
College is different from university as the subject matter usually involves career training and trades. As a result, colleges are considered more career-oriented, and offer hands-on training. Attending college provides the student with a certificate, and the program is usually a year or less; a diploma program is usually two or three years.
Of course the degree of choice greatly influences the education, as some value university over college, and vice versa. For example, paralegals and retail managers would have better chances in their career if attending university, while chefs would be valued more through a college education.University graduate Amanda Kural demonstrates why it is essential to research both alternatives before making a final choice:
“There are these strange assumptions as to what university and college means. People think University is where you excel and college is where you slack around. While I have never attended college I can honestly tell you university is not providing me with the career I thought it would. I wish someone cleared that up for me before I started my degree”
What has changed in the job market is that employers wish to invest less time into training new employees, and instead expect to see their experience on their resume and cover letter. They want to see why your child’s education has impacted their authority in their business, and ensure that they have the proper skills before entering their market.
The competition has risen considerably says Lauren Friese, founder of TalentEgg, a Toronto-based company for postsecondary students and recent graduates. This is validated by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, a federal government department which states that today 22 percent of Canadians have a university degree, which is contrasted with less than 11 percent in 1990.
It is therefore essential to acquire the proper education your child needs, be it college or university, to succeed in their future endeavours.
By Shelly Koren
