Educational Attainment and Employment

Some strongly believe that a person’s grasp of academic theory is very necessary for him or her to become a qualified professional. For them, educational attainment is the most important factor in employment because of different reasons.

First, people need formal education to learn the proper knowledge and skills required in a certain field. The information that people get from formal education can equip them with the theoretical knowledge that they can apply as professionals. Usually, employers prefer those who have deeper theoretical knowledge because those people can do more for them.

Second, getting a higher educational attainment helps people become more mature and connected with a bigger world. As peoplepursue higher levels of education, they mingle with people who have more technical and practical knowledge. Through their academic pursuit, they can acquire the knowledge and skills they need for their chosen fields, and they can create a network or a support system that can help them improve once they become professionals. 

Lastly, the competition in the corporate world has become very fierce over the years. Gone are the days when employers merelyfocus on a person’s practical experiences and good character. Employers now look for the most educated people who can be part of their team, so people need to invest in education for them to have an edge over their competitors.

On the other hand, there are people who do not agree that one’s educational attainment should make a difference in seeking employment opportunities. They also say that a person’s educational attainment is not the most important factor in employment.

First, the theoretical knowledge that people learn from educational institutions would be useless if they do not know how to apply them in the real world. Instead of focusing on what school records show, employers should focus on people’s ability to work properly and their willingness to learn.

Second, the educational system has now become toocommercialized that even undeserving students can earn a degree even without having the skill set that employers need. Degree-granting has been commoditized, so it should not be the major basis for employment.

Lastly, a person’s high educational attainment does not automatically imply that he or she will become a good employee.Employers should focus on a person’s qualities, such as work ethic and social skills, that will put him or her above those who have the same technical and theoretical knowledge.