After spending the day at a career fair at Godley High School, I stumbled upon a Facebook post by Mike Rowe that really made me think. It was one of those moments where everything just clicks. Mike had some tough words about the way we all too often think about education and work. He called out a chart showing how much more college grads earn compared to high school grads, labeling it misleading and a sort of propaganda for "college at any price." And you know what? He has a point.
I had the chance to talk with some very bright students, all set on the college track. But after reading Mike Rowe's post, it hit me — are we, as a society, really showing them every option available for their future? Each one of these kids had college in their sights, as if that's the singular path to a successful life. Mike's words resonated, challenging this one-route-fits-all approach. It's time to ask ourselves if we're narrowing their vision by not revealing the entire landscape of possibilities.
Mike's post pointed out something crucial: we're comparing apples to oranges. Not every successful person went to a four-year college. What about skilled tradespeople, entrepreneurs, or those who find their niche through community colleges or online courses? They're often doing just as well, if not better, and without the mountain of debt.
So, what should we be doing differently? Well, for starters, we need to celebrate all paths to success. Whether it's through apprenticeships, trade schools, or even learning on the job, there are so many ways to make a good living and be happy in what you do.
Working at Wachter has shown me the importance of practical skills in our industry. We need to do more to support schools and programs that prepare students for the real world, not just the academic one. It's about offering internships, partnering with technical schools, and maybe even starting scholarship funds for those who choose a different path.
We need to broaden our perspective on what success looks like and how to get there. It's not just about pushing everyone towards a four-year degree. It's about finding what works for you, what you're passionate about, and going for it. Let's make sure we're telling that story to the next generation.
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4moThat's awesome! I hope you enjoy your new program. I met you briefly at a mixer a year ago and have gotten excited about the stuff you've been sharing. A mentor asked me where gaps in my education and experiences are, "What do you know nothing about?" At the undergrad level as a biochem student, I had loads of lab/research experience but nothing with industry and business. They helped me secure an externship doing laboratory work for a craft brewery--both business and industry experience just like that. At the graduate level, I had no experience working with/for the government but instead had worked solely in private clinics. I was then fortunate to have a clinical training year working for the Department of Veteran Affairs. Now I at least have familiarity with both sides of things. I think it was stellar advice to confess my deficits. "What don't you know?" is a good question.