(PCM+) April Thoughts on Higher Ed

by Stephen Scott

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I was recently reading an article reporting the results of a survey of 70,000 small to medium-sized businesses across the nation. The survey concerned the need for workers to have a college degree. The sad results noted 67% did not see value in a college education. The reasons given by the employers were highlighted by a belief our colleges are not turning out graduates with relevant skills needed by businesses today.

As a member of the Ponca City University Center Board of Directors, I attend annual training by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. The main theme the last couple of years is “relevance.” Naturally, an institution cannot dictate which courses a student takes (unless that student is working towards a specific degree). And the temptation to take “fun” courses often aligns with enhancing the social college experience rather than a degree goal. But I advocate a student should decide in their freshman year which direction they intend to go with their education, and essentially how it will support their career direction upon graduation.

By the time a decision is made to go to college, a student should have spent at least a small amount of time evaluating the job market and what is needed, and subsequently finding a path forward that agrees with personal interests and capabilities. As an engineer, I KNOW the extreme math needed for my degree is not everyone’s “cup of tea.” But there is a massive shortage of engineers nationwide which means my degree guarantees employability. Other factors supporting my decision included 47% of college degreed workers have employer-supported health plans, and 72% have a retirement plan.