Does College Prepare You for Your First Job?

My honest answer to this question is ldquo;yes,rdquo; ldquo;no,rdquo; and ldquo;yesrdquo;rdquo;. Truthfully, it is the students who actively prepare themselves for the workforce, while colleges offer supplementary training along the way.

Is the Current College Curriculum Adequate?

This notion may sound harsh, but for the engineering community, the current Indian education curriculum is, to say the least, outdated. The syllabus has been consistent since my parents' generation, and it is likely to remain so for the next generation. The curriculum in technical subjects is so outdated that my professor during the first Engineering Drawing class emphasized that he knows the course is outdated but must teach it, and we must study it. With the advancement of technology, hardly anyone uses manual drawings for technical purposes today.

The Case of Programming in C

The first semester also includes the course Programming in C, a programming language that is both incredibly old and one that requires the most effort to master due to its syntax. Initially, for me, this was a daunting task, and I even resented coding. Later, I learned that C is not the ideal language for software jobs in the modern industry.

Specialized Training vs. Subject Exploration

You have the option of enrolling in career training within a college or engaging in subject training. Technical colleges typically focus on career training, while universities and liberal arts colleges offer both. For instance, enrolling in an AWS certification program means you are being trained and certified for a specific job and will be qualified for it if you successfully complete the program. On the other hand, subjects like transgender poetry and literature can enrich your knowledge and interests but do not offer a direct path to a career unless you actively seek to do so.

Subject Versus Career Training

Some subjects are better at preparing you for a career than others. But even when colleges themselves do not do much, employers still hire only college graduates for white-collar jobs. This highlights the importance of not just the curriculum but also the overall experience and the skills you gain at college.

Personal Empowerment and Skills

Ultimately, the communication skills and the curiosity to learn are what get you jobs. As Suzy Kassem puts it, ldquo;Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.rdquo; The key is to not let doubt or fear stop you from pursuing your ambitions. Follow your dreams and continue to champion them. Good luck!