After graduating high school, you may be faced with the decision of attending either a college or a vocational school. Colleges and vocational schools generally have different educational objectives. This article provides some advice on how to make the right choice between going to college or attending vocational school.
In the classrooms
Four-year college courses are often based on a foundation of the sciences and the humanities, including literature, math and logic, philosophy, history, and the arts. Liberal arts education is based on the notion that education should develop and help perfect the human being. This academic training gives students a well-rounded education. The “liberal arts” education offered in colleges has the objective of educating and developing students in a broad spectrum of studies exploring the humanity of man. Four-year courses that focus on the sciences, on the other hand, expose students to different approaches, trends, and investigations in the pure sciences (such as chemistry, biology, and physics) and the applied sciences (such as engineering).
Vocational schools, on the other hand, have the goal of educating and training students on a profession-related specialization. Vocational school graduates will gain the education and training needed to do well in a certain trade or technical area. These trades include cosmetics, tourism, travel, funeral services, cottage industries, and retail.
A restaurant manager who is looking to hire kitchen staff will definite prefer a vocational school graduate who specialized in cooking and becoming a chef to a college graduate. College graduates, though, will have better chances of getting into other fields such as corporate entities. This is because of the type of education one receives in college.
Going beyond the lessons
If you feel that you have an inclination for the trade sciences and other technical areas, you should consider taking a course in a vocational school. These vocational schools provide you with the knowledge, training, and experience you need to become successful in the specialization that you choose. On the other hand, if you think that you might want to explore a career path with variety, you should consider going to college. Regardless of where you end up, you will probably have to write a personal statement. Be sure to read some examples of personal statements so you can perfect your own and get into your college or vocational school of choice.
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Doing a part-time job while trying to ace your classes can sometimes feel like burning a candle at both ends. In fact, in many examples of personal statements, you will notice that the topic of balancing school work and a job often arises. Many people have to rely on the money they earn from a job to get them through school and pay for their bills. Here is how you can successfully juggle your career life and school life without burning out:
Consider your job before you enroll
Before enrolling in school, try to get an idea of the types of jobs and job hours that you can work. For example, if you are interested in a few job openings with a morning shift, then you can enroll in evening classes. It is important to make sure that your schedules are not overlapping. Also keep in mind the time it will take you to travel to and from home, school, and your office.
Working on getting the right job
Try to get a job that interests you and fits your schedule and lifestyle. You may even want to get a job in the particular field that you are taking up in college or graduate school. Talk to your employer and negotiate your schedule and time tables. Be sure to let them know how serious your are about school, while ensuring them that you can also be successful at work if given the proper schedule. In doing so, you can increase your chances of success in both school and your career. Don’t be afraid to mention that you’re a student too. Most employers would be glad to know that they’re employing college level staff.
Brush up on your time management skills
Troubles often arise when students working jobs lack time management skills. Maximize your time by filling free time with productive activities. For example, if you take the bus to work, you can use the 20-minute ride to read up on the next lesson in class. You can opt not to join social events in school, unless they are a requirement. Also allot a decent amount of time for rest, fun, and time with friends and family. Give your mind and body enough time to recharge so that you’ll be at your best in both your job and school.
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Your eagerness to learn may slack off at some point in your life. Before you start to panic, remember that it is just a normal occurrence. You just have to know how you can manage such a situation. Here are some ways by which you can increase your motivation so that you can reach your goals.
Imagine your accomplishments.
When the time comes that your plans and reasons for finishing school cannot motivate you anymore, picture your future and think about your goals. Imagine yourself receiving your hard-earned diploma while being applauded by your family and friends. Imagine how it feels like to be in your dream workplace. Doing these things can help you be motivated again.
Make use of the things that make you happy.
Determine your “happy food.” If you love chocolates, eat them while studying or doing school work. If you are a music lover, turn on your music player while reviewing your lessons. You can also purchase a portable player so you can bring it to you while your researching in the library. Just make sure that you don’t get too distracted by your happy things. Look forward to going to school by reminding yourself of your goals.
Don’t push yourself to the limits.
Whenever you feel burned out, take the time to close your eyes for a couple of minutes. Remember that overworking can result in stress or mood swings. Find the time to pamper yourself once in a while. Go to a spa or take a dip into a pool. Get yourself a haircut. Relax your mind and body. Don’t make too much thinking as a motivation. It can only lead you to being unproductive.
Exercise, eat healthy foods, and get enough sleep.
Love yourself by doing things that will improve your over-all well-being. Exercise regularly to boost your physical health. Try stretching routines every morning to perk you up. Indulge yourself in healthy food. Avoid drinking too much liquor. Never burn the midnight oil for useless activities. Remember that getting adequate sleep can ensure that you will have the energy to face your responsibilities for the next day.
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