Every course that one takes in school sharpens one's mind while simultaneously increases one's problem solving skills, which one can apply to every aspect of their life. Essentially, each class activates regions in the brain, which would otherwise not be used. Using the brain to appreciate art, philosophy, religion, science, etc. enriches the brain's ability to function as it draws from the more multi-faceted fabric of human knowledge. The problem-solving skills that one gains from these classes, therefore, can be translated and used in the workforce, which ultimately benefits society through the discoveries of new social and cultural innovations. .
Education can also fulfill latent functions, which are functions that are by-products of going to school and receiving an education rather than a direct effect of the education itself (Barkan, 2012). The educational setting introduces students to social networks that might last for years and can even help people find jobs after their schooling is complete. These connections are also very easy to maintain in this day and age due to social media such as Facebook and LinkedIn. In an online CNN article, employers and experts were asked to weigh in on their various job-seeking experiences, placing emphasis on whether their social connections played a significant role in the process. Meredith Obendorfer, account manager at SparkPR, explained that the last fours jobs she has had were obtained through some kind of networking connections (Balderamma, 2010). Ashley Bodi, co-founder of Business Beware, also stated that "you can have all the same credentials under your belt as the person that got the job over you, but they knew someone in the department. It definitely helps if someone can put in a good word for you rather than going in not knowing a soul" (Balderrama, 2010). Based on these comments, it can be argued that people seem to have an understanding of how having/making connections are important to have in life because merit alone is not necessarily the only means to determine who is best fit for a particular job in society.