Because school and work are equally important to my growth as a student and professional, they can work symbiotically to improve both these aspects of my life. I want to be able to gain valuable work experience and time management skills while continuing my education. At the University of Phoenix, I feel that I can have a balance that is essential to my overall learning as an adult.
In the view of most people, a college education has now taken on the importance that a high school education had in the past, and has become a necessary ingredient for a good job and comfortable lifestyle. There are still many ways to succeed in today's work world without a college education. As we all know, most people will hit the glass ceiling of promotion and salary. A great example of this is a family friend that has worked at IBM for over twenty years. She is equally competent to her superiors if not more. However, what she lacks is a college education. Who has to say if a degree would help give her a better understanding of her job at this point in her career? Regardless though, she is not where she could be because of her lack there of. This is not to say, however, that society believes a college education guarantees success, or that a lack of a college education condemns people to failure. .
I feel that being a professional and a student at the same time is like killing two birds with one stone. The valuable work experience does not have to be on hold while completing my business degree. Preparation for jobs and career is seen as the primary role for higher education, but the importance of general skills such as maturity and getting along with others is also essential. It is important that college students gain this and manage on their own, learning to get along with people different from themselves. Although, working with teams is an integral way to be more effective in-group environments.