The Value of Higher Education

It’s common knowledge that a college degree can increase your potential earnings and job opportunities; however, did you know that there are also social and personal benefits to learning in a higher education environment?

If you’re contemplating attending a college or university or re-entering higher education, here are some of the benefits of making that choice.

1. Career Preparation: Even if you are currently employed, the college experience can offer many benefits that will help you prepare for another career, enhance your current position and increase your earning potential. In addition to learning more about your field and gaining much-needed skills, a college education also exposes you to professionals such as career counselors and placement coordinators who can assist with helping you find a job, polish your resume, and explore career fields that are in tune with your wants and needs.

2. Social Interaction: The college experience can also enhance your social skills and improve your self-esteem. Higher education institutions are known for providing campus life activities, clubs, social events, and team-building sessions that help you get to know others while also learning more about yourself. You learn much more than just skills for your major when getting involved in extra-curricular campus life activities while attending college. As a result, many students find independence and learn more about their likes/dislikes. You gain a sense of accomplishment while also learning to manage your time while balancing schoolwork and social activities. In many cases, the individuals you meet in college may also prepare you to network with professionals within your field. Networking is essential in the workplace and also while you are seeking out new positions in the industry.

3. Critical Thinking Skills: There’s no denying that the more you learn, the more you think critically about the world you live in. Whether you are taking a sociology course that pushes you to think about stereotypes and assumptions or an ethics course that forces you to think about morals, you are learning much more than just content in a college course. Class discussions may also cause you to question your beliefs and think more critically about the choices you make professionally and personally.

4. Time Management: To succeed in college, it’s essential to manage your time well. While you may not learn this skill right away, over time, balancing schoolwork, household obligations and social activities become a necessity. Learning how to manage your time is a skill that bodes well in the workplace. College offers an environment that encourages healthy habits, self-care, and time management.

If you’re considering applying for college or returning to school, know that the Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation is here to support your efforts and encourage you along the way. The mission of the Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation is to build foundations for the future by providing educational assistance to children and adults who are members of families with low to moderate incomes. Learn more about these opportunities at The Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation.

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Pivoting Toward the Future: The Benefits of Learning New Skills

Do you love to learn? Do you find excitement in gaining new skills and expanding your mind? If so, you are on the path to success. Learning new skills is not only beneficial to your professional life, but also for your personal life. 

Find ways to pivot toward the future by evaluating the benefits of learning new skills. Here is why adding to your skillset is so important. 

1. Improves Your Ability to Adapt to Change: In addition to a sense of self-accomplishment, learning a new skill can help you become more flexible and open to change. While it may be scary to enroll in a math course when you doubt your abilities, conquering this goal may give you the motivation to learn even more. Have you ever dreaded a task but conquered the fear and completed your goal? It’s common to feel fearful of something new, but getting over the hurdle helps expand your mind and pushes you to continue learning new skills. And your self-confidence soars as well.
   

2. Provides You With Transferrable Skills: Skills are necessary to succeed within your personal and professional life. However, did you know that many new skills you learn can be transferred to other aspects of your life? For instance, learning how to bake a new dish takes concentration and attention to detail. Learning how to accurately and efficiently follow directions is a skill that will aid you well in any type of career field. While many high school and college students don’t see the importance of general education courses such as English, history, or math, what they may not realize is that learning more about the English language is a skill that transfers into how you communicate with others both personally and professionally. These transferrable skills are referred to as soft skills that employers find valuable and necessary within new hires.

3. How You Learn: The more you learn, the more your mind expands. As a result, your learning speed increases. While it may take you a long time to learn one skill, you’ll soon realize that you are able to learn at a faster rate when you continue to expand your mind. As an efficient learner, you put yourself in a prime position to catch on faster in the workplace, opening doors for new opportunities and promotions. Learning new skills can also keep you healthy. Concentrating on learning a new skill keeps both your mind and your body active, offering physical and social benefits long term.

When embarking on a new learning experience, know that the Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation is here to support your efforts and encourage you along the way. The mission of the Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation is to build foundations for the future by providing educational assistance to children and adults who are members of families with low to moderate incomes. Learn more about these opportunities at The Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation.

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