The Unmeasurable Value of a College Education
As a corporate learning and development professional, I used to believe in mapping competencies to roles and skills to competencies to determine organizational needs. However, my approach has shifted towards recognizing the importance of human skills like critical thinking, ethical judgment, and empathy that are essential in a rapidly changing world. College education plays a vital role in honing these skills through exposure to diverse ideas and complex problem-solving.
For example, a philosophy class challenging students to think critically about ethical dilemmas can better prepare them for making ethical decisions in the workplace. Similarly, foundational courses like Psychology 101 can help managers recognize and support struggling employees, fostering compassion and understanding.
College education encourages cross-disciplinary thinking, enabling graduates to apply knowledge from different areas to navigate complex situations in the workforce. With the pace of change accelerating, continuous learning and adaptability are key skills for success in the modern workplace.
Discerning Talent Beyond the Resume
While the value of college in developing human skills is clear, the debate over its worth persists as tuition costs rise. Schools play a crucial role in shaping individuals through skill development, critical thinking, exposure to new experiences, personal growth, perseverance, and networking opportunities.
Though not all outcomes are intentional, consistent engagement with the college experience increases the likelihood of achieving these positive results. Employers should focus on assessing candidates not just for technical skills but also for essential human skills like critical thinking, empathy, ethical judgment, and adaptability.
Colleges and universities contribute to cultivating these human skills, and ongoing learning partnerships can enhance these qualities for a workforce prepared to meet evolving challenges. Recognizing and investing in intangible qualities can help build a resilient and innovative workforce ready to thrive in the future.
