There are two schools of thought when pursuing higher education to gain a strong foothold in the business world!

Some people believe that getting a college degree isn’t as important because, hey, Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs, and other self-made billionaires never finished college. Others advocate that a degree is an entry ticket to the aggressively growing business world.

In 2020, around 38 percent of the total population in the United States aged 25 and above had completed a higher education degree.

This means that understanding the world around you is essential if you’re looking to improve your business. So, which side of the bridge do you stand on?

Higher Education – A Vast and Diverse Sea

The world of higher education is vast and diverse. You have everything from community colleges to Ivy League universities.

So, how do you know which route is best for you and your business? According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2016-2017, the average cost of undergraduate tuition, room, and board was $21,370 at public institutions and $46,950 at private nonprofit institutions.

With such a high price tag, it’s essential to ensure that you’re getting the best return on your investment. That’s where higher education comes in.

Whether you choose to go with a general MBA or specialize in a particular field, higher education can give you the skills and knowledge to succeed in business.

Let’s check out some compelling reasons why higher education is critical for the success of a growing business.

Networking:

How many clubs and organizations are you a part of? How many business events have you attended in the past year? Chances are, the answer to both questions is “not enough.”

Attending business-related events and networking with professionals is a fail-proof way to improve your business skills.

However, it can be challenging to find the time or money to attend these events regularly. That’s where higher education comes in.

Most colleges and universities have a wealth of business-related events that you can attend. And even better, most of these events are free or discounted for students.

So, you will improve your business skills, but you’ll also be able to make valuable connections that can help you down the road.

Real-World Experience!

One of the best things about higher education is the opportunity to get real-world experience. Many colleges and universities offer internships and externships that allow you to work with professionals in your field.

Working with the experts will arm you with the knowledge of conducting business in an uncertain world. You’ll learn how to navigate through the challenges of the business world and will be able to put your new skills into practice.

For instance, if you were interning at a marketing agency, you would be able to learn about different marketing strategies, how to create a marketing plan (outside books, of course), and more.

Stronger Relationship Building:

Colleges and universities are packed with people from different backgrounds and industries. It is an excellent opportunity to build relationships with people who can help you in your business ventures.

For example, you might meet a business professional who can offer you advice or connect you with potential customers.

Or, you might meet someone starting their own business who can give you some tips. The relationships that you build in college will help you long after graduation.

The ability to form relationships will be a huge advantage when dealing with your consumers, suppliers, workers, and other company personnel.

Stress Management:

Assignment number 456 isn’t due for another week, and you’ve already started working on it. You’re so focused on getting the project done that you don’t even realize that you’ve been typing the same sentence for the past 20 minutes.

Sound familiar? If so, you know that stress can be a significant obstacle to succeeding in any phase of life, including business.

You don’t realize that your long list of assignments, weekly presentations, and never-ending meetings are just a way to prepare you for the war raging in the real world.

Every business has its own set of challenges, so it’s crucial to meet them head-on.

Higher education can help you learn how to deal with stress healthily. You’ll learn to set priorities, manage your time effectively, and stay organized under pressure.

Knowledge and Skills:

From finance to marketing, sales to accounting, higher education offers courses and programs in every business-related topic.

So, no matter what your business is, you can be sure that there is a program that will help you improve your skills.

In fact, many colleges and universities have programs designed specifically for business owners. These programs offer a variety of courses that will help you strengthen your business skills.

For example, the program might offer courses in financial accounting, business law, human resources management, and more!

Bottom Line:

It is more important than ever to have a strong education in today’s economy. While colleges and universities will play the roles, they are meant to, a lot falls on the shoulders of the students when it comes to taking advantage of what these institutions have to offer.

It is vital to be an active learner and seek out growth opportunities.

What you pick from the pool of opportunities will determine whether or not you will make it big in the business world. Higher education is one of those opportunities that should not be taken lightly!