Educational Paths
Lesson Overview
• The advantages of pursuing a higher
education
• Jobs associated with educational tracks
• Earning potential of college-educated
professionals
• How to pursue an education-oriented
career
Chapter 2, Lesson 3
Lesson Objectives
1. Describe the benefits of a higher education
2. Recognize job classifications that are commonly
associated with a college education
3. Describe the Occupational Outlook Handbook
4. Identify the earning potential for different types
of education-based careers
5. Recognize major areas of study in colleges and
universities
6. Describe summer internship programs
Chapter 2, Lesson 3
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Quick Write
Why do you think it makes a difference whether or not
you get a college education?
Chapter 2, Lesson 3
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Advantages of Higher Education
• Will open more
possibilities and choices
than you imagined
possible
• Have a great time
• Meet people and make
life-long friends
• Earn more money
Chapter 2, Lesson 3
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Greater Career Opportunities
• White-collar job
– Requires a degree
– Involves work in offices
– Has conveniences such
as; computers, on-site
child care, consistent
work hours
– Retirement/pension
plans
– Paid vacations
Chapter 2, Lesson 3
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Versus…
• Blue-collar job
– Doesn’t require a degree
– Outdoor work
– Construction jobs
– Mining jobs
– Working in
factories/warehouses
– Commercial driving jobs
Chapter 2, Lesson 3
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Four-Year Colleges/Universities
• Obtain a college degree
• Provide courses in a wide
variety of subjects, both
theoretical and practical
• Place you in internships
Chapter 2, Lesson 3
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How to Get Information
on Colleges and Universities
• Visit your local library
• Talk with your guidance counselor
• Contact individual colleges
• Visit college websites
www.ed.gov/students/landing.jhtml?src=pn
Chapter 2, Lesson 3
Junior/Community Colleges
• Associate degrees/training certificates
• Less expensive than four-year colleges
• Accommodate part-time students
• Open-admissions policy
• Continuing and adult education
Chapter 2, Lesson 3
Careers that Require a Four-Year Degree
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Accountant
Business executive
Doctor or dentist
Computer analyst
Engineer
Financial manager
Teacher
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Lawyer
Military officer
Rehabilitation counselor
Scientist
Sales manager
Social worker
Environmental manager
Chapter 2, Lesson 3
Careers that Require a Two-Year Degree
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Auto mechanic
Barber
Broadcast technician
Computer support specialist
Cosmetologist
Dental hygienist
Electrician
• Medical
records/health
information technician
• Plumber
• Registered nurse
• Veterinary
technologist
• Welder
Chapter 2, Lesson 3
The Occupational Outlook Handbook
• http://www.bls.gov/oco/
• Training and education you need for
specific jobs
• Earning potential
• Job prospects
• Typical job activities/responsibilities
• Working conditions
Chapter 2, Lesson 3
Earning Potential
Chapter 2, Lesson 3
Chart data available http://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2003/oct/wk3/art04.htm
Earning Potential
Average Annual Salaries of Recent Bachelor’s Degree Recipients
Employed Full-Time
One Year After Graduation
Men
Women
Earnings
Ratio
All graduates
$39,400
$32,600
83%
Business
$42,300 $39,000
92%
Education
$29,600
$28,100
95%
Engineering, math, and science
$45,200
$34,200
76%
Health vocation, technical, and
Professional
$38,100
$34,300
90%
Humanities and social science
$34,600
$29,400
85%
Chapter 2, Lesson 3
Salary information courtesy of http://www.aauw.org/research/paygapperceptions_April05.pdf
Lifetime Earning Potential
• According to the US Census Bureau:
• High school graduates earn average $1.2
million
• Associate degree holders earn average $1.6
million
• Bachelor’s degree holders earn average $2.1
million
Chapter 2, Lesson 3
Summer Internship Programs
• Learn details about a job
• Get practice doing the
job
• Make valuable contacts
• Get college credit
Chapter 2, Lesson 3
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Review
• A higher education will open more possibilities
than you even imagined
• Higher education is often a necessity if you
want to earn a better living and make more
money
• If you decide to pursue higher education, start
by choosing a college for your undergraduate
education
Chapter 2, Lesson 3
Review Questions
CPS Questions
(9-10)
Chapter 2, Lesson 3
Summary
• The advantages of pursuing a higher
education
• Jobs associated with educational tracks
• Earning potential of college-educated
professionals
• How to pursue an education-oriented
career
Chapter 2, Lesson 3
Next
• Today we’ve learned
about what a higher
education can do for
you and your future
• Next we’ll learn
about planning your
finances, and how to
create a budget
Chapter 2, Lesson 3
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