For Learning Practical Skills, You Can't Beat Community Colleges

Years ago, my college German professor and I had a lively discussion about learning. He was extolling the virtues of a liberal arts education which, he told me, "isn't supposed to teach you to do something; it's supposed to teach you to be someone." I responded, "You may be able to afford to be someone, but I have to learn to do something.

Community colleges, often considered the poor stepchild of four-year colleges and universities, are expert in providing their students with practical skills that lead to often lucrative jobs. Students developing hands-on knowledge of communications or medical technology, computer software use and programming, and other skills routinely find entry-level jobs that pay much more than retail sales and other low-paid work, and have the added opportunity of quickly advancing in their chosen professions as they develop additional skills.

Of course, accredited community colleges do require their students to meet general requirements in standard college courses including English, math, and science; but the emphasis is most often on developing specific skills that lead to competency in a variety of professions. A good community college will also give its students a bird's eye view of the profession they're thinking of entering, often with paid or unpaid internships in related businesses in the community.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with a good liberal arts education, and this track is necessary for some professions requiring an advanced degree; but for students wanting specific skills leading directly, and often quickly, to well-paid work in a chosen profession, community colleges are often the perfect choice.