Specialized vs. general education: Which one’s for you?

You may have heard people talk about a “specialized” vs. “general” education, and they probably had an opinion as to which was best.

In reality, however, the type of education that you should choose should depend on your needs, preferences—and the money and time you have available to spend! Here are the “who,” “what,” “when,” “where,” and “why” of seeking a specialized vs. general education.

Who?

Do you know what you want to do and be, career-wise? Do you feel time shouldn’t be wasted when it comes to achieving your career goals, and that hands-on experience is the best kind? If so, a specialized education may be for you. A specialized education offers focused, practical training to students who have a clear career path in mind.

Students who don’t have a fixed career goal, don’t mind taking added time to complete their training, and want to develop their analytical skills and knowledge base in general could benefit from a less focused, general education. A general education requires students take many courses for breadth of knowledge—but these courses may not have anything to do with the student’s final job goal.

What?

A specialized education will require that you focus only on classes that directly lead to knowledge and skill building in your chosen career field. With the hands-on, focused practical learning many specialized educations provide, you’ll be job-ready as soon as you graduate.

Students pursuing a general education often take English, math, history, social sciences or other courses that don’t relate closely to their desired career goal. General education students often have to search for jobs that match their developed skill set, as they graduate ill-prepared to enter any defined job role.

Where?

You can find specialized training at private career colleges near you. If you want to become a paramedic, personal support worker, or manage a business, for example, a private career school like Trillium College has 8 campuses around Ontario at which you can train to achieve your goals.

University and college humanities programs offer general education programs for students.

When?

Trillium College is currently accepting students for its 2014 September start. It isn’t too late! Contact Trillium College today to take your first step towards a new career now.

Students often have to apply months in advance, on the other hand, for acceptance into university programs.

Why?

If you want to escape a job you don’t love, comfortably pay your bills and enter a dynamic career of your choosing, it may be time to enter a specialized program today.

If you want to broaden your understanding of the world and enhance your level of education in a general way, then a general education might be your best choice.

So, what kind of education is best for you? Make a change and take your first steps towards the career of your dreams now: contact Trillium College at 1.855.234.2008 to schedule your FREE Career Planning Session. We are still accepting students into our many exciting diploma programs, and with 8 campuses around Ontario, we’re here to help you succeed.