There’s no question that college students are unhappy with the status quo.
Just Google “college memes.” You’ll see what I mean.
You get results like this:
Or this:
Or this:
Don’t tell me college-age kids aren’t sick of the status quo.
10 years ago, it would have been crazy to suggest that one day, “college alternative” would be a well-known word.
But here we are.
Everyone is questioning the validity of a college investment. Hundreds of alternatives to college are arising. Many people are admitting that hard skills are better investments than degrees. The internet is making it possible for anyone to gain the liberal arts education that has been so highly revered among elites.
While many still recommend college, they recognize that there are other better options for young people today.
Why the shift?
Maybe it has to do with the young people for whom college was created.
What do they really want?
1. They want to do things they believe in.
Why would you spend time listening to professors that bore you, writing essays you don’t want to create, and spending all-nighters cramming for tests if there is a better way to learn?
If millennials can get the results they want in their lives and careers in a different manner from the status quo, they will.
And there are so many other options!
Besides, when it comes down to it, the reasoning that you “have” to go to college is shaky at best. Because there are other arguably better choices for building your career.
Those who need the education because they simply love to learn? They don’t need the college environment to continue learning every day.
Because…
2. They want to create value, not just consume content.
“Praxis has shown me another side of the world of business, creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovation that I’ve never seen before, and its brought these traits out in me as well. Praxis has shown me what creating value truly looks like and how I can create it. I’ve had valuable advisor conversations and program modules that have taught me more than some whole university classes. I get what Praxis is and does, and I would recommend Praxis to any go-getter, self-starter, and/or mold-breaker.”
-Katherine Glader, Praxis participant
Source
Who would choose sitting in a classroom when they can create value from Day 1 doing something they love?
The fact is, millennials are striving to pour themselves into value creation. They want a challenge. They want to work hard. They want to learn by solving real problems for real people.
3. They want to trailblaze their own paths.
–Jerrod Harlan, Praxis alumnus
Most young people have a drive, somewhere, to do something original. By nature, they don’t want to stick to the status quo.
So when said status quo is challenged by the opportunity to trailblaze something, I don’t know of a young adult that wouldn’t jump on the chance!
4. They want to be unshackled by the debt of college.
Jerred Rogero, Praxis alumnus
Who actually goes into college wanting the debt? No one.
They tolerate it because it’s a necessary step in building a career.
But what happens when there’s a better option? They’ll immediately transition to the better investment.
But here’s the kicker:
Businesses are starting to recognize the unique advantage that entry-level employees bring.
“I hired a 19-year-old with no college degree. And no experience.
He had a perfect interview. Had done research on our clients–And prepared his own marketing plan.
“When you run medical ads,” he told me, “make sure you only target people interested in cancer as medicine — not astrology.”
I hadn’t thought of that. “Why isn’t your education on your resume?” I asked.
“I didn’t go to college,” he said. “I’m 19.”
My jaw dropped. But I wanted my team to interview him before making a decision. They were just as impressed.
The next day he sent a 15-minute video of him breaking down the marketing tactics he’d use for one of our prospects– Complete with a PDF of his marketing plan.
I called him, “How soon can you start?”
Last Monday was his first day. He sends me a message after every client call– “Want me to get started on that?”
I’m not here to hand out favors. I’m here to deliver for our clients. And what clients need isn’t someone over or under a certain age– Or with a Harvard degree on their resume– They need someone who can do the work.”
-Jake Hare, founder of Launchpeer, talking about Praxis participant Cade Summers
Source
There’s something about an apprentice’s grit.
There’s something to that trailblazing mindset. There’s something about a young person’s unique desire to make a mark on the world.
This grit is best cultivated in the real world, in an environment where those young people can have a direct impact on the growth of something tangible.
The years after high school are the perfect time to make a mark on the world. And it’s hard to make a mark when you’re spending the crucial years sitting in a classroom.
That’s why millenials shouldn’t spend those significant years in college.
Curious to learn more?
We created an entire video series debating the top reasons people give for the necessity of college. Check out the series here!
