A Two Year Technical Degree: Is It All You Really Need Today?

By Mindy Thomas

Director of Career Planning and Placement

Pennsylvania Institute of Technology

 

Times have changed. It used to be that everyone needed a four-year college degree to get ahead in the world of work. But, today with all the technological changes happening so quickly, the demand for skilled technicians has reached an all time high. There are not enough people to fill the jobs, and employers are paying a premium for folks who have the skills.

As a mother of four children, I can tell you that when my oldest son approached me with the idea of foregoing a four-year college degree, I hesitated. I was stunned that he wouldn't consider going forward since everyone in our immediate family graduated with a college degree. But, as the Director of Career Planning and Placement at Pennsylvania Institute of Technology, the Delaware Valley's only technical college, I knew first hand how a two-year technical degree could turn into a launching pad for a major career with a major company right here in the Philadelphia metropolitan area.

I have watched traditional students as well as non-traditional students land positions that even I, armed with a Master's degree, could not touch when I finished my educational pursuits. I have sat in amazement at the number of calls I receive for my graduating students, in addition to, the compensation packages that companies are willing to consider for new graduates.

Starting salaries, depending on the company range anywhere from $25,000 to $42,000 per annum. And, that's not all. The compensation package includes vacation as well as sick time, 401(k), medical and dental benefits and, sometimes even sign-on bonuses. The best part about most of these positions is that the companies have tuition reimbursement programs so that you can continue on and obtain your four-year degree. But, think about it. Doesn't it make sense to nail down a position with a great starting salary with benefits then move forward with a company who will carry the cost of your four-year degree? Logic screams for everyone including the parents out there to consider the new reality.

It is acceptable to begin a career with an Associates degree from a technical college. It is very cool to be technically competent. It is also necessary in the future workplace. The fact is that most people are not technically competent and, many like myself, have a tremendous admiration and respect for those that are. It is easy enough to see that starting out making $30,000 to $35,000 per annum with a company like Exelon, Sunoco or Boeing Vertol is a great beginning. It actually is fantastic and, quite frankly, I am green with envy.

So, when my son asks me if I think it's a good idea to begin with an associates degree, you can bet your last dollar that I will respond, "Go for it!" Why should he be a struggling college student working his way through school waiting on tables for four years? Two years from now, after he receives his associates, he can be networking computers while he completes his bachelor's and I will be filled with pride.

And, for those parents who think it's not a good deal or socially unacceptable to begin your education with a two-year degree, I say, "Get a grip on reality and save yourself some bucks. Let one of the major Philadelphia companies underwrite your kid's four year degree."

 

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