Is Education Still The Key To Success?
Many have now questioned the boon of formal education more than ever before, especially within West Africa. In recent times, challenges like high levels of unemployment, constant reports of poor working conditions, job insecurity, and many other displeasing conditions have dominated the labor market. These unfortunate conditions have left many to reevaluate their stance on education as the key to success.
Though success is subjective and will always mean different things to different people, there are some elements it universally reflects. For example, some expectations include a deep sense of fulfillment, dignity, and in most cases, high financial and social status.
In our society today, where uneducated individuals lead most coveted public offices and successful businesses, while most educated ones are unemployed, and seemingly less prosperous, the question “is education still the key to success” would attract an echo of diverse answers. However, the relationship between education and success remains robust and directly leads to success if appropriately applied.
Benefits of education
The benefits of education to society and, more so, an individual are enormous. It’s not a holy grail or an independent guarantee for success, but it significantly equips every individual with the resources needed to thrive in every area of life.
Some benefits of formal education include:
Better opportunities
Education increases the chances of success by providing opportunities to those pursuing it. Whether you intend to find a job, do business, engage in politics, or any other career path, a high academic qualification would spotlight you in every crowd. Education affords individuals an array of career options.
A broadened horizon
Anyone can learn a lot by reading, traveling, personal research, and interaction. Education institutions are equipped with many human resources and tools that promote quality interaction, research, and thought-provoking exercises. As a result, anyone can learn to think outside the box, develop problem-solving skills, build a network of great minds, and broaden their horizon.
Self-reliance & Innovation
Educated people lead the most successful organizations. While education allows one to develop expertise in a particular field, it is designed to highlight a variety of other fields. Though seemingly unrelated to the primary program, the knowledge gathered from such lessons would help you develop innovative skills, risk management skills, and self-reliance. Irrespective of your professional or career goals, getting educated will equip you with diverse knowledge to overcome challenges.
Self-confidence
Self-confidence is an essential key to success. Whether as an employee, team leader, business owner, or anything else, you will need self-confidence to perform optimally. Education has been identified as a prime tool in developing self-confidence as it directly impacts individuals through knowledge, competence, and disposition.
Other elements of education, like quality interaction (with other students from diverse backgrounds and renowned faculty members), innovation through academic research, thoughtful extracurricular activities, and others, contribute to the development of self-confidence and team leadership. Both of which are essential keys to success.
Is education still the key to success?
Suppose success simply entails getting a job on graduation, a high social standing, fast cars, and the likes. In that case, education will largely increase your chances of achieving it but won’t guarantee it.
However, if it’s a fulfilling and progressive pursuit of excellence in an area of interest; be it a corporate career, business, craftsmanship, politics, or any other, then you need the education to unlock your potential fully, access the best opportunities, and build a network, all required for success.
Related articles:
How to find your study abroad education
