College or vocational course: which is the best option?
We've already mentioned that both types of education have their benefits and offer good job opportunities. However, one thing is certain: a university degree is a prerequisite for many jobs in the market, in addition to enabling access to higher-paying positions.
Want to know more? In this text, we'll explain the differences between a technical course and a university degree in a few points, as well as show the advantages of each and answer the main questions on the subject. Let's go?
What are the differences between technical courses and higher education courses?
We've listed the main aspects that differentiate college from technical courses, from the level of education to the job opportunities you'll find. Read on to understand which one best suits your needs.
EDUCATION LEVEL
The technical level requires at least completion of elementary school. Many people also use it as an intermediate level between high school and higher education, acquiring the knowledge needed to work in the job market.
To enter university, the scenario is a little different: students need to have completed high school and/or taken the National High School Exam (ENEM). During their undergraduate studies, they have access to a more complete and specialized education. With the diploma obtained at the end of the course, it is possible to continue studying and, for example, pursue a specialization. postgraduate studies, from an MBA to a master's or doctoral degree.
COURSE DURATION
In technical courses, the duration is usually 1 to 2 years. In higher education, students take 4 to 5 years to complete their studies.
This happens because, while technical education focuses on learning specific skills for professional practice in a particular field, university is a broader space.
Thus, students have more opportunities for exchanging ideas, experimenting, and learning, with internships, exchanges, research projects, etc. For those who aspire to working with technology, For example, college can open up many career possibilities. The same is true in Engineering.
MODALITIES OF EDUCATION
To enter higher education, there are three possibilities: bachelor's degree, teaching degree, and technological degree. The technological degree is the shortest, lasting about two and a half years. The teaching degree is recommended for those who plan to pursue an academic career, teaching and/or dedicating themselves to research.
A bachelor's degree is a qualification geared towards the job market. Administrators, engineers, and journalists, for example, hold bachelor's degrees in their specific fields.
On the other hand, in technical training, there are three teaching modalities:
- subsequent: for those who have already completed high school, consisting only of technical subjects;
- concomitant: when the student attends classes at the vocational school and the high school at different times of the day;
- integrated: In this case, technical and academic content are combined into a single timetable.
These technical qualifications confer a mid-level certification and are not equivalent to a university degree.
COSTS
Generally, technical courses require a lower financial investment, mainly due to their shorter duration. It's important to note that choosing an institution solely based on cost isn't the best approach, as paying less is pointless if you don't receive a complete education.
There are other factors that need to be taken into account in this choice, including the note from the Ministry of Education of the desired college. A quality education gives a person a greater chance of succeeding and reaping the rewards of their studies.
If your goal is to go to college, think of it as an investment in your personal and professional future—and you can be sure you'll see good results in your career. Don't forget that it's possible to get scholarships for undergraduate studies; just check the rules of your chosen institution.
COURSE OPPORTUNITIES
In general, both options have internship programs so that students can better understand the job market. However, there are more opportunities for experimentation in college, such as scientific initiation programs, extension projects, junior agencies, partnerships with other universities, student exchanges, among others.
All of this encourages and assists thinking in different fields of work and career plans. Furthermore, undergraduate studies are a conducive environment for discussions, engagement with professors, and the creation of professional networks.
LABOR MARKET
Getting your first job This is the desire of many young people who have recently graduated from high school. In this sense, concern about the job market is very valid when analyzing the best choice for you: college or a technical course.
Technical level training focuses on learning a specific occupation. Therefore, it's also known as a vocational course. However, because it's practical, it doesn't delve deeply into theoretical knowledge. Thus, the technician has more limited career possibilities. market, focusing on the operational knowledge of a specific area.
From a financial standpoint, pursuing a higher education degree increases your chances of success in the job market and securing better salaries. And good news: according to IBGE data, The income of those who have completed higher education is almost three times greater compared to those who only have a high school diploma.
Furthermore, a degree can put you in a good position to find a job and enable you to work in leadership roles, as well as build an academic career. Therefore, this option should not be overlooked in the pursuit of professional success.
Regarding job openings, graduates also tend to have an advantage. Positions for professionals with a higher education degree are better paid and have broader scope, with roles that allow for career growth. Furthermore, if you wish to compete for technical-level opportunities, that's also possible.
As we have seen, there are many Reasons to go to college, such as gaining an edge over the competition when seeking employment, acquiring more knowledge for entrepreneurship, and being able to take competitive public service exams for higher-paying positions, among others.
How do I know which is the best career option?
We've seen that there isn't one option that's better than the other, right? The key is finding the one that best meets your training needs. To understand this better, continue reading the following sections.
GET TO KNOW YOUR PROFILE
The first point to be evaluated is your profile. Do you consider yourself a more technical or generalist professional? The former performs simpler and more mechanical tasks in the market, while the latter has a greater chance of growth in various areas. Not to mention that a university graduate can easily move between positions in the same segment.
ASSESS YOUR EXPECTATIONS
When you think about your career, where do you see yourself in a few years? Do you plan to grow within the company, taking on leadership or specialist roles? If so, college might be the best option, as it offers broader knowledge that you can apply to your work.
Furthermore, being a higher education program, college opens up opportunities for further specialization. This allows you to become a reference in a particular subject, and your colleagues or superiors will call on you whenever they need support in that area. professional networking It is also enhanced, bringing you closer to new contacts who can make a difference in your future.
You probably also have expectations about what you will see throughout your education – in college or a technical course. Therefore, it's worth checking the subjects that are part of the curriculum for each option to understand if what you intend to learn will be taught. This way, you can plan to follow your desired career path.
Analyze the workload.
Finally, something very important to consider is the time you can dedicate to your education. Because it is more complete and comprehensive, college usually takes longer, as we have seen. But it is an investment that will bring greater financial and professional returns in the long term.
Since internships exist, it's also possible to enter the job market faster by choosing higher education. But if the intention is to get a job at a technical level right away, nothing prevents you from pursuing a degree in the future, when you have more time to dedicate to your studies and university routine.
Remember that the ideal training It depends on your professional interests and goals. Carefully analyzing which path is best for you—whether it's college or a technical course—can reduce the possibility of future regrets. So, think calmly and talk to people who work in your field of interest to make a more informed decision.
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