College degree or technical course? Which one really opens doors in the job market? The answer isn't as simple as it seems. Both have their value, but the right choice depends on what you want for the future. If the goal is to enter the job market quickly and secure a stable salary, a technical course might be the best option. If you're seeking careers that require a degree, such as Law, Medicine, or Engineering, then college is essential.

But that's not the only question. Does a degree, by itself, guarantee employment these days?

Does the market want a degree or experience?

Having an academic degree is no longer an automatic passport to a good job. Companies want qualified professionals, but they also value practical skills and experience.

A technical course has the advantage of being focused on practical learning. Often, in less than two years, the student is already graduated and ready to work in the field. Not to mention that some courses already include mandatory internships, facilitating entry into the job market.

A university degree offers a more theoretical and in-depth education. This can be a differentiating factor in careers that require more study time and specialization. However, many recent graduates find it difficult to get their first job because companies ask for experience, something that a degree doesn't always provide.

So, what weighs most heavily in the decision?

Technical course: the fastest and most affordable option.

If the goal is to start working soon, a technical course might be the right choice. It has several advantages:

  • Shorter duration While a university degree takes 4 to 6 years, a technical course can be completed in 1 or 2 years.
  • Lower cost Besides being cheaper than college, many options are offered for free in technical schools.
  • High employability Sectors such as technology, industry, and healthcare always require qualified technicians.

Therefore, anyone who wants to enter the market quickly can confidently choose this option.

But is a technical course enough to advance in your career?

College: more opportunities or a longer wait?

A college degree opens doors to higher positions and greater salaries in the long run. But patience is required. Those who choose this option need to endure years of study before seeing a financial return.

Another important point is that some careers require a college degree. If your dream is to be a lawyer, psychologist, engineer, or doctor, there's no way around it: college is the only path.

Even so, there's a dilemma. Many graduates leave college without experience and end up taking a long time to find a job. This leads to a harsh reality: a degree alone doesn't guarantee employment.

So, what to do?

The secret lies in the combination of study and experience.

Regardless of whether you choose a college degree or a vocational course, what truly guarantees a job is the combination of knowledge and practical experience.

Companies value candidates who not only have a degree, but also demonstrate skills and initiative. This means that, in addition to studying, it's necessary to seek internships, temporary jobs, freelance work, or any opportunity to gain real-world experience.

Another essential point is continuous professional development. It's no use taking a course and stopping there. The market is constantly changing, and those who stay updated have an advantage.

So, what is the best choice?

If you want to start working quickly and without spending a lot of money, a technical course is a great option. If you are looking for more valued careers that require higher education, then college is the way to go.

But ultimately, none of these options guarantees employment on its own. What really makes the difference is how you take advantage of each opportunity to grow professionally.

And you, do you already know which path to follow?

See also: Free technology courses from Fundação Bradesco

February 24, 2025