Overview
There are many aspects to consider when choosing a career path. With options like entry-level positions, trade schools, and higher education, it’s important to weigh the advantages of each. We polled approximately 370 individuals on which they think lead to the best career outlook and how they define success.
Question 1: Which Element Is Most Important to You When Defining Success?
When asked what is most important when defining success, those polled were split. About 25-percent of the candidates agree that acquiring knowledge and specific skills is crucial. “Workplace enjoyment” is the second most popular answer with 21-percent of the vote, while 17-percent state “work/life balance” and “comfortable salary” are vital.
Question 2: Which Path Do You Think Leads to the Best Career Outlook?
Almost 63-percent of individuals believe working your way up from an entry-level position leads to the best career outlook. Likewise, 15-percent say it’s most beneficial to earn a college degree, and 13-percent think it’s participating in an apprenticeship program. Only eight-percent answered “getting a trade school certificate or license”.
Question 3: What Do You Think Is the Biggest Advantage of Working Your Way Up from an Entry-Level Job Over Going to a Trade School, Getting an Apprenticeship, or College?
Approximately 50-percent of those polled agree that starting your career advancement sooner is the biggest advantage of working your way up from an entry-level job. “Gaining experience in more areas of the business” is the runner-up with nearly 25-percent of the vote.
Question 4: What Do You Think Is the Biggest Advantage of Getting a College Degree Over Going to a Trade School, Getting an Apprenticeship, or Starting at Entry Level?
Starting wages are the leading factor according to the responses regarding the biggest advantage of obtaining a college degree. About 35-percent say a greater starting pay and access to higher pay is key, while 32-percent answered in favor of a “more stable starting position”.
Question 5: What Do You Think Is the Biggest Advantage of Getting a Trade Certificate or License/Participating in an Apprenticeship Program Over Going to College or Starting at Entry-Level?
Additionally, when asked about their thoughts on trade certificates and apprenticeship programs, more than half of the voters agreed that gaining knowledge of a specific skill has the most valuable advantage. Nearly 17-percent answered in favor of job security.
Conclusion
This poll shows us that regardless of whether you start in an entry-level position or get a college degree, job hopefuls focus on more than just a paycheck. Voters agree that obtaining valuable knowledge and maintaining a work/life balance are the most important aspects to consider when starting a new career.
