Do you want to get into a good school, or start a good career?

When you think about why you want to pursue higher education, how far into the future are you thinking? Are you focused solely on the next step — getting into a good school — or are you thinking past that, to the career you’ll build after you graduate?

For most people, the answer is probably both. But even though building a solid career is the end goal, a lot of students are so focused on getting into a good school that they end up losing sight of the career that waits beyond graduation.

For most people, the answer is probably both. But even though building a solid career is the end goal, a lot of students are so focused on getting into a good school that they end up losing sight of the career that waits beyond graduation.

But what does a “good college” mean, exactly? And in 2025 … what exactly does a four-year program at a traditional university typically prepare you, anyway?

The truth is that the world is evolving. As it does, there are more and more roads leading to rewarding careers. Not all of them start at a traditionally “good school.”

When it comes down to it, there’s nothing wrong with focusing on getting into a “good school,” whatever that means to you. But if what you’re really after is a stable career you’re passionate about … that “good school” might not actually be the best way to get there.

Getting into a good school

For some people, a traditional four-year college can provide all kinds of wonderful benefits and incredible opportunities: think sports, Greek life, self-discovery, and independence. But somewhere along the line, the pressure to get into this specific type of school shifted the focus from higher education as a means to an end (a successful career) to the end goal itself. And for a lot of students, like those who already have responsibilities beyond those of a typical high school graduate, higher education rightfully remains a means to an end.

The fact is that four-year degree programs at traditional universities often prepare students for only certain types of jobs … if they directly prepare them for the workforce at all. If personal enrichment and fulfilling a love of learning is what you’re after, that may be the perfect route for you.

But if you’re looking for training to build a successful, in-demand career quickly, you may want to think twice.

Getting into a good career

Career and technical education (CTE), meanwhile, is meant to help students learn and practice the exact skills they’ll be using on the job. Trade schools also get overlooked, but that’s a mistake.

CTE programs are designed explicitly to train the skills employers are looking for (many CTE programs work directly with local businesses to ensure their training covers the right things) and help students learn what they need to know as quickly as possible. They do this by cutting out general education requirements and spending as much time as possible in hands-on environments using industry-standard tools and equipment.

That means you’re more likely to get into the workforce after just two years, or even in a matter of months, rather than waiting four full years to earn a degree from a traditional university. Your time is valuable: spend it learning practical work skills and training for a career!

CTE programs can help you prepare for skilled jobs that can have higher wages and more reliability than a typical office gig.

Consider how essential roles like contractors, dental hygienists, plumbers, HVAC specialists, and nurses are to your community and to communities all across the country. Many of these jobs are facing shortages of skilled workers, and— in today’s fluctuating economy especially — there’s a growing need for skilled new hires now, not in four years.

Preparing for a good future

Whether you’ve been focused on getting into a good school or getting into a good career, it’s commendable that you’ve been thinking ahead. Make sure the trees (education) don’t get in the way of seeing the forest (your career) when you’re thinking about the future … or vice versa.

Here’s an example: some students may look at a four-year degree program and feel overwhelmed by the commitment. This may lead them to shy away from applying to a prestigious school when they really should take the leap!

Others may think that pursuing “just” a certificate won’t get them as far as they want to go, and think they need to try for something “more substantial” to really thrive in a career. But that’s shortsighted, too. Certificate holders should think about the possibility of degree stacking.

Many career colleges and technical schools offer programs that nest into each other, giving students the opportunity to start with shorter programs that can help them get in the door of their chosen field.

Then, once they’ve gotten some experience under their belts and are ready to advance further, they can put those certificate credits toward an associate degree. That can help them take on additional responsibilities, snag that promotion, or get a raise. From there, students can decide to eventually pursue a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or other advanced program when and if the time is right.

This is a particularly popular track to take in nursing, for example: You can earn your practical nursing certificate in as little as one year, helping you become an LPN (licensed practical nurse). LPNs often choose to later pursue a two-year associate degree to become an RN (registered nurse). They can then leverage their education and experience in an RN-to-BSN completion program, helping them earn their bachelor’s degree.

The path toward a fulfilling future looks different for everyone. If you’re someone who wants to skip worrying about getting into a “good school” and start preparing for a good career (and a great life), let’s get started!