One cannot overstate the importance of education and education is even more important today because the competition has been growing in the job market. Thus, attending college is very important because the benefits of attending college last one’s entire lifetime. When we think of college, we may think of an academic institution we attend, after completing high school but there is not one but many ways to define a college.

A college could be defined as a place that prepares students to get job in their chosen field. This is why students are usually required to choose a major which is related to the profession they want to join and this is also true at Idaho State University (ISU). ISU also encourages its students to do internship to improve their chances of getting job after graduation. In addition, ISU provides numerous opportunities to students to interact with industry leaders and professionals.

A college could also be understood as a place where one learns to become a better citizen of the society. A college environment exposes one to people from diverse cultural, economic, and social background and also influences them to participate in co-curricular activities. ISU has a diverse student body that doesn’t only come from various states in the U.S. but also several other countries. Similarly, student clubs on campus often arrange volunteer opportunities that are open to both members and non-members. Experiences like these help students expand their thinking horizon and make them more passionate about social causes.

A college could also be defined as a place which teaches students to be open-minded and independent thinkers. Almost everyone at ISU takes classes in which they are taught to think in a logical manner. Similarly, students are often challenged to tackle their belief systems and consider other point-of-views. Students also interact with each other outside classrooms and challenged to see things from different perspectives.

A college doesn’t only prepare students for jobs but also the real world, by teaching skills such as communication, leadership, time management, organization, and stress management. A college life is more challenging than high school life and successfully completing college requires students to master one or more of the above skills. In addition, ISU offers courses that teach these particular skills such as leadership and communication. ISU also arranges for seminars from time to time that students can attend because these skills also matter to employers. But these skills are not required for success in professional life only but also personal life. Even those who go in non-profit sector cannot succeed without these skills.

A college could also be defined as a labor supplier to the businesses. There is a reason why businesses usually have close relationships with colleges and sometimes also funds programs or make suggestions regarding program curriculum. In addition, many companies hire a significant number of college students for entry level positions. If there were no colleges, companies would have found it quite difficult to meet their needs for quality workers and the process would also be slower and more expensive. Just as businesses deal with other suppliers for manufacturing inputs, they deal with colleges for labor needs. ISU has long-term relationships with many businesses who regularly come on-campus to hire ISU students and graduates.

It is clear a college can be defined in many ways. A college is not just the next step in education after high school but could also be defined as a place where students go to prepare for their chosen professions. A college is also a place where students learn to become better citizens. Similarly, a college is a place where students learn independent and critical thinking skills. Last but not least, a college also serves as a labor supplier for businesses.