The Success Myth: Pick a College, Any College

Flash quiz: What is the best strategy for a high school graduate? 1. Pick a college, any college. 2. Align your talents and strengths with career exploration and the relevant education and skills training you will need to get a job in your first preferred career choice.

If you, or the graduate, are not sure of the answer, watch this excellent 9-minute video from Citrus College, a community college in the Los Angeles, California, suburb of Glendora. The video is written and narrated by Kevin Fleming and directed and animated by Brian Marsh.

Success in the New Economy: how prospective college students can gain a competitive advantage: http://vimeo.com/67277269

OK, now that you have watched it, you can probably answer the first question. Can you answer a few more?

1. What percentage of recent high school graduates enroll in higher education: 22%, 44%, 66% or 88%?
2. What fraction of new university graduates are underemployed: 12.5%, 25%, 50% or 75%?
3. Comparing the job market of 1960 with 2018, what percent of jobs in 2018 will require a four-year university degree?
4. Comparing the job market of 1960 with 2018, what percent of jobs in 2018 will require a one-year certificate or two-year associate degree?
5. What is the ratio of jobs in the economy in 1950 that required a graduate degree compared to a bachelors degree compared to a one-year certificate or two-year degree.
6. What is the ratio of jobs in the economy in 1990 that required a graduate degree compared to a bachelors degree compared to a one-year certificate or two-year degree.
7. What is the ratio of jobs in the economy in 2030 that will require a graduate degree compared to a bachelors degree compared to a one-year certificate or two-year degree.
8. (T/F) "Getting a bachelors degree in Business is always better than getting an industry-based credential as an Electrician."
9. Community colleges are in an ideal position to provide (PICK ONE: 40%, 50%, 60% or 70%) of tomorrow's workforce with the education they need.
10. What two items will be the new currency for the new economy?

ANSWERS: In the video, of course. And, a passing grade is 80%.