by pandiapen

Created on: January 19, 2009   Last Updated: June 04, 2010

The decision to pursue a career in a technical field is a good one, since the demand for technical workers remains stronger than in many other fields. Having been steadily employed as a software engineer for more than 25 years, I can testify that the work remains interesting over the long haul and the job security is good.

Once you've decided on a technical career, the next decision is where to get training. The main choices are technical college or university. If you are facing this decision, there are several factors to be taken into account before choosing an educational institution.

Job-specific training is the goal of a technical college. Students focus on specific technical skills and are able to complete the coursework and enter the work force in much less time compared to a university. If you want to be an entrepreneur or work for a small company, training from a technical college will stand you in good stead.

A degree from a university, on the other hand, represents study of some general subjects combined with more in-depth and theoretical study of a particular field. The truth is, many employers see graduates from universities as more desirable. There is a perception that a university will teach general skills about learning which will enable the graduate to pick up new knowledge quickly, an important ability in today's climate of rapid change. If you would like to work for a large company or for one of the big names in technology, a university degree is a must.

If money is a factor in your decision whether to get training, technical college may seem like a better choice because it prepares you to enter the workforce more quickly. However, if you are set on attending a university but need financial assistance, many companies offer internships and co-op positions which provide income and on-the-job training while you're in school. Therefore, money shouldn't be the deciding factor in your educational choice.

Another factor to take into account is your long-term career goal. Career advancement may be easier for workers with university degrees in technical fields. In some companies, a bachelor's degree at minimum is required for higher-level positions. Jobs in upper management may be open only to a candidate with a master's degree in a technical field or an M.B.A.

However, graduation from a technical college does not prohibit career advancement. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, graduates from technical colleges often advance on the strength of their job performance, rather than due to their educational background. It's not uncommon for a worker who has graduated from a technical college to advance into the same position as someone with a bachelor's degree in a technical field.

Once you're working in a technical field, no matter what your educational background, you'll always need to keep abreast of technical advances. Continuing education is a requirement for technical jobs. This education may take the form of technical certification programs or pursuit of a more advanced degree. Graduates from technical colleges may go on to complete a bachelor's or master's degree at a university, often with the tuition paid for by their employer. This is another important factor to consider when deciding whether to attend a technical college or university.

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