WSSU prepares you to make important career decisions

I am excited that we have shared such a successful year in the WSSU community. We have experienced an exciting beginning in athletics, another ranking with U.S. News and World Report as the No. 1 university in our category, and unparalleled enrollment growth as compared to other schools in the UNC System. Given our successes, it is important to take note of the tremendous value of obtaining a high quality education.  The importance of a quality education is certainly a concept we embrace as a given truth. Yet, let’s assess this philosophy as it relates to your success during post-baccalaureate years. One measure of success is your earning potential. It has been long documented that there is a direct correlation between education and average income levels. This correlation does not take into consideration performance during school, determination, interpersonal skills, and other factors that influence income. Assuming these areas are equal among groups of different education levels, higher levels of education yield higher income levels on average. The U.S. Census Bureau confirmed that based on the average salaries from 1997-1999, a graduate with a Bachelor’s degree made almost twice the income of a worker with a high school diploma and a worker with a professional degree made almost four times the income of a worker with a high school diploma. Your earning potential over the course of your life is measurably higher as a result of obtaining an education; especially an education highlighted by insightful planning.  The appropriate educational planning must serve as in integral part of your decision process. This planning includes making informed choices about your major, achieving a strong academic performance in your coursework, pursuing internship opportunities for increased knowledge and experience, and focusing on specialization in your chosen area of interest. You must maintain a competitive edge that clearly distinguishes you as the clear choice for adding value to a work environment.  As well as preparing you to contribute to your work environment, the quality education you are receiving at WSSU also prepares you to make the right choices for your well-being. Your efforts towards a strong earning potential should be balanced with determining a career track of interest and adhering to a sense of responsibility to help others through service. This balance will contribute to the longevity of your career in the workforce while assisting the plight of others.  Thank you for making the most of the WSSU educational experience. Send all questions and comments to chancellorsoffice @wssu.edu.