I appreciated Nick Weller’s commentary in the Nov. 11 Herald, “Do this many people need to be going to college?”

Although I question some of the statistics he cites; i.e., “Forty-two percent of recent college graduates are unemployed,” I agree with his basic premise that the decision to attend college should be taken more seriously by many students.

At the same time, the increasing relevance of extending one’s formal education beyond the secondary level should not be underestimated.

Does that mean everyone needs to go to college?

No, but it is becoming obvious that education must be a central tenet of any viable strategy for sustainable job creation and economic growth.

The fundamental nature of work is changing, and unless Americans embrace this reality, our prospects will continue to be in jeopardy.

Unfortunately, far too many Americans still have antediluvian notions about its evolving role in their lives.

And pursuing the wrong credential, as Mr. Weller alludes to, can make your economic situation significantly worse.

Charlatans, opportunists and fear mongers are already cashing in on the naïve who believe any job in health services or information technology will precipitate a higher standard of living.

All work is increasingly knowledge driven. Constant training and retraining are the new norm; today’s proficiency is tomorrow’s obsolescence.  

In a fast-paced, knowledge-driven global economy, everything can — and often does — change overnight. You either keep up or are left in the dust.

Education is becoming the only path to job security.

Aaron Hughey

Department of Counseling and Student Affairs