Professionals, Experts, and College

Many college students believe that the best education is an education that comes from sitting passively at a desk in an overcrowded room and being taught by an expert. It is true; however, though some career paths require you to sit in an overcrowded classroom and benefit largely by being taught by experts-such as when you're learning about surgery- you must have the practical experience necessary to perform your tasks. This can only be taught by a professional.

A professional is a person who is or had been engaged in a profession, while an expert is a person with knowledge in a field: teaching such subjects as accounting, nursing, and managing, as well as others.

It is not to be said that there are not benefits to be taught by an expert; they know all of the information in the area in which they teach. But when learning from a professional, someone who encounters the work everyday and faces new problems that may not have been taught through the textbook, your education is bound to be far more extensive. If you happen to be instructed by an expert who is also a professional, consider yourself lucky.

When it comes to professionals versus experts consider this: the gothic cathedrals, the pyramids, and the Roman roads and aqueducts were designed and built by men who did not have college educations. Michaelangelo did not have a college degree, nor did Leonardo da Vinci.

Thomas Edison didn't, nor did Mark Twain though he was granted honorary degrees in later life. All of these people were professionals. None of them were experts.

An expert is someone with a degree. The degree doesn't mean he knows how to do what he's an expert at. He may have absolutely no practical experience; but, he has the degree, which confers on him the right to impress other people with his accomplishment and to get paid for his expert opinions. An expert gets paid by third parties. His work is never placed in the open market where it will either sink or swim on its own merit. Many college professors are experts.

A professional is someone who makes a living working in the field in question. A professional architect designs and builds houses for clients. A professional hairdresser cuts and styles hair for clients. All of these people get paid by the people who are direct consumers of their work, The open market will weed out the bad professionals, so the ones who have been around for a while and who are stil working are probably worth learning from.

In today's world you now have to have a degree to be an architect, a social worker, or an engineer. College can, without a doubt, be the building block towards opening many doors. But, during the time you spend receiving your college education, make sure to learn from professionals.

Opportunities are available through internships, business co-ops and full-time and part-time jobs. Be an expert and a professional.