"experience is the best teacher" - Practice essay for CLEP Exam

Topic:

The old saying, "experience is the best teacher," suggests to some people that they would benefit more from learning on the job or in the world than from continuing their formal education in the school or college classroom.

Assignment: Write an essay in which you discuss the relative values of experiential and academic learning. Support your view with specific examples from literature, history, current events, or personal experience.

Writing is not my strongest point, so any feedback, including criticism, will be appreciated. Thank you-

With the rising cost of college tuition, many young people are forgoing a secondary education, and entering the workforce directly after high school. Because of their lack of a formal degree, they must rely on the experience they gather in the workplace to advance their careers. In some instances, this can be more beneficial than college experience.

When entering the workforce directly out of high school, individuals are able to gain valuable experience quickly. Some people are able to comprehend concepts and instructions better if they have "hands on" experience. This can be very beneficial in industries like hospitality or manufacturing where theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom is not as practical in the workplace. In my own experience, I have learned more in the last five years from different co-workers than I would have learned if I had attended classes.

In some cases, it is better to gain experience through formal education. Taking fields like accounting or engineering as examples, you will find that you can gain much practical knowledge in the classroom. Such industries require an understanding of details and instructions that would be best learned in the classroom, rather than as you progress through your career.

Many times, experience is the best teacher, but it would certainly depend on what your career field is. In my own career, I have gained valuable insight from people that have been in my industry longer than I have, and I hope that I am able to pass that knowledge on to my subordinates.

Hmmm... I'm not sure how CLEPs are assessed, content-wise. This is fine but very rudimentary. I wonder if, perhaps, it is too rudimentary. In other words, I'd like to see you tackle the topic with somewhat more detail and complexity.

Your essay is decent, but, as Simone said, a bit shallow. Here are some things you might consider if you wanted to add more depth:

If practical experience is so much better than theoretical training, why do people with college degrees earn so much more, on average, than those without?

What skills/values is higher education meant to teach? Does higher education only ever prepare someone for a specific career, or might in teach skills that are broadly valuable in range of jobs and activities?

You say that "In my own experience, I have learned more in the last five years from different co-workers than I would have learned if I had attended classes." How do you know this? Is there any difference in what was learned, and in the utility of the knowledge?

If, as you claim, the value of higher education relative to work experience depends on career choice, what principles can you identify that allow one to determine which category any given career falls into?

Thanks for the feedback!