The new academic year is about to start this June. Some may have already enrolled, although some may still be wrapping up their vacation. Some may even have no idea up to this point on what degree or course to take up in college. Some may consider college courses for high-demand jobs, like nurses, caregivers and call center agents. These are courses inclined towards employment, in my opinion, and not for self-employment based on the degree or license received. It's interesting to note that based on the January 2008 figures, 36% of the national work force is classified as "own account," consisting of the self-employed (32.3) and employer (3.8%).

There's nothing wrong in seeking employment, preparing one's resume and honing the basic skills for a successful job interview.  As previously noted, one possible route for entrepreneurs is to  work for a company -- to earn sufficient capital, to learn the tricks of the trade (almost all successful entrepreneurs will tell you that one secret for entrepreneurial success is to gain more knowledge or information on the business you're planning to go into) and to get exposed to the right crowd (sometimes, it's not what you know, but who you know). Still, it's always wise to be flexible, and if you could proceed to pursue a business or self-employment with the academic course you've taken, well and good.

Education is a good investment, although the official figures may not be consistent with that. Based on the 2003 figures from the National Statistics Office (NSO), the No. 1 reason for not getting an education is "employment/looking for work" (30.5%), followed by "lack of personal interest" (22%) and "high cost of education" (19.9). In other words, the biggest portion would rather look for a job than getting an education. Robert Kiyosaki, of course, spoke in his book "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" about the danger of pursuing education primarily for employment purposes.

Let's have a poll -- which among the following courses is better for self-employment? (If there are other courses that are best for self-employment, you could let us know through the comment section below.)

Dentists. There are so many dentists working in clinics, hospitals and in other institutions. These dentists are employees of the entity they're working for. You will notice, however, that so many independent dental offices are sprouting everywhere. 

Information Technology gurus. Just like dentists, so many of graduates of information technology, and I use this term very broadly, are working for companies. However, if you're good at what you do, you could set up shop and start your own business. Internet shops are sprouting everywhere. Softwares and computer-related projects could be done at home.

Food-related courses. It's beyond dispute that food is a good business field. If you know how to whip up great food and to manage the place where people eat, you're halfway there. If you have enough capital, guts and entrepreneurial spirit, you've filled up the other half.

Engineering/architecture. You could always work with engineering firms and constructions companies. On the other hand, if you're good at what you do and you have enough guts, you could build a name (no pun intended) constructing people's houses and offices. When we renovated our office, we contracted the entire job to an architect: supplies, materials and manpower. Less headache for us, profit to the architect.

However, there's no guarantee -- you could take up the best degree or course (in the best school, college or university) as far as you're concerned, and end up nowhere. On the other hand, there are so many out there who've found their place under the sun, with a business or work entirely different from their college courses. I have a friend who is a graduate of Psychology from one of the country's top universities, yet she is earning a lot as a wedding coordinator (well, come to think of it, a psychologist would be perfect to deal with bride-zillas). There are so many graduates of non-business courses that are running their own businesses. In the end, it's all about discovering which field you're good at, which one you enjoy the most and which one gives you sufficient financial returns.