Education or networking?

I learn best from doing things hands on. Otherwise, I'll just be constantly studying to the test. I don't want to learn just for the sake of a test. I want to be able to embrace the knowledge and remember it for future purposes. My example is actually from a class I've taken here at OSU, Spanish. Whenever someone first thinks of learning a language, they doubt themselves, their ability and usually will admit to not having enough time on their hands. In Spanish, we play a lot of trivia games (yes this is a college level course), no one is allowed to speak in English, and we're always moving in the class, whether it be to interact with someone, to go up to the board to write down something. My brain/mind are constantly working. Plus, let's face it, no one wants to be called on and not know the answer, at least I know I don't. I look forward to going to Spanish class. It's a stress-free environment.

Society's view on getting an education is so we can fill spots in the working force. My view on education is to better myself. I truly believe knowledge is power, not only for the sake of money, but for the sake of being intellectually stimulated. To be able to interact with one another and to carry on conversations that the "average joe" doesn't understand is rewarding. It may sound competitive or even harsh but it's the truth. Having an education is going to allow me to have a better future.

With that being said, I am somewhat concerned that I will have trouble finding a job in our economy. That leads me to question whether I should continue on to Graduate school or even PH.D after under grad. Does having an abundance of education really make you a part of the elite where you can find a job or does having networking work better? Is education better for one's self or better for a job or maybe both? This argument has been at a standstill for me since I started this journey they call college.