Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 31 to 35.

Higher education also provides a competitive edge in the career market. We all know that in the economic times we are living in today, finding jobs is not guaranteed. The number of people unemployed is still relatively high, and the number of new career (31) _______ isn’t nearly enough to put people in jobs they are seeking.

As a job seeker, you’re competing with a high number of experienced workers (32) _______ have been out of the workforce for a while and are also seeking work. (33) _______, when you have a higher education, it generally equips you for better job security. Generally speaking, employers tend to value those who have completed college than those who have only completed high school and are more likely to replace that person who hasn’t (34) _______ a higher education. Furthermore, some companies even go so far as to pay your tuition because they consider an educated (35) _______ to be valuable to their organization. A college education is an investment that doesn’t just provide you with substantial rewards. It benefits the hiring company as well.