Last Updated on Mar 12, 2020 by James W
If you listen to careers advisers and teachers, a college degree will give you a guaranteed pass to success. Many people, young and mature, embark on a university education. This is under the premise that they will be guaranteed a top job at the end of their educational career. For many, this is certainly the case. But, there have been some seriously successful people who have not got that coveted piece of paper.
For many, they often have to make big choices when it comes to education. After all, the cost of education is not cheap. It is one of the most expensive pursuits that you can undertake in your adult life.
What is more, it is not a marker or a guarantee that you will earn top dollar. With this in mind, you need to think carefully about your educational choices and whether this is the road for you to take.
Let’s take a look at see whether the road to riches starts and ends with a degree.
- Degree or No Degree; That is the Question
Many people see their degree as a worthwhile investment. It goes without saying that an educated society is a prosperous society. For those that want to go to university, they should be encouraged. For many, the process is not about making money but ensuring that they have met their personal goals. But, if you are in the mindset that money matters, you need to carefully consider your educational choices.
Let’s take a look at some statistics.
In the last year alone, 262,375 degrees were handed out. The subject range at universities is now tremendous. In the 1960s, only 6% of fewer than 21 have had a university degree. This figure is now 43%. Nearly half of the countries young people have a degree. With these becoming more prevalent, there are less top paid jobs to be sought. Now, many graduates go into jobs in which they are overqualified and underpaid.
The flip-side to this is that now companies seek out applicants with college degrees. This is especially true of corporations. Employers and businesses want to invest in people. They are less-likely to employ someone that has not got a university degree.
Your university degree may not make you rich, but it will certainly make sure that you are employed. It depends, of course, on your personal goals in life.
- Is Education a Worthwhile Investment?
So, with this in mind, it does beg the question of whether a university degree is a good investment. For some, they see it as a way to boost their knowledge. For others, they are seconded through work to ensure that they are securing a promotion.
Many people ask, “what can you do with a degree in whatever???? This is a fair question. For many people, they can see the benefit of a degree. But, more importantly people want to know what skills you can bring to a company with your degree. Having a robust degree is important.
- Research Your Alma Mater and Subject
While you may have an avid interest in media studies and philosophy, this may not be the most lucrative route to take. Many companies and businesses are keen on seeing where you have studied and what you have studied. This is preferable over a first-class degree. The weight of your degree is supported by your institution and subject matter. Grade attainment is less important for employers.
Of course, a degree obtained from Oxford or Cambridge is highly sought after by employers. But, having a relevant degree is equally as important. Marketing and business studies are highly coveted in the corporate environment. But, of course, there are other niches that pay well too. Law, nursing, medicine and economics are all important functions that are needed in society. These can be lucrative careers for many.
Are you considering on starting on an educational journey? If so, it may be worthwhile to see where there are knowledge gaps. There is currently a brain drain within the UK within the fields of science and medicine. You undoubtedly want to make sure that you are embarking on a degree that is guaranteed to have financial success. With this in mind, you need to make sure that you are studying a subject that is needed, but under studied.
It may be worthwhile to drop degrees in the arts. There is an abundance of people with arts degrees who are unemployed. While you may be interested in studying them, they are not going to see you on the road to riches.
- What Are the Alternatives to University Education?
University is a choice that you make as an adult. Let’s be honest; it’s not for everyone. If you want to have a lucrative career, then you may want to reconsider your options.
There are many alternatives to going to university. Let’s take a look at some examples:
- You can set up your own business
- Study for a diploma
- Get an internship
- Work placements
- Training schemes
- Apprenticeships
- Straight into work
There are a wealth of opportunities available to people that are outside of a university setting. It has been reported that more big companies are opening their doors to bright school leavers. School leaver placements can fast track careers. Tesco, Ernst and Young and Barclay are all offering school leaver placements. This can lead to career progression and other professional qualifications.
- Make Up Your Own Mind
Any decisions about your career should be left for you only. For many people, they choose to undertake a degree during their careers. There has been an increase in mature students in the last three years. Combining both a wealth of work experience and a degree can be a fast track to success.
Whatever you choose to do, you are sure to be successful. You need to work hard and have a lot of determination. Whether you have a degree or not, hard work is the key to success. You can have a lucrative career ahead of you if you are willing to work hard.
