For years, it has been said that a university degree is the best option to get you a job once you leave school. Is that really true?
In short, the answer to this is no. It’s a myth!
Parents, teachers and peers might guide you consciously (or not!) towards doing a degree as you leave school.
When I was finishing my A Levels, I don’t remember any apprenticeships or jobs being advertised to me, only university. Even after finishing my Bachelors without a job, I still believed that university would get me a good job eventually. It was so ingrained, I even considered getting a Masters to help me get a higher-paid job, even though I had already proven to myself that there was absolutely no guarantee of that.
Some degrees are necessary
There are some jobs that require ‘a university degree’, and some higher end jobs that do have specific degree requirements. However, you don’t often jump straight to the top. There’s a whole hierarchy to work your way up in first.
Nowadays, relevant experience is usually enough to get your foot on said ladder, but again – not a guarantee.
Better your chances of getting a job straight out of university
Your university degree is what you make it. If you work hard at marketing yourself, the chances are, there will be opportunities that come from your degree. These opportunities might not be full-time, or even paid, but they will give you time to consider what you really want and will make your CV stand out.
If you are currently considering university, make sure that you research what your degree can offer you regarding placements. Some degrees naturally include placement opportunities such as Primary Education with QTS, but this is not a guarantee. Furthermore, the 99% employment rate of your university doesn’t necessarily mean that graduates are employed in their chosen fields. This could just mean that they are continuing in their part-time university employment in retail or fast food etc.
If placements aren’t an integral part of the marketing of your degree, ask the lecturers on open days, or utilise student mentors to find out what experiences they have had. Without placements, be mindful that you are likely to have to find and arrange your own work experience.
In summary
The most important part of choosing your degree is research. Consider where you want to be five years after you graduate, and plan for that.
If you are already doing your degree, make yourself noticeable to your lecturers. They will have practiced in the field that they teach and will have advice on next steps.