Creating a Sustainable Livelihood via Higher Education
Most students I meet believe that they will land a great job with a degree. In recent years, many discussions have emerged, questioning this widely-held belief. The global economic decline may have sparked such debate given claims of increasing levels of unemployment and underemployment among university graduates.
In spite of these current debates, it is safe to say that a degree is still regarded as the qualifying passport for building a career. However, the question shouldn’t be, whether a degree is relevant but more so, “at what time in a person’s career will a degree become a requirement?”
There are various careers fields that may not require persons to have a degree when working at an entry level position - such fields include accounting, aviation, hospitality and information technology. In fact, due to lack of professional experience, university graduates often start at the same level as their counterparts who may have certificates and/or diplomas. In other cases, young university graduates may be considered over qualified for some entry level positions.
It is important for persons considering the pursuit of post-secondary studies to first conduct research into their career field of interest to ascertain what the industry requires. While a degree may be a requirement for some professional and/or managerial position, work experience and in some cases, non-degree based professional certifications have more weight. For example, a 21 year old university graduate, with little to no work experience, may encounter great difficulty being successful at obtaining certain professional jobs immediately after graduation. Many may not be able to meet the five years of full time work experience often required from most professional jobs. However, a more mature recent graduate with over ten years of work experience may achieve comparatively higher level of success.
In the wake of a global recession, where there are numerous budget cuts, shrinking labour markets and opportunities, it is critical that persons pursue qualifications that enhance job marketability based on their current life stage. For example, recent secondary school graduates may opt to pursue entry level credentials, which would allow them to enter the job market quicker and gain much needed professional experience. As their career progresses, they could utilise their industry knowledge and experience to make informed decisions on the academic programs and credentials needed to climb the career ladder. This would help to ensure maximizing the returns on the investment made in education.
Written by,
Sheena Alleyne MA
Higher Education Consultant
The Student Centre
In spite of these current debates, it is safe to say that a degree is still regarded as the qualifying passport for building a career. However, the question shouldn’t be, whether a degree is relevant but more so, “at what time in a person’s career will a degree become a requirement?”
There are various careers fields that may not require persons to have a degree when working at an entry level position - such fields include accounting, aviation, hospitality and information technology. In fact, due to lack of professional experience, university graduates often start at the same level as their counterparts who may have certificates and/or diplomas. In other cases, young university graduates may be considered over qualified for some entry level positions.
It is important for persons considering the pursuit of post-secondary studies to first conduct research into their career field of interest to ascertain what the industry requires. While a degree may be a requirement for some professional and/or managerial position, work experience and in some cases, non-degree based professional certifications have more weight. For example, a 21 year old university graduate, with little to no work experience, may encounter great difficulty being successful at obtaining certain professional jobs immediately after graduation. Many may not be able to meet the five years of full time work experience often required from most professional jobs. However, a more mature recent graduate with over ten years of work experience may achieve comparatively higher level of success.
In the wake of a global recession, where there are numerous budget cuts, shrinking labour markets and opportunities, it is critical that persons pursue qualifications that enhance job marketability based on their current life stage. For example, recent secondary school graduates may opt to pursue entry level credentials, which would allow them to enter the job market quicker and gain much needed professional experience. As their career progresses, they could utilise their industry knowledge and experience to make informed decisions on the academic programs and credentials needed to climb the career ladder. This would help to ensure maximizing the returns on the investment made in education.
Written by,
Sheena Alleyne MA
Higher Education Consultant
The Student Centre
