AFTER DIPLOMA, WHAT NEXT
IS GETTING A DEGREE WORTH IT?
The expense of getting a degree might not always outweigh the benefits, according to a new study which found that some U.K. graduates earn less than their non-graduate peers 10 years after leaving university. The study was done by the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS).
With many new young entrepreneurs dropping out of university and building successful startups, is getting a degree still worth it? Parents must be open-minded about education today. It is good for parents to understand that there are avenues for working first without a degree.
The New Paper interviewed three top Singapore Polytechnic students and they had this to share:
Depends on the career
‘Miss Chong, who is working with media agency Starcom, said she does not feel that a degree is necessary for her career in the industry. The former media and communication student said: “A degree might matter when it comes to promotion. “But my company has directors who do not have degrees and they are on the same level as degree holders.”
Miss Ong also studied media and communication and did a four-month internship with advertising agency Arcade. She said: “My internship experience made me realize that you do not need studies to get you far. You just need to learn fast and adapt.” ‘– The New Paper
Pay scale
However, when one justifies not pursuing a degree, he at least needs a diploma. An “A” level certificate alone carries little weight in employability and pay scale. “A” level prepares a student for the university; he needs to enter university for his education to bear fruit, to carry him further in the workforce.
When one starts work after polytechnic, he gains insights and skills about the industry before his peers who are still in university. This allows one to re-evaluate whether or not this industry or company is suitable for him.
Should the child decide to pursue a degree after working for a couple of years and he performs well, companies sometimes pay fully for his degree. It may come with a bond, which practically guarantees the young person employment for a number of years.
Sector dependent
Certain sectors are reserved strictly for degree holders. Industries like design and multimedia are more focused on one’s talent rather than paper qualifications. On the other hand, to become a doctor or researcher, for example, a university degree is the bare minimum, the entry point.