I’m still trying to answer this, for myself to be honest. There are concerns of if it’s worth the money nowadays, or if you even have a subject you want to study. But then could I get to where I am now, without it? Are there any other alternatives to get here? I’m going to share my thoughts and answer these questions at the end.
Graduate
Obviously, this is the traditionally route, that our parents want us to follow. You spend 3-5 years on a degree, maybe a year in industry (work experience), and then you graduate.
From my experience, I did my 4 years masters with a year in industry, with the company I’m currently employed with. Before starting my final year, I was offered a job with the company, as a graduate, and I accepted. They hired me in the technical field, and I work with a variety of chemists. On a day-to-day basis:
- Do I use my degree? No.
- Am I applying all the technical skills that my lecturers forced me to learn? Also, no.
- Do I feel like I am making use of the years of stress? Definitely not
It really sounds like my degree is seemingly pointless, and sometimes I really do think it. However, there are things I need consider:
- Did I apply for a job that relates to my degree? No
- Did I apply to a company that relies heavily on my degree? Also, no
- Did my degree prepare me for all possible industries that it could be applied to? Definitely not
So, it’s not that my degree is useless, its far from it. But I am currently in a role, that I haven’t been prepared for. I did not consider this industry before I applied for my degree. So how can I blame my degree for not preparing me? Nevertheless, without this degree:
- I wouldn’t have been qualified for the job I have (it’s a job for graduates)
- I wouldn’t have the basic skills that make me more adaptable to my job
I specifically requested that I didn’t want to work in the lab, and I’m happy with that decision. Chemistry isn’t just about the labs, but without my degree, I wouldn’t have this job or the opportunities that come with a graduate scheme.
A major negative is the student loan. Thankfully, it doesn’t affect my credit score or my financial stability. But seeing it being deducted on my pay check is not appreciated. It gets scrapped after a few decades, and I’m comfortable with that. But at the extent it’s at, I don’t see myself paying it off, especially with the interest rate.
Apprenticeship
I am not qualified to give any advice; I also haven’t done one. But I have heard about them, and the company I work for offers them. So, here is what I know:
- You get hands on work experience and college days
- Earn money, whilst doing a funded degree
- You do not have student debt when you graduate
When I heard these benefits, I was kicking myself for not looking for an apprenticeship. But there is never a thing that has just pros. The cons:
- If you decide to have a career change, there is still a demand for an undergraduate degree for some industries (which you won’t really have)
- They are paid less than graduates (by quite a bit)
- During the term holidays, they will be working the job with the company they are with, instead of taking a break
For me, I chose my degree because it keeps my options open. I can grow professionally, and increase income without having to invest too much time in qualifications. I really loved my university holidays. So, with my priorities, an apprenticeship was not for me, and I’m glad I didn’t do it. But that shouldn’t stop you from doing your own research, and thinking what’s best for you.
No degree
I took the degree option, so I am very inexperienced here. However, it is still an option to not go study, and just go straight into work, that isn’t an apprenticeship.
There is career progression and pay progression available. It depends on the industry and your drive, but you could do anything. In fact, it shows your very adaptable as a person, to just throw yourself in a job without a degree.
It still does lock you out of more specific careers, which do require a degree, but it’s not the end of the world, to not have one.
Questions
Could I get to where I am now, without my degree?
No. Without my degree I wouldn’t be on a graduate scheme right now.
Are there any other alternatives to achieve my career goals?
Yes and no. You don’t need a degree to be a manager, director, CEO or anything. Careers offer progression, as long as you work for it. It will be longer on the non-graduate routes, and I probably won’t get into my ideal industries as quickly/easily. But it’s not impossible.
Moral of my story:
- Do what resonates with you– What you do with your life, is yours. Don’t just do something because of pressure or social norms
- Do your research– Google it. Ask people. Get as many perspectives as you can, to have a better understanding on what could work for you
- Every cloud has its silver lining– There is no one option that is worthwhile. It depends on your priorities. There are pros and cons to everything
- Work is always different to books– No matter how much you study or pay attention, everyday life isn’t the same. You just have to do the work
- Is my degree worth it?– Right now yes, but in the future I don’t know
