Is Going To University Worth It?

It's a tough decision. 

Do I go to university?

The answer to this question is not an easy one. It requires thought and reflection on your personal goals and aspirations. It requires discussion with those  you view as mentors and those whose opinion you value. However the reality is that determining whether going to university is worth it is a decision that you, and only you, can make. Here are some things to consider before making the leap.

The Ticket into the Theatre 

Are you thinking of going to university just because it seems like a trend? Everyone else around seems to be taking the plunge; so why shouldn't you?

The reality is that approximately 54% of Canadians between 24 and 64 years old have a degree from a college or university - one of the highest proportions in the world.

Numbers like this make it easy for employers.

When was the last time you viewed a job posting and saw 'post-secondary degree from a recognized institution required' ?

The answer is probably - lots.

Yes, there are many variations that specify certain degree types that are required, but for the most part the large umbrella of a job postings just want a university degree.

For certain jobs that require specific designations (ie. healthcare, engineering, etc.), I get it - your job involves other peoples lives and if everyone does not have an understanding of the core concepts, the world would collapse.

However, many jobs can be learned through other forms of education, self-learning, and training.

So why do we see this requirement so often?

Because it has become an easy screening tool for lazy employers and organizations. 

Why would an organization put effort into creating validation tests to ensure that the knowledge, skills and abilities you say you have on your application, are in fact valid?

Why should an organization trust you when you say that you know coding and accounting principles on your application but do not have any schooling to prove it?

Unfortunately most don't - they trust that an expensive piece of paper is valid enough to prove you are capable at performing.

Check our an article by Bloomberg titled Do You Really Need a College Degree for That Entry-Level Job?  which explores the idea behind this theory here.

For this reason, the idea of going to university and getting a degree is not really a degree, it's a ticket - a ticket into the theatre of job screening and selection.

Sure you may be able to sneak in the side door, but if you want more certainty - grab a ticket and stand in line.

The Difference In Education and Schooling

A world success icon, Elon Musk, said 'Don’t confuse schooling with education. I didn’t go to Harvard but the people that work for me did'.

Check out his philosophy on the purpose of a degree and how his beliefs impact the culture in his multinational companies here.

This is extremely applicable when contemplating going to university.

University is not just about the courses you take and the degree you get - there are thousands of hours in between your schooling that provide an intangible education for you.

People: There is a saying that 'your network will determine your net-worth'. During your time in university you will have the opportunity to meet many people and build your network. You will gain professional and personal relationships that will change your life entirely. 

Whether you find a future business partner, a lifelong lover, a mentor that shares invaluable skills, or a friend that shares opportunities with you - the people that you meet during your time in university will assist you in reaching your goals and aspirations.

Places: moving to a new city or country can be intimidating, but the education you gain from that alone is extensive. Stepping out of a setting where you were raised, allows you to gain a better perspective on the world and the people within it. 

You will become exposed to new opportunities, ways of life, and perspectives that will allow you to gain a better understanding of the complexity of society and the world. You will be exposed to new opportunities and be better equipped to make decisions that assist you in reaching your goals and aspirations.

Time: you have probably pondered whether 3, 4 or even 5 years of university is worth it. It is important to know that signing up for university doesn't mean throwing away those years as those around you climb the success ladder. You will have plenty of time in between your courses to accelerate your success.

Many students work or volunteer during their time in university so they don't walk out of an institution and realize that they missed out on opportunities. The key to balancing your time is time management - university will teach you how to prioritize, execute tasks, and focus - a skill that will be invaluable when you are working to meet your goals and aspirations.

The End Goal

What is your end goal?

Are you focused on getting a good job, a high salary, an opportunity to work in a prestigious location?

If the answer is just to party and get a degree for the sake of getting a degree - going to university is not for you.

You need to ensure that your program, location of study and people you surround yourself with are aligned with your higher order goal. University allows you to grow and learn - and continuous growth and learning is key in achieving success.

If you want to grow - university allows that. I can assure you that you will learn many new things in your time and build on your current set of knowledge, skills, and abilities.

In order to maximize your growth - make sure to align your program of study and education with your goals and aspirations. If you don't want to ever build a business, take control of your personal finances, work in the field, or show no interest in the industry - an accounting degree may be a waste of time even though there may be plenty of job opportunities. But if accounting principles, cash flows, assets and liabilities, the concept of investing, or building your own business interests you -  then this field of study may align with your end goals.

If you are focused on getting a high-paying job and like the idea of a high-demand job market, then an education in basket weaving may not align with your end goal despite your interest in the subject.

It's all about where you want to go and what you want to achieve. If it doesn't align with these concepts - don't do it, you are wasting your time. 

Conclusion

Making a decision on going to university is challenging.

It's one that requires some thought.

But it is critically important that you don't view going to university as a black and white system that produces a piece of paper to hang in your office or home.

Going to university produces so much more than a tangible piece of paper - its up to you to see that.

images sourced from: elearningindustry.com, slashfilm.com, unsplash.com