I'm not the only school leaver wondering if a degree agrees with me
With February almost here and my 2017 post-high school gap year clearly over, ""sh#t just got real!" (credit to: Ricky Baker, in Hunt for the Wilderpeople).
D-day has arrived, and I must decide whether or not to go to university.
The university path seems an exciting one. One friend has been accepted to Oxford, another will be attending in New York and for many others their pathways are clear as they choose between Commerce, Law, Science and Arts at Universities in Brisbane, Auckland, Otago, Wellington and beyond.
My social media stream is filling with screenshots of acceptance letters for competitive courses, and within weeks these posts will evolve into toga party shots in resident halls across the globe. Whilst seemingly opposed, this mix of new friendship and academic legitimacy sum up perfectly the benefits of a university education.
There are no shortage of fervent believers desperately trying to persuade me to attend university.
One uncle was in tears on Christmas Day (admittedly his passion may have been enhanced by too many wines at lunch) as he painted a picture of a wasted life, without networks or friendships and excluded from the highest positions in society.
As a successful advertising executive, his words have weight with me. Is he right? Am I destined to a life of ignorance and thinking small by bypassing university?
Contrary to all this are the voices of other leaders from the world of business. Entrepreneurs like Frances Valentine in New Zealand and Gary Vaynerchuk in the US, advocate for alternative pathways for young people.
Rather than being anti-education, these futurists call for a wider view of learning which includes internships, apprenticeships, new micro-credentials, on the job training, online courses and badging.
Corporates too have weighed in on the matter. Late last year, 100 NZ companies were signatories to an open letter stating that tertiary qualifications would not be needed for a number of skilled roles at their organisations.
The letter, signed by businesses like Xero, Fonterra, Spark and even Unitec(!?), stated that "Prior work experience (full or part-time), community work, portfolios, online learning and entrepreneurial endeavours" will count in making employment decisions.
With such brilliant voices on either side of the argument, the only conclusion I can clearly draw is that in many cases people are campaigning for the choice that they made, and which worked out well for them.
Personally, I have no doubt that in fields such as Law, Engineering and Medicine there are no shortcuts to success and years of guided university study are imperative. I absolutely love learning and my business is largely based on encouraging young women into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) careers which, in most cases, require significant years of study to achieve. Even money ceases to be an obstacle with free fees in 2018.
However, as an entrepreneur, I question whether the time and opportunity cost of gaining a tertiary qualification is my most efficient move. I want access to knowledge and skills as and when I need it, and I want to apply it to the real world immediately.
And I'm not the only school leaver wondering if a degree agrees with me. The fact is, entrepreneurship is in fashion. The inclusion of Business Studies in schools to Level 3, the incredible work of the Young Enterprise Trust, and online access to business mentoring and information means that increasing numbers of young people are creating real businesses whilst still in their teens - and some of them are taking off.
Smart, confident, action oriented youth are finding their niche and the challenge will be in supporting them to keep learning whilst still pursuing their businesses.
With a life filled with purpose, an enviable lifestyle of being my own boss, and the constant challenge of creating my own business, I feel like I'm living the dream. But maybe I'm wrong.
Rather than being a trailblazer spurning convention to forge my own path, am I in fact woefully naive and downright delusional? If I wanted to join a prestigious board or become an MP, or work for a top four company, would my degree-free status exclude me?
You tell me.
Would you hire me?
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Alexia Hilbertidou is the founder and CEO of GirlBoss NZ
Stakeholder, Community and Sustainability Leader @ Nova Energy |
5 年I am 44 years old and didn’t finish my degree. I was too busy drinking beer at the time. ?? There have been many times I have been passed over by others because of it. It has made it difficult to prove to others that don’t know me my true abilities. However, if you intend to work for yourself and never need to apply for a job with someone else, who hasn’t had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with you already I can’t see it holding you back. Apart from a few specific industries, you can educate yourself continuously in most areas you feel the need for on the go and online. Follow your intuition. Good luck with your decision. ??
Senior Director at Northern Territory Government
6 年I don't believe it's a question of degrees (see what I did there?!), it's the style of learning that suits you. It was a heck of an eye opener to go from getting 100% in my final 7th form Art History exam, to getting a C+ for my first varsity essay. And the kids who didn't necessarily do so well at school started excelling.
Portfolio Management Office Delivery & Improvement
6 年Great article Alexia. I'm 29 never went uni but continuously been learning and doing professional qualifications along the way. I didn't know what I wanted at the 'time' when all my friends were going and I was also aware of the indoctrination process of schooling (meaning to become the accepted norm). I have felt at a disadvantage sometimes in the work place without a uni degree but then take pitty on those who think i lack something because. I/we just have something else they can't see... original thinking for real world problem solving. I also see the new advantages uni students have available to them for preparing for entrepreneurial work if they so choose which is great. Things are changing rapidly so I question whether they can keep up being relevant? I'm also considering doing a course now on quantum physics. But look up coursera.org if you love learning.
Researcher, Coach: PhD Candidate: MBA: Masters in Advanced Leadership Practice: CPC.
6 年University is about education, learning, learning to think and question, not the degree( piece of paper). Being present in Life could offer that to. But, just imagine how much you have to offer to the thought diversity at University . We go to University as both learners and teachers
Director, Finestkind Limited, Port Nelson
6 年Hi Alexia, I never gained a degree and tbh it's a regret, although I've done well through hard work and diligence . Also, it may still happen as I believe it's an amazing achievement and something to be very proud of. They are earned, not given away and I do believe it comes from the essence of your professional and personal self. It will open many more doors for you, but should not limit you at the same time if you don't have one. All the best. I think you've got a fabulous future ahead. Attitude determines altitude .