There are multiple pathways to enter the job market including work experience, internships, and many others. This brings new focus on whether pursuing a higher education degree at university is still a great decision. In essence, is a university qualification worth the investment of time and money?
To answer this question, a look at graduate employment statistics can be illuminating. For many, a university degree may prove invaluable and improve one’s job prospects. According to recent statistics released by Prospects, graduate employment figures show a promising upward trend. Employment figures have risen from 74.2 per cent to 76.6 per cent. Contributing factors include meeting the skills shortage across industry sectors.
In its report ‘The Financial Concerns of Students’, Universities UK show that prospective students have to weigh up the costs of higher education comprised of tuition fees and living costs. With university fees at an all-time high in the UK, many students consider studying abroad. A popular destination for many who choose to go abroad is universities in the US. Depending on the chosen area of study, there are often scholarships available. Of course, to be considered for university admission in the US or in order to be eligible for a scholarship, UK students need high SAT test scores. The most reliable way to ensure optimal results is undoubtedly to engage the services of reputable SAT tutoring in London.
How does university study improve job prospects?
Life at university can play a dual role in improving a student’s job prospects. First there is the degree qualification that opens doors to more professional and higher-skilled roles. Next to this is the indirect role of enhancing highly sought employability skills. It is more common than not for a prospective employer to look for transferable skills, such as outstanding communication skills, teamwork, time management and initiative. Experience in all of these can be generated by coping with university life in general.
Time spent at university can be very productive. There are plentiful opportunities on and off campus to engage in student jobs that help in building a portfolio of work-related skills. An alternative to part-time work is to engage in volunteer work. Volunteer work abounds at university, initiated by various student groups, societies and organisations. Showing commitment to uplift society by helping others can be the ultimate decisive factor in the hiring process when there are plenty of candidates with similar qualifications and skills.
In determining the value of a university education, a student and their parents will need to evaluate whether the benefits (knowledge and skills to be gained as well as potential earnings) will outweigh the fees involved.
Studying abroad makes a convincing argument in favour of confidence and maturity. As long as a student is willing to work hard, the rewards of life at university can be plentiful. If your student is thinking about studying abroad, why not get in touch with a reputable tutoring service? They can offer invaluable information on how to get the process started and the unique benefits of enrolling.
