Is there a future post University?

What would you want to do post-university?

A Level  results are out. Congratulations and commiserations follow. But the reality is that some students find what they gain from pursing a University degree can differentiate them from others in the jobs market, as well as realise their potential as individuals with advanced knowledge.

However many, many students question the value of a degree nowadays.They would rather opt out of university, without a debt burden on their shoulders after graduation. They argue that employers are looking for much more than just academic attainment. They would thus settle for a job placement,assured in the present, rather than risk waiting for an unsure future to pay off a mounting debt. 

Employment market

The employment market of today in which students hope to compete for skilled jobs is different to what their parents were accustomed when they were students.Thus parents find it difficult either to relate to in today's environment, nor able to advise their children on further education.

A study by University of Oxford -"The future of Employment," has suggested that "in the near future jobs in almost half of all occupational categories could be at risk of being automated."

On the other end of the spectrum,we see employers are practical and are willing to accept "A Level" grades for jobs provided applicants looking for work have creative problem solving skills,which cannot be automated and which will fit in their job requirements.

Education or Skills

In a highly competitive jobs market, pure academic performance even at Uni or  "A Level" are no longer sufficient. Team spirit,work ethic and resilience,we are told, are today more important to find your first job than qualifications.

Soft skills such as time-keeping and ability to make decisions with or without supervision is as important for anyone who wants to stand out from the crowd at an interview.

How do students demonstrate what work experience they have acquired if they have never worked in any firm,industry, or work environment before?

Duty of Schools and Colleges

Schools and Colleges, besides students themselves, need to understand this requirement as an essential pre-requisite to secure a first job.

Whether it is playing the drums, or any musical instrument at a gig, or competence in dance, or working spare time on a farm or in a hospital ward as a volunteer,or creating an innovative "app" or writing a blog as a hobby, or on attendance on "work experience" seconded by the School or College, school leavers should have extra curricular activities to add to their education.This is called seeking out for a wider experience than study that helps students to acquire vocational skills.

Knowing this Schools and Colleges of the future should offer student courses in work related skills. Students also can acquire these skills by signing up for activities and also join Clubs and Societies to develop these skills, which most employers are now demanding.

Put simply the competitive edge students can show and have over machines,is what employers want. This is what will make them employable in the future. Think of what cannot be automated? 

Career progression

What students want to do post university or post A Level education, has to be planned out well in advance for career progression. It is not that this is not on their minds at present. A student who is "majoring" in Philosophy at Uni, is sought after by employers to work in their Human Resources Dept. An A Level student with A's in Maths and English and German would need to acquire or have attributes such as interpersonal skills and relationships,communications skills, team working,professionalism and self management, to get a competitive job. 

What Employers are Looking?

Employers of today are looking for well rounded employees,not necessarily outward signs of academic success, to adjust and face the fast paced future in the world of work. 

My message to students is to go out and get involved ,in making friends in business and industry,having an enjoyable study experience, while in their third or fourth years of College or University meet with prospective employers and all the while sharpening their communication and other skills,but most of all gaining vital self confidence to build resilience.

Victor Cherubim