Should I Go to University or Get a Job?

Should I go to uni or get a job? – This is a question that many college leavers face and while going to university may be the more traditional option, it isn’t right for everyone and won’t guarantee better career prospects.

There is a range of options open to those who would prefer to get stuck into the world of work right away and some of them are great at combining learning and earning. Let’s take a look at a few factors you’ll want to consider when weighing up whether to go to university or get a job.

What types of roles are available for college leavers?

There are some great entry-level opportunities available for college leavers across many businesses and sectors. You can consider:

• Apprenticeships: These combine working, alongside studying for a nationally recognised qualification with your employer. It’s a good way to gain work experience at the same time as a qualification and employers can get grants from the government for offering apprenticeships.
• College leaver programmes: There are lots of other schemes that combine learning and working even though they aren’t official apprenticeships.
• Entry-level jobs: There’s also the option of getting an entry-level job where you can get your foot in the door and then work your way up. If you are looking at these types of roles, be sure to find out what training and career progression opportunities are on offer. You’ll want to ensure that you are developing skills that will help you to progress in your career.

Is university worth getting into debt?

The cost of university is a factor that may be putting you off. Will your earning potential as a graduate outweigh the student debt you accumulate in the long term? Unfortunately, there’s no straightforward answer as there are numerous variables that impact your future earnings.

What career you’re interested in will have a big part to play in whether going to university is worth the cost. If you haven’t already, before going to uni is the best time to make some decisions about what career path you want to pursue. If you don’t have a clue where to start, take this what career suits your personality quiz.

Will you miss out on the university experience?

The university experience is different for different people. Some love every second, make life-long friends and enjoy their studies, others do not and regret going down the university route. Not wanting to miss out isn’t a good enough reason on its own to go to uni.

What are you motivated by?

You may have weighed up the pros and cons of starting work vs. going to university and still be unsure about which is the best route for you. While you can’t predict the future, motivation plays a big part in success so if you just have a feeling about which option is calling to you, don’t ignore it.

Both options will require dedication and they will open up opportunities for success in the future if you work hard. If you prioritise what you’re motivated by and what you enjoy, you can’t go far wrong.

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