Education and a diploma do not guarantee success to graduates — they merely open doors to opportunities:
Acquiring skills. Universities provide essential knowledge to pursue a career in your chosen field. However, finding a job after graduation isn't guaranteed. Only motivated students strive to become professionals in their field.
Employment. Certain professions, such as medicine, architecture, and law, require a university diploma. In some countries like the US, Canada, and EU countries, higher education is a prerequisite for obtaining a professional license.
Higher salary. Statistics show that individuals with higher education tend to earn higher salaries. A significant wage gap exists between bachelor's degree holders and those with only secondary education[1]. However, individual effort and dedication play a crucial role in career advancement.
Career and academic growth. Universities offer a well-coordinated system that allows individuals to plan their future. One can pursue a bachelor's degree, enter a master's program for specialized knowledge, earn a PhD, and engage in teaching and research.
Fundamental knowledge
Students often express dissatisfaction with their timetables, as they include numerous additional disciplines unrelated to their chosen specialization. For instance, actors and artists may study mathematical analysis, while linguists and lawyers might attend lectures on "Concepts of Modern Natural Science." Law, psychology, pedagogy, philosophy, sociology, and proficiency in one or two foreign languages are mandatory prerequisites that university students must grasp even before specialized subjects are introduced.
One might question whether it would be more beneficial to focus solely on theory and practical skills within the main subject. However, this is precisely what distinguishes university education from a narrow, specialized approach. Higher education aims to provide a comprehensive foundation across various disciplines. Such knowledge is often referred to as background knowledge or a background understanding. It serves to broaden horizons, foster critical thinking, and enhance the ability to formulate thoughts and draw conclusions.
Even in countries where students have the flexibility to choose additional courses, they often deviate from their core competencies. This is because they seek to explore new areas of interest and expand their skill set beyond the confines of their primary specialization.
Access to superior facilities
Large universities provide laboratories and research centers, offering students an excellent opportunity to engage in independent research alongside mandatory coursework.
While not all students may have access to the entire infrastructure, enthusiastic learners are often encouraged to explore their interests and seek support from professors.
Grants and internships
Education opens doors to exchange programs, internships, grants and scholarships, partially or fully funded by the government or universities themselves. These opportunities allow students to work or study abroad, providing invaluable experiences of cultural exchange, expanded horizons, and positive impressions.
To qualify for such programs, students must excel academically, demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language, and stand out among other candidates by building an impressive portfolio.
Many applicants have a fear of public speaking. Universities do a good job with this insecurity — students spend a lot of time communicating and speaking at seminars, defending research, term papers and theses, and taking oral exams.
Moreover, university student associations provide a valuable outlet for socialization. Students can find communities based on shared interests, skills, and hobbies. For example:
Have you been dancing and singing since childhood? Concerts, festivals and creative competitions are suitable for you.
If you possess proficiency in one or more foreign languages, joining conversation clubs for polyglots is an excellent option.
Perhaps you've always dreamt of helping others and advocating for those in need. In that case, you can participate in the volunteer corps, student council, or buddy program for new foreign students.
If you haven't found an association aligned with your interests, don't hesitate to create your own. Organizational experience can only improve your CV.
Participation in these activities enhances your communication skills, ability to influence people, self-presentation, and networking. These skills prove invaluable in both professional and personal life, be it at work or within the family.
Time management skills
Cramming for exams a week before the deadline can lead to excessive stress and potential burnout. In university, it is essential to plan in advance when and how to prepare for subjects. At the beginning of each semester, students receive a syllabus and reading list, aiding them in organizing their study materials. The university operates based on the principle of "do today and adapt tomorrow," emphasizing the fundamentals of effective time management.
Planning skills become particularly pronounced for students who are involved in additional activities such as sports, volunteering, scientific research, art, or other areas of interest. Managing multiple commitments alongside their studies strengthens their ability to prioritize tasks and allocate time efficiently.
What universities don’t provide
Employment and high salary. Once again, a diploma alone does not guarantee a good job. Knowledge is a tool, and It is the graduate who determines how to use it effectively.
Relevant skills. The knowledge imparted by teachers can quickly become outdated. Programs need to be regularly updated, but not all universities manage to do so in a timely manner. Self-education is key to acquiring up-to-date knowledge.
Experience. Practical experience is crucial in any field. A graduate with a prestigious diploma may face a longer job search compared to a classmate without such credentials, but with relevant experience. Relying solely on university education for experience is often futile, as sometimes universities merely provide superficial demonstrations without useful practice. Seeking internships, whether voluntary or professional, can greatly enhance your CV.
Despite the disadvantages of higher education, its main benefit lies in the simultaneous development of both hard and soft skills. At university, one can learn to overcome obstacles, prioritize, meet tight deadlines, be patient, and pursue their aspirations. However, it is important to remember that universities don’t guarantee anything. The decision of what to study and how to make the most of it ultimately rests with you.
