Sunday, October 01, 2006
Is a College/ University Degree important?
Chanced upon this forum thread on Stomp. Is a College/ University Degree really important? Or are we just over-exaggerating the importance of a piece of paper?
Well, in my opinion, other than our basic needs/essentials, all other things are really just 'good to haves'... Let me explain...
In the past, having a degree wasn't as important as it is right now. It was just a means to the end, i.e. for a better future. Hell, many of those in the previous generation didn't have a substantial education to begin with, not to mention getting to the University. Those with degrees then therefore had better access to resources, promotions, etc etc...
Then came a time when going to the University was a norm. Everyone wanted to get to the University, and most of the times, they made it. Regardless of whatever you want to say about the national education system, Singapore has managed to give opportunities (I'm not saying that they are equal) to those who have the potential to get to the University. But I digress... All of a sudden, getting a degree has become so common, and besides, with the multitude of Universities available and the many courses to choose from, it is little wonder that we have a sudden influx of graduates. In a flush, we have graduates competing for the most menial of jobs. Many are still languishing in limbo trying to get a job, any job. With all these graduates clamouring for a paycheck, who would want to employ non-graduates, especially if they are thought to be (rightly or wrongly) as cream of the crop'?
Non-graduates are good too, even better than graduates. Mostly because they know that they are already disadvantaged paper-wise, and have decided to work harder to make up for lost time or lost opportunities.
I have a friend my age who has only an 'O' Level certificate (for my foreign friends, an equivalent to a high school Diploma). And he's successful in his own right, earning more than many of the graduates out there.
So go figure, Degree or no degree?
Take it easy, Keep it real...
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