Nowadays, benefits and drawbacks of higher education are widely debated in society. Some people believe that studying in tertiary education is essential for an individual’s future success, while others argue that university diplomas are not relevant anymore. In my view, this largely depends on the occupation. There are certain types of jobs that require higher education because they demand specific knowledge and qualifications that cannot be acquired without a university education. However, some individuals can achieve success in their careers without any academic qualifications.
From one perspective, post-secondary education provides an overwhelming number of advantages, especially for occupations like medicine and law, which require highly specialized knowledge. Universities and colleges are places where students can acquire in-depth expertise from professional teachers which cannot be obtained elsewhere. Therefore, for individuals who aimed to aforementioned professions, using such opportunities is crucial. Additionally, formal education offers its learners enhanced credibility in the job market. As a result, students with university qualifications are more likely to find well-paid and stable occupations in the future. For these reasons, majority of people still support the idea that academic degrees are vital for one’s future perspectives.
From another perspective, there is an increasing discussion about the necessity of tertiary education. A growing number of people consider that success largely depends on practical experiences and personal skills rather than spending several years obtaining formal academic degrees. For instance, in recent years, many professions such as entrepreneurs, IT professionals, language trainers and interpreters learn their professions by educational centres or self-study which allows them to earn an impressive salary without having any university diploma. This is one of many examples where people question the relevance of higher education.
In my view, as mentioned earlier, the relevance of advanced education varies according to the field of work. For professions such as medicine, law, engineering, formal undergraduate and postgraduate education is vital due to the specialized expertise required. In many other fields, on the other hand, including entrepreneurship, the arts, and technology-related professions, individuals can achieve considerable success through practical experience, self-directed learning, and as well as personal skills. Therefore, while tertiary education provides numerous benefits, I think it is not the only way to achieve professional success.
In summary, tertiary education provides valuable skills and qualifications, but success can also be achieved through practical experience, personal abilities, and self-motivated learning, depending on the field of work.