In today’s competitive world, having knowledge from school and university alone is not sufficient for success. Students who solely focus on their studies from school through university tend to benefit less and contribute less than those who travel or work and gain practical experience and skills before pursuing higher education. I refer to the group of students who strictly follow the academic route as Group A, while the ones who gain experience through travel or work are Group B.
Firstly, students in Group A predominantly acquire theoretical knowledge at school and university. While theory is undoubtedly important, it is not the only requirement for success. Practical experience is crucial, and this is where Group A significantly falls short. Although students in their third or fourth year might have opportunities to intern at companies to prepare for their future careers, the limited duration of these internships often means they do not receive adequate training. As a result, real-world job scenarios still feel unfamiliar to them. After graduation, without practical experience, Group A members often struggle to excel in their roles, which can lead to longer adjustment periods and additional financial costs as they strive to catch up with their more experienced counterparts. Consequently, they tend to contribute less in comparison to Group B, who possess two essential assets: skills and experience.
Secondly, due to their limited contributions, Group A undoubtedly reaps fewer benefits. Many companies that hire individuals from Group A invest time and resources into training them from the ground up. These costs are often deducted from the salaries of Group A employees to mitigate the risk of losing trained staff to competitors. This makes lower benefits inevitable for Group A. In contrast, Group B employees tend to be more loyal and effective. They bring valuable experience and skills to the table, and their educational qualifications are often on par with or exceed those of Group A. As a result, members of Group B generally enjoy greater benefits.
In conclusion, I believe students should consider traveling or working before pursuing higher education. This approach allows them to gain not only foundational knowledge but also practical skills and experience that are invaluable for securing a good job and achieving a successful future.