Why Do I Need Higher Education

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that everyone has the right to education.

What it doesn’t say, is everyone can have affordable education.

For some students, higher education is nothing but a dream and gets in the way of them entering the workforce as soon as possible. They need to earn money to survive.

For some, they work hard to acquire a diploma/degree and begin the career path of their choice. They use the diploma/degree to improve their lives.

If you want to provide for your family or just want a better life, here are 3 ways higher education can benefit you, and give you access to a better future.

 

Learn New Knowledge to Enhance Your Skills

Students in diploma and degree courses are exposed to the latest practices and technology within their field of study. 

With such knowledge also comes professional qualifications that are widely recognised.

Globally recognised certifications will help graduates secure higher pay and open doors to more career options. 

Many modules are designed to fulfill specific requirements for professional qualifications but also skill-specific, especially for courses that are more technical in nature.

This ensures that the syllabus is relevant for the industry’s needs and the student can perform the necessary tasks.

Such exposure also extends to new research that are being conducted, whether in academia or industry. 

Many new innovations are developed when its creators are in universities either as students or professors (example: Google).

In fact, the first graphical computer game was created at Cambridge University. First computer game with 3D graphics? Also developed at Cambridge.

 

 

Learn New Skills That Can Increase Your Value

A 2017 McKinsey Global Institute report showed that automation is the future of the workforce, with an estimated 49% of time spent on work activities globally could be automated using current technologies. 

Does that mean humans will be out of jobs? No. What it means is that humans will have to adapt to working alongside robots.

While technical skills can be altered in certain aspects by automation, essential skills such as teamwork, communication and time management are automation-proof and can increase your value while building a successful career. 

In university, you’ll be required to do your own research. This will in turn help you develop your problem-solving skills, in addition to building your creativity.

Students also will get multiple chances to hone other skills that are necessary for their future career.

 

 

Establish Professional Network to Broaden Your Prospects

Along with learning new knowledge and skills, you also will be able to build your network for professional connections. 

There are many opportunities for students to network with classmates, lecturers, and industry professionals. 

These meetings are often in classrooms, during talks, job fairs, project collaborations and internships and are coordinated between the university and the industry partners.

A professional network can help you along your career path, whether it’s a job opening or making new business connections.

Now that you’ve read about some of the benefits of higher education, here are some quick tips to help you figure out which option is the best for you.

For those who want to pursue a degree, you’ll need 5 credits and pass certain subjects to qualify for a pre-university course.

What if I don’t have 5 credits? 

You can consider diploma courses, which only require 3 credits. Though you will graduate much earlier than your degree counterparts, your job prospects will not be as wide as those with a degree.

In today’s world where we rely more on technology and convenience, a good higher education should provide you with the right knowledge, skills and network that can enable you to excel in any industry.