Graduating from university is a daunting experience for anybody; particularly in today’s climate. The 
media are constantly reporting on the the absence of jobs available for graduates, and the rise in those applying for benefits, which isn’t exactly the most motivational content to read while you’re doing your finals.
Statistics from the NUS website indicate that the number of graduates entering employment decreased again last year by 6.9%, yet the amount of those applying has more than doubled in the past two years. With figures like these, should we students be concerned over the value of our degrees?
Well, according to research conducted by the Guardian last year, we have nothing to worry about. Apparently you would be 89% more likely to get a job if you had a degree, so why are so many of us struggling to start our lives after university?
The president of the National Union of Students, Aaron Porter, believes the answer to that very question is down to the impact of the recession on the job market and the latest actions of the current coalition government.
In a recent BBC article he said “Students are graduating from university into the bleakest employment market for decades.
“This is yet further proof that the radical proposals in Lord Browne’s review to remove government funding for the majority of subjects, and simply transfer this cost to students, is unfair and illogical.”
Making the decision to go to university is a big one; but it seems that most young people today feel that it’s a necessity to get somewhere in life. We have always been taught that in order to get a good job, it’s imperative to have a degree, but what if you’re not certain that higher education is the right path for you?
I can think of several people I met during my time at university, who were reading a subject they picked simply because they felt they had to get a degree in order to ‘succeed’. At least four of those people terminated their studies prematurely, and are now as a result in a lot of debt with nothing to show for it.
With the rise in tuition fees coming into force next year, the decision to go to university will be even tougher for those who are ‘not quite sure’; or at least you might have thought so. Research conducted last year for a BBC article suggested that 90% of would be applicants would not be put off by the increase, even with some universities looking to charge around £10,000 a year.
Whether or not you decide to take the plunge, there is plenty of help and advice out there to get you on your way and eventually find that dream job you’ve been looking for.
In my experience it is best to be persistent and organised.
Create a CV, apply to companies far and wide, even to those jobs that aren’t quite what you want to do at the moment. No-one begins their career at the top (unless they are the son or daughter of a celebrity.) Try work experience too, yes it IS unpaid but you will learn necessary skills that will look fantastic on your CV for the future and who knows what might occur from it.
For all those about to embark upon the journey of higher education, statistics and quotations aside, take it from a graduate, your degree is worth it.
Got more thoughts about student life? Chat in our student forum!