Categories: Career Advice

9 Reasons why a University education is still a great option

Published by
Lethabo Ntsoane

We live in a digital world that has enabled children and adults to earn enough money that pursuing a professional career is not worthwhile. Nowadays, some individuals see university education as a disadvantage, but it is a safe way to earn money. Skipping the 3–7 years of university education can be appealing, especially if you have a friend or know someone who makes millions online, or does other jobs that do not require formal education.

A university degree has many advantages, but the fees that it charges can sometimes discourage many people. In South Africa, a degree can cost anywhere from R15,000.00 for online and distance learning degrees to more than R300,000.00 for postgraduate degrees.

The high cost of education may appear to be a barrier, but this is a short- to medium-term issue that can be resolved.

Since NSFAS has been converted into a grant, those who qualify for tertiary education but don’t have a sponsor can now get their education funded with NSFAS. Postgraduate degrees, on the other hand, will have to be self-funded, but there are companies that can also pay for such expenses to improve the skills of their employees. There really isn’t any reason to avoid tertiary education when there are loans, grants, and scholarships available to make tertiary students’ lives easier.

University education provides numerous benefits to students both during and after their studies. Tertiary education is always recommended for a variety of reasons, which we will discuss below. 

1. Steady Employment

It is estimated that 86% of those aged 25 to 34 who have at least a bachelor’s degree are employed. Individuals with a university degree have a better chance of finding work in South Africa when compared to the national employment rate of 61.3%.

A university degree can help you get a steady job with bargaining power to earn salary raises and better labour rights. Those with a university education are likely to be the last to be laid off and can keep a job for a very long time.

2. Comes with a vast network

Going to a university on one’s own can provide a lifetime network. Postgraduates benefit the most from networking with people from various backgrounds. An MBA program is well-known for connecting students and employers from all over the world, with a network that many can only fathom.

3. Intangible skill set

A university education provides students with some of the most in-demand skills in various industries. Whether you are studying for a diploma or a PhD, the skills and knowledge you gain at university are intangible. The skills you gain at university can be applied to a variety of situations, including starting your own business.

Completing your studies is critical if you want to gain valuable skills from a university program. Avoid dropping out of university as much as possible; however, in certain circumstances, one can call it quits to pursue something more meaningful and apply the skills learned at university.

4. More money

Education can boost a person’s salary or income. One’s level of education has a significant influence on their income. Pursuing a postgraduate degree can be financially rewarding because you may be promoted and earn a higher salary after you complete your postgraduate degree.

University has been shown to help individuals earn more money when they start work or return to their previous positions. The fact that you have specialised skills will enable you to earn more money. Furthermore, you can take up online projects on platforms such as Fiverr or Freelancer on the side, to earn more money.

5. Easy to launch a business

It is simple to find investors or qualified business partners to start a business within the network you build at university. You will have access to capital resources and specialized human labour, or you will know where to find quality labour for your company.

6. Social engagement and philanthropic works

Some of the most important aspects of giving back to the community are social responsibility and philanthropy. Those with a tertiary education typically give back to the community in ways other than money.

They volunteer and take part in community projects. People with a university education are also more likely to vote, which is important when constructing the civil society that a community desires.

7. Career options

Many job opportunities are available for those with a diploma or degree. Since there are many industries that require Labourers with the same set of qualifications, you can work in multiple industries while also working on different projects.

There are more specialised degrees, such as medicine, that do not allow individuals to manoeuvre across industries. These specialised degrees also have many more job openings than common degrees that are desired in various industries.

8. Better employer benefits

Employment opportunities that require a university education are likely to come with benefits. Employer benefits such as contributions to medical aid, retirement fund, a preservation fund, and/or a provident fund are common to jobs for those with tertiary education. 

9. Better job satisfaction

Benefits are likely to accompany employment opportunities that require a university education. Employer benefits such as contributions to medical aid, retirement funds, preservation funds, and/or provident funds are common in jobs that require a tertiary education.

Individuals who advance to management or the C-suite may be eligible for stock options if they work for certain companies. Individuals with a university education may also be eligible for allowances such as board allowances, housing allowances, and travel allowances.

Conclusion

A university education is still the best way to advance professionally. Even for those who have never had high hopes in life, obtaining a university education opens many doors. A postgraduate degree can do even more wonders by opening doors you never knew existed.

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Lethabo Ntsoane

Lethabo Ntsoane holds a Bachelors Degree in Accounting from the University of South Africa. He is a Financial Product commentator at Rateweb. He is an expect financial product analyst with years of experience in reviewing products and offering commentary. Lethabo majors in financial news, reviews and financial tips. He can be contacted: Email: lethabo@rateweb.co.za Twitter: @NtsoaneLethabo