From a young age, the pressure is ingrained in us about doing well in education and then going onto having a successful job. Whether it’s from your family or schools, they talk to us about the importance of getting an education and to achieve high. Some just might say that university is the place to go to do just that. However, do you need to go to university to be successful? This stage in life, just after college or A-levels, can be the most daunting.

The simplest answer is no, you don’t NEED a university degree. Successful people come from all walks of life; meaning your success depends on what you set for yourself to achieve.

Choose the path for you

One of the most important things to remember is to choose what you want to do. Persuasion from your teacher or family should not be your answer. Maybe it could be an opinion you listen to and take onboard. But ultimately, follow what you have a passion for.

The career path you choose may change throughout your life. One day, you might want to take on a job that may need little to no experience, and then change to something different that may relate to your previous job role because of the experience you may have gained. If this is your mentality, and you’re not 100% sure with what job sector you want to get into, then university may not be the best option. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean you won’t be successful.

You may go straight to work or go into other education like an Internship or Apprenticeship, and this is where you can grow and gain experience to become successful.

A Degree Doesn’t Guarantee a Job

Doing a degree never has – and never will – guarantee you a job in your chosen field. Depending on what job field you study or go into, the job market is always up and down with employment. You can say this about getting a job straight out of school or getting an internship. However, if you think that university will get you into a successful job straight away then this is something you may need to consider in-depth.

Do employers specifically look for degrees in job roles?

The short answer is yes, but this all depends on the job position. For example, if you want to become a doctor, a University PhD is a prerequisite. Nevertheless, there are jobs you can get into by working your way up. An apprenticeship is a good example.

Many employers also place a higher value on experience, which could mean a mixture of experience and volunteering could land you the job.

Researching your chosen field is extremely important because you may find that you don’t have to go to University.

3 questions to ask yourself

1. Do you need that degree? Some career paths don’t require higher education for entry, meaning it’s best to do your research on the job position you want to get into and what those employers will look for.
2. Are you doing what everyone else is doing? Unknowingly, you may be simply following the crowd. It’s ok to do something different even if half of your school year is choosing to go to University.
3. Is staying in education best for you? Some people may relish exams and essays, being very good at what they learn. However, some people don’t, and the thought of going through an education system again may be very off-putting. Think to yourself: Could you do it again?

Below is a list of important people that achieved a lot and were successful in their field without achieving a University degree.

• Steve Jobs
• Richard Branson
• John D. Rockefeller Sr.
• Steven Spielberg
• Walt Disney
• Bill Gates
• Coco Chanel

So, if you choose to go to university, that’s great! However, it’s important to remember that there are many other routes you can take. If you can show passion, competence and enthusiasm, you’ll go far regardless of your educational background. In this age of acceptance and open-mindedness, you really can be the author of your own success. Go out there and get it!