When it comes to education, it’s never a waste of time. People can argue that a degree doesn’t mean as much these days because everyone has one, or that it’s possible to get a well-paid job without one. And while this might be true, achieving higher education qualifications is always worth it.
Even if you don’t come straight out of university and land your dream job, later down the line that degree could come in useful. Given the choice between two similar candidates, the one with the best education is always going to look the most impressive — and this might be all you need in some cases to swing the decision in your favour. Here are some things to bear in mind when it comes to using your degree to get the best job possible.
Choose a Course With Good Job Prospects
You will of course want to do a degree in a subject you’re interested in. Otherwise, you’re in for a very long and boring few years. However, as well as choosing a subject you enjoy, you should also keep in mind what job prospects will be available to you afterwards. A good tip is to pick a broad subject rather than something specific. For example, English instead of creative writing or journalism. Criminology instead of forensics. When you come to apply for jobs afterwards, you will appeal to a wider range of employers.
Get a Great Degree Grade
Any degree is better than nothing at all. However, it makes sense to achieve the best possible grade you can. After all, education is expensive. Even if you’re not paying up front you will still owe large student debts to the government. It’s not to say you can’t have fun while you’re at university, but your grades should always be the priority. Students with the highest grades will always be prioritised when it comes to jobs, and if you’re after an academic job and competing with other graduates, then this is especially important. Plan out your revision and coursework time properly, don’t just cram or rush things. These are the years you’re dedicating to your degree so you should ensure that this is what takes priority over everything else.
Pick The Right University
Universities weren’t all made equal. Different ones will specialise in different subjects, and others are known simply for being elite and producing students with high-scoring degrees. If you can’t get into a top university, at least do plenty of research based on what you want to study. Attend open days and have a look around, look at things like equipment and space and see if you get a good overall vibe from the place. This is where you will be spending a good chunk of your life so you want it to be somewhere you’re happy, and that gives you the best opportunities. If you are able to get into a well-respected university, even this alone looks impressive on your CV and is something that will help you stand out from the crowd.
Do More Education
For many people, an undergraduate degree is the end of the line when it comes to education. By the time you graduate, you will be at least twenty-one years old, and since you’ve been in education since age four, it’s no wonder many people put an end to their studies here. But for others, a degree is just the start. Whether you choose to do another degree, a masters or a PhD, further education will help your career and in some cases be a requirement. Any salary benchmark tool will show you that the highest paid careers are usually the ones with the most study and training. So if you want to reach the top, it has to be done.
Do Some Voluntary Work
Study is excellent, and after your degree and education, you will have a fantastic qualification to show for yourself. But if you really want to stand out as well as excel in your future career, then getting some experience behind you is extremely worthwhile. You can do this while you’re still studying by taking on some voluntary work. If you’re studying criminology or psychology, for example, you could volunteer in the courts, a police station or in a prison. If you’re doing a health-related course, you could volunteer in a hospital or care home. Use your evenings, weekends or free periods between classes wisely. Even an hour a week would look good on your CV and give you some great experience.
