Harmony Chen (9) | STAFF REPORTER
Written May 2023
Increasingly, high school students are reconsidering the value of a university education. Tuition costs can be extraordinarily high, student loan debt reaches tens of thousands, and the investment of time, money, and effort significantly reduces the appeal of post-secondary schooling.
Furthermore, many large companies have chosen not to require a traditional degree. Prominent companies like Apple, Google, Tesla, and IBM have opted to prioritize skills, experience, and potential in hiring.
However, the benefits of obtaining a university degree significantly outweigh the temporary, short-term losses this investment gives rise to.
With a degree, a wider range of career options is accessible, as well as a higher chance of securing higher-paying positions. The 2020 Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey indicated that the median employment income for individuals with a bachelor’s degree is 60% greater than those with a high school diploma.
University education also leads to personal growth and development, nurturing critical thinking, research, and communication skills in the institution’s students. These skills are crucial for success in the workplace, as they translate into applicable decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
A diverse group of students and faculties are brought together, creating valuable networking opportunities. Building a strong and extensive network is pivotal in career advancement because it allows for industry insight, access to hidden opportunities, and long-term career support, to list a few among numerous other benefits.
Although the decision to pursue a university degree is based on each individual’s circumstances and career goals, higher-level education equips students with a broad range of valuable knowledge and skills; university helps shape students into well-rounded, intellectually curious students who are better prepared to solve complex challenges and make positive, lasting impacts, ultimately contributing to continuous human development.
