Is university the best option for you?

In this exclusive article from Go Zambia Jobs we aim to help you decide whether studying at university is the best option for you. We explore the reasons you might consider studying at university and outline key points to consider to help you make the right decision.

1. Do you have the right skills set?

University study can be hard work and intellectually demanding. It can involve large amounts of reading, synthesis and analysis – as well as written and verbal communication skills. The exact skill set required differs from course to course and you should take some time before you start a university to course to think about whether you have the right skill set for the course.

Studying at university is also different to studying at school. At university you are required to manage your own education. Tutors will help guide your learning but you are responsible for everything from enrolling, to attending lecturers, to handing in assignments and taking assessments. You will therefore need to be able to act and study independently. Tutors will help guide your learning but you are responsible for everything from enrolling, to attending lecturers, to handing in assignments and taking assessments. You will therefore need to be able to act and study independently.

Tip: You could always try a free online university course to see whether you have the right skills set. Check out our article “How to Study for FREE”.

2. Do you know the cost and time commitment?

There are many different ways to study at university. This includes part-time, full-time and distance learning study. There are also many different institutions that enable you to study towards a university qualification. The method of study and the institution you choose will determine the cost and time commitment required. It is vital that you understand the cost and time commitment before you commence a university course. The cost of a university education varies widely and you will need to consider how you would fund your studies.

For more information on funding study check out the following articles:

• Employer Funded Study
• How to Choose a Course

3. Do you understand the career prospects?

The days when a university qualification resulted in a guaranteed job are long gone. Many jobs still specify that a degree is a requirement for your job application to be considered but this is not the case for all jobs. To find out whether your chosen career requires a university qualification you should research your chosen career before starting a university course.

Your research should involve checking the requirements of job advertisements listed on www.gozambiajobs.com, checking the advice provided by professional bodies such as ZICA (Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants) or the EIZ (Engineering Institute of Zambia) and checking with potential employers themselves. Not all careers require a degree and others require that you study towards a university qualification whilst employed. It is always worth finding out exactly what is required in your career field before you make a decision.

Discover more about different careers in our FREE career profiles: Career Profiles

Conclusion

Whilst studying at university can be a life-changing experience for some people, it is not the best option for everyone. Before you decide whether or not to study at university it is important to consider the potential outcomes of your decision. This will help you to make the decision that is best for you.

Further Information