Going to uni is not the only way to kick-start your life. But there are four really good reasons for considering it!
1. Better employment prospects
People with a uni education are more likely to get jobs. Many professions require a university degree and, in a highly competitive job market, it helps to have everything going for you. Besides gaining the practical skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career, you’ll also gain valuable experience in areas that employers look for, such as communication skills, teamwork, organisation and research skills. Studies also show that university graduates experience higher levels of job satisfaction.
2. Better pay
Uni graduates earn higher wages. You need to weigh this against getting a job straight after school, when you’ll be able to start earning a wage right away rather than waiting another few years. This requires some long-term thinking - it could be worth the wait to earn a better wage in the long run.
For more on how uni can pay off, check out:
http://www.year12whatnext.gov.au/educationpays/default.htm
3. Follow your passions (do what you love)
Uni isn’t always the serious place it appears to be– it can be a really vibrant and exciting environment. If there’s something you have a passion for and want to explore further than you can at school or on your own, uni is the place to be. Your teachers (lecturers and tutors) are people who are experts in their field. You’ll be able to learn more about what you love from people who share your interests, in an environment where the other students are equally interested.
4. Have fun
Uni isn’t just about study. It can also offer opportunities to get involved in all kinds of activities where you can explore your talents or find new ones. You can join clubs, get involved in sport, theatre or music, write for the student newspaper, go to social events or help with political campaigns. Whatever you’re interested in, you can pursue it further at uni.
Zandy
I feel as if I have arrived somewhere I belong; uni has certainly given me a sense of self-belief and satisfaction. All the schoolwork seems to be paying off, which is a fantastic feeling!
Ben
If you’re in year 10 and thinking that further study is not for you, I would advise you just to think very slowly and carefully about any decision you make… Further study is not for everyone, but it is also a key resource that’s under-utilised by people who don’t think they could handle it.