For years, parents and teachers have impressed on young people that earning a university degree was the best way to secure a bright, successful future. It would certainly bring professional success and financial security.
I grew up knowing I would graduate from university and take my place in the working world. Perhaps you heard this message too or raised your children with the expectation they would pursue higher education.
The percentage of jobs in the work force requiring some college or above grew in Malaysia and is expected to increase to about 50 percent by 2020. It is anticipated that by 2020, more than 10 million new and replacement jobs will require a college or university education.
Traditionally, higher education brought employment stability, opportunity for advancement, enhanced salary and other coveted perks. Studies uniformly show that a degreed professional has the potential to earn more during their lifetime than if their education ends after high school.
A baccalaureate degree certifies that a student has learned a distinct set of skills for a career such as accountant, teacher, engineer, nurse or social worker.
While many professions require specific academic or vocational skills, there is a universal need for professionals with intangible abilities that include reasoning, general problem-solving, creative thinking, adaptability and interpersonal communication.
It has been said that education helps one “learn how to learn.” Education fosters a desire to learn and encourages curiosity. It gives one the ability to read, listen and absorb information, retain it and then apply it as appropriate to the situation at hand or adapt it as circumstances change. It equips one with the ability to locate information and use higher-level thinking strategies to solve problems.
A university education also gives you a broad base of knowledge on which to build. Higher education exposes students to new concepts and information. In their classrooms they’ll meet people of all ages, races, religions, backgrounds, interests and intents. They’ll explore new ideas and thought processes, hear a variety of opinions and outlooks.
Many of the students who earned degrees 20, 15 or even 10 years ago are working in careers that didn’t exist when they were in school. Yet they have moved ahead and succeeded. Why?
Because they knew how to successfully apply their knowledge, abilities and experience to the needs of the new workplace. And when necessary, they weren’t afraid to get additional education or training.
This is why the unemployment rates for university graduates over the age of 25 was higher compared to for those holding polytechnic diplomas.
But there are other benefits to a holding a baccalaureate degree.
The jobs held by college graduates generally have health care and retirement benefits; therefore, statistics show they lead healthier lives and have a greater life expectancy.
University graduates tend to have higher rates of home ownership.
Studies show that their increased earning ability results in increased consumption, which provides an overall economic benefit.
Traditionally they are involved in their communities, get involved with community service, donate to charity and are more inclined to vote, all traits that enhance quality of life and community stability.
Those with degrees have a lower crime rate. We also know that inmates who earn associate and bachelor’s degrees behind bars have a much lower recidivism rate after release.
The decision to pursue higher education is one of the best choices a person can make in his or her lifetime. Through a modern higher education, individuals learn 21st century skills so necessary in both the labor market and in life.
