As somebody who signed on to an intense 3-year sponsored degree and a total of 5 years at a major company, there are 3 things I think you should consider if you’re about to dive in and sign a contract, or hand over huge sums of cash.
Seriously Consider the Subject
Make sure you actually like the subject and would be comfortable doing it every day. Obviously, you should try to obtain some form of work experience in the area, or even a taster session at the university (college, in America) – it amazes me how many people dive into uni/college blind.
What is your career priority?
Know what’s important to you. If bringing in the big bucks is your #1 priority of working, that’s okay. Have a plan to get there. Make sure the course you’re considering has a strong career trajectory that can land you that early retirement, passive income, etc.
But for everyone else, if your reason for getting up in the morning is not just money, but doing what you’re passionate about or making a difference in the world and to people’s lives, then please, please make sure that’s what you’re signing up to or you’ll hate every minute of it.
Consider Alternatives to University
Don’t feel like it’s your only option. If it feels like you’re being funnelled into this route, you probably are. University used to be for the few most academic youngsters to attend, but now they make millions off students who pay (or borrow) exorbitant amounts, to the point where it’s run like a business. Pretend you need a degree. Promote student lifestyle. More students in = more money.
But really, the more people get a degree, the less valuable they become. Besides, student life is basically being an unemployed alcoholic, except your parents are proud.
Some of the most successful people never graduated uni. Henry Ford, Kim Kardashian, Steve Jobs, and many more. Not that you want to be like a Kardashian (please no), but all are valued at several billion and reached the top of their respective fields.
TLDR: Should I go to university? Basically, make sure you know what you’re getting into. Because £9,000/year (or whatever they charge now) is real money, even if it never touches your bank account. And 3-5 years is a long time. So do be a little hesitant. Now that you’ve read this, don’t say I didn’t warn you!
