A University Degree as a Competitive Edge Essay

Introduction

“Whereas in the past, the University degree may have been optional, it currently seems mandatory and a minimum requirement for getting a good job and succeeding in the work force” (Hall, 2000). There is abidance in the relevance of a university degree in several educational articles. The most important ingredient that forms the foundation of successful absorption of an individual in the job market is the possession of a university degree. Whereas that remains the truth, it can never be the perfect case. This is based on the underlying reason that most university degrees do not necessarily mean the graduate is qualified. Many graduates have been overlooked in some organizations and their positions have been taken up by other less academic-paper-qualified people. The biggest question for many then arises does having a university degree give students a competitive edge over those who do not? The fundamental truth is that having a university degree opens up inventions and creativity, and gives priority and preference to the holders of a University degree for three reasons: the knowledge, the experience, and career opportunity that the university degree offers.

Competitive Advantage of University Degree

One fundamental relevance of a university degree is the fostering of more opportunities. In comparison to the past decades, holders of high school certificates can no longer compete effectively in the job market against university graduates (Hall, 2000; Hata, 2008). The transformation of the global economy from manufacturing-based to knowledge-based means that only university graduates who know can adapt to the ever-changing demands of the economy have access to the available job openings. Furthermore, within the existing levels of civilization witnessed today, a university degree is no longer a choice but a necessity (Joint Matriculation Board, 1976; Kennedy, 2008). Our culture, growth, development, and personal gratification have modeled and trained us to believe that success is a measure of the quality of life- the foundation towards the achievement of this lies in the attainment of quality education (Marcus, 2008).

There still exist several reasons as to why a university degree forms one of the fundamental factors behind one’s successful life in comparison to those who do not have it. These include the gaining of competitive advantage, demonstration of aptitude within a specific field of study, and the underlying fact that most job opportunities demand a college degree. In gaining a competitive advantage, a college graduate has a higher chance of being absorbed in the workforce (Neave, 2006).

A college education should be more important for most white-collar jobs and professions. Although it does not necessarily guarantee performance, the college transcripts will act as a ‘door opener’ to any field of professionals. In addition to the above, “the sophistication of what it takes to do the job and what a college education actually provides has seen the employers accepting those who can evidently show that they are good at something with the benefit of the college degrees”(Neave, 2006).

This has raised questions as regards the importance of the competitive advantage of a university degree. Most people will look for many good certificates from the best courses hoping that they would land them a good job which means more money and ultimately better lifestyles. As everyone is rushing to enroll in the best colleges, Bill Gates, a college drop out is enjoying the fame of being one of the richest people in humanity. On the other hand, there are those opportunities in one’s lifetime that are presentable to only those who hold college degrees. Isn’t this more puzzling? Which is the option to take? Hustling with the college degree or waiting for luck?

Regardless of the theories or ideas expressed, a university degree remains relevant. While boosting your power to grasp progressions in our fast-paced and diverse world, the university teaches one to think lucidly (Hudson, 1993). While the educational experience facilitates you to work with other professionals and accept their views, it also empowers one to think and act independently and make sovereign decisions without full reliance on the experts. With a good education, thoughts are also properly articulated in speech and writing. Education is also about learning how to critically think and make the right judgments. A bachelor’s degree is good enough for the holders to teach themselves any technical skills they require for the university environment equips them with the capacity to learn on their own. This is the power of knowledge that remains critical for progress in modern society (Baker, 2007: 34).

Forgetting about luck, inheritance, and taking chances, a degree increases the potential of a high-paying job. As a rule, given equal chances, a graduate from the university will earn more than a high school graduate. Consequently, the university degree provides a brighter future by making the holders recognized as very responsible citizens who are seen to understand the community, the nation, and the world at large. College becomes a place for one to discover the unknowns and unearth one’s potential and consequently a path for the future goal’s considerations. The current changing technologies demand additional knowledge beyond high school (Altbach, 2007:12). The degree helps in expanding life’s opportunities from the varieties of jobs to choose from. University prepares the students as social beings who come out with distinguishing features of creative professionals who can think at first instance without memorizing.

Paradoxically, the increasing shortage of college-educated employees in some parts of the world may diminish the worth of a college education in the future. For instance, the restructuring country in Africa like Sudan may have many corporations going for bright but uneducated people to work for them due to the high competition on the few available graduates. What about countries like India that produce more graduates than the available employers? (Basau, 2007:21). The college degree in this case will even be more important for only the highly qualified graduates will be considered. Generally, most employers consider graduates as disciplined, motivated, and hardworking individuals and will prefer a graduate to an equally able person who does not have a certificate to present.

In some instances, university degrees have been associated with fame and prestige. Some people earn degrees to be recognized in society and make them cut a niche in society. While a college education can be very expensive, the long rewards have been proven to be worth the investments. On the other hand, the bright but poor students may be contented with the high school or college-level education due to lack of finances. This leaves a question on the validity of university degrees. Many employers have also regarded experience outside college as a reinforcement of the choice in employee selection and recruitment. Irrespective of the negative allegations, college education fundamentals will remain fashionable. The skills including the ability to read well, thinking critically improve one’s ability to write concisely. However, a college degree might not always get an individual the best job position and at times the individual might not even find its use but there is more – a popular saying is that “education opens your mind”. The process of acquiring the degree is a learning process and the experience gained by undergoing this experience prepares one for the many challenges that will be encountered in life. This molds an individual into skilled personnel able to withstand the challenges and pressures in the workplace.

Conclusion

It can be discerned from the above discussions that a university degree is necessary for today’s competitive job market. This has been demonstrated to give them a competitive advantage over those who have acquired it. Whereas there are contradictions on the overall effectiveness of a university degree on the employee output, there is a general abidance in the fact that it opens more opportunities and equips one with skills in managing the demands of life. These include the abilities to think critically, make the right judgments and effectively plan one’s life. In conclusion, it can be confidently stated that the fundamental truth is that having a university degree opens up inventions and creativity, and gives priority and preference to the holders of a University degree for three reasons: the knowledge, the experience and career opportunity that the university degree offers.

References

Altbach, P. 2007, Higher Education in the New Century. Netherlands: SENSE Publishers.

Baker, W.2007, A Reflection on Business Ethics: Implication for the UN Global Compact and Social Engagement and Academic Research. UNESCO Forum.

Basu, A. 2007, University Education in India – Past and Present. New York: READ BOOKS.

Hall, M.R. 2000, The Importance of a University Degree. Web.

Hata, P. 200, The Importance of a University Education. Web.

Hudson, W.J.1993, Intellectual Capital. New York: John Wiley and Sons.

Joint Matriculation Board, 1976. A university degree: a second chance at 21+. London: The Joint Matriculation Board.

Kennedy, R. 2008, Is college really worth it? Web.

Marcus, N. 2008, The importance of graduate education. Web.

Neave, G. 2006, Knowledge, Power and Dissent. Paris: UNESCO Publishing.