University isn't what it used to be
I have two sons. One is studying a trade (Electrician) and the other is in University (Science). I'm very proud of both of them and wish them all the best in their studies. Between the two of them the one in University is studying way harder and putting in way more effort....and he is the one more likely to face being over educated and under employed. Weird, isn't it?
There was a time where higher education meant better jobs, better future and generally a better life. For some it is still a path towards a better lifestyle. Those who get a degree as a Physician or Nurse there are plentiful jobs in Canada. In my profession as a Pharmacist there are still a number of good paying jobs who get that degree. But what about all the other University degrees that don't lead a a job? For those in Women's studies, Art History, Philosophy or any other number of classes at University? Are they relics from a bygone area or have some hidden value?
I think the answer is that, Yes, they are a relic and no longer needed but Yes there is also a hidden value.
Too many people and too few jobs
If you ask me there are a large number of University students who go there simply because they have no idea what they want to do after they graduate from High School. They followed the High School curriculum, got good grades, and yet they are woefully unprepared for "real life". What's the solution? Go to University, learn, and get a great job. Well, that's what the brochures say anyways. In reality the students end up spending a lot of money and in the end they get a degree, a handshake, and a frustrating job hunt.
It is not that the courses taught are not useful, however, they do tend to be niche. An "Art History" course can expand someone's knowledge of artwork and its importance as a foundational piece in today's society. The question is though....where is the job? Sure there are a few jobs at museums, or government historians and the such. But there certainly aren't enough jobs for all the graduates. I believe that to be true for many many different degrees.
Indeed, a very good friend of mine in high school went on to get a Masters Degree in Marine Biology. He was a genius, or at least the smartest in his grade, and he passed with flying colours. With the focus on environment and devastation of the waterways and decreasing salmon stocks and all the save the animals you would think there are lots of jobs. Except there really aren't. There are a handful of jobs available to be sure. Some of those jobs are truly awesome and in high demand. Yet, 30 years later he is working in retail as there just wasn't anything available for him.
And I would guess that is the story of many graduates
Why bother with University then?
With the advent of AI tools and getting information given to us by the Internet why should we really bother with University anyways? Sure for some highly specialized jobs like Doctors the University route is a golden pathway. Then again even there (at least in Canada) there are 100 applicants for only 10 spots so it is far from a sure thing going in. The vast majority of other degrees are far less useful. We have higher education churning out degrees which don't help people get jobs...what a waste!
Except when it isn't
I recently met and introduced someone to Hive. Unlike many other people I've tried to introduce to Hive, this person figured it out very quickly. They were studying digital information technology. Their goal was to become a digital personal assistant. That made me a little sad because AI is quickly becoming the go to tool that works as a virtual assistant to anyone for free. But one thing remained, this person was able to pick up Hive very quickly where others struggled. More than that they saw its potential, started posting, and generally bolted out of the gate. Now they have a busy life so they haven't pursued it as much as I wished but the fact remained.
They were able to succeed where so many others get bogged down.
And that is where the true power of University comes in.
To succeed in University a student has to think. They need to be able to deal with deadlines, information overload, fight procrastination, take tests, do public speaking, work in groups and all sorts of other things that the average person never has to bother with. They have to deal with different viewpoints and see the value of all of them or the flaws in the various different arguments out there.
Will this help the person find a job? Maybe. Maybe not. However, having a deeper knowledge of the world does hurt. Being put through mental boot camp to stress your limits can make people more resilient. Having skills to work out a problem, or deal with information overload, or working with others....or so much more never hurts anyone in life.
So is it useless?
I'll be the first to admit that when I was doing course selection with my son and I saw that "Art History" and "Philosophy" were going to be on his first year curriculum I inwardly groaned. What useless garbage is my first thought. When looking through the lens of "will it get me a job" that is absolutely correct.
Then I hear my son talking about the world, about abstract concepts, about an appreciation of the past and of learning. I see how he is having to fight to learn, and do articles, and practice his writing skills, and deal with classmates on projects. I see him having to deal with tests and deadlines. I see how he is maturing and becoming more capable and better at problem solving.
Then I think to myself. Well, perhaps the course material isn't the true measure of a University degree. It's the value of the hard work and mental stimulation that goes with it that is the true reward
Or maybe I'm just reading too much into something. Feel free to leave a comment.
I will admit that I wish University didn't come with such a hefty price tag with so little chance at a financial payoff at the end. Especially because next years tuition is coming due later today. I wish that the Universities were more honest in the job prospects for their graduates.
In the end though, knowledge is important. Sometimes the skill becomes less useful or obsolete (like my old typing and office management course) but the actual mental development required to get that skill never goes out of style.
Or at least I hope it doesn't
Thanks for reading and as always,
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