Your thoughts on university

claire21

I feel quite out of touch with the subject.

I'm 46 never went, both parents never went, all done well for ourselves.

Have 3 kids the eldest being 14

See in my head going back if you met someone that went to uni you were really impressed, you thought wow they are bright. They were like the cream on the milk.

It just seems to me like so many go now that it's not "special" anymore?

I met parents and it's the be all and end all that there kids make it to uni.

What are your thoughts, do you have to go now to get a decent job, is there no working your way up in a job anymore?

My 3 kids go to private school all about just over average in school sets eg no super bright child (debate not about that please) but I have no urge that they go to uni, only if they want to. But should I be thinking they have to in this day and age to get somewhere?

lika_86

It depends what they want to do really, some professions require a degree for entry. They shouldn't 'have to' but a degree does seem to be becoming a pre-requisite for competing for jobs now.

Flugelhorn

I think one of the things that has changed, certainly since your parents were of Uni age (and possibly you) is that the percentage going has increased hugely and it has become far more of the norm for above average kids - - an not sure of the total percentage but must be something like 40-50)% of school leavers going to Higher Ed of some sort.
Not saying it is then right that your kids should go, but can be tricky to get into the job market without a degree - shame but used to be able to do a lot more on the job training ..

stebiz

claire21 wrote: »

I feel quite out of touch with the subject.

I'm 46 never went, both parents never went, all done well for ourselves.

Have 3 kids the eldest being 14

See in my head going back if you met someone that went to uni you were really impressed, you thought wow they are bright. They were like the cream on the milk.

It just seems to me like so many go now that it's not "special" anymore?

I met parents and it's the be all and end all that there kids make it to uni.

What are your thoughts, do you have to go now to get a decent job, is there no working your way up in a job anymore?

My 3 kids go to private school all about just over average in school sets eg no super bright child (debate not about that please) but I have no urge that they go to uni, only if they want to. But should I be thinking they have to in this day and age to get somewhere?

I never went to Uni from school. In fact couldn't think of anything worse. As I grew older I did have an interest in education though and even took a part time degree at a red brick Uni, which I financed myself.

The problem is with degrees these days is that they are ten a penny. Okay I've got one but so have millions of others. You need to stand out from the crowd in so many other ways.

My eldest is going to Uni next year. She's staying local and living at home. As far as I'm concerned she can find her own way. She'll get support if she wants it but the pressure is off her as far as I'm concerned. Life is to enjoy.

daisiegg

It completely depends what they want to do. Also, I suppose if they want the university experience. I needed a degree for my career anyway but I think even if I hadn't, I would have wanted to go to university. Had a fantastic experience and look back at those days extremely fondly.

Buzzybee90

daisiegg wrote: »

It completely depends what they want to do. Also, I suppose if they want the university experience. I needed a degree for my career anyway but I think even if I hadn't, I would have wanted to go to university. Had a fantastic experience and look back at those days extremely fondly.

I don't think I'd have gone if I knew I couldn't get a first, because like the OP says, having a degree alone isn't impressive anymore.

claire21

Daisigg

What is the university experience ?

See in my eyes and I'm well out of touch, it just seems like living with a load of mates and having a bit of a party with only x hours a week of education and study? And then coming out of it with a big debt (again really have no idea about fees costs etc just see people talking about uni debt)

Buzzybee90

claire21 wrote: »

Daisigg

What is the university experience ?

See in my eyes and I'm well out of touch, it just seems like living with a load of mates and having a bit of a party with only x hours a week of education and study? And then coming out of it with a big debt (again really have no idea about fees costs etc just see people talking about uni debt)

It depends how you are as a person really. For some people it is for the parties etc, but they don't *tend* to be the people that excel, in my experience.

My experience was positive more in the independent lifestyle, money management, meeting people from different cultures. Simple things like learning what it's like to live in a city, having shops round he corner, using taxis and public transport, talking to people.

I was from a very mono-ethnic rural village so these things were hugely important to me.

Of course my degree but I feel I learnt more about life than I did the subject I read.

Flugelhorn

claire21 wrote: »

Daisigg

What is the university experience ?

See in my eyes and I'm well out of touch, it just seems like living with a load of mates and having a bit of a party with only x hours a week of education and study? And then coming out of it with a big debt (again really have no idea about fees costs etc just see people talking about uni debt)

Left Uni 30 years ago so my experience not very helpful but DS is there now and to some extent it does mirror my experience (maybe he is a chip off the old block).. the degree is the most important thing, the chance to learn about subjects you like by people who know a huge amount about them and are leading names in the fields. The chance to try out new things like musicals, acting, explore views about religion, politics etc without parents within 200 miles. Oh and is learning to cook too.

lika_86

claire21 wrote: »

Daisigg

What is the university experience ?

See in my eyes and I'm well out of touch, it just seems like living with a load of mates and having a bit of a party with only x hours a week of education and study? And then coming out of it with a big debt (again really have no idea about fees costs etc just see people talking about uni debt)

For me it was living away from home, meeting people I normally wouldn't have, getting to know myself and my subject but also having the time to pursue things that interested me (I possibly spent longer reading literature than I did textbooks for my course) and getting involved with things which I never thought I would, things that have shaped my thoughts and who I am.

poet123

Increasingly even average careers need a degree.

If their bent is practical then a trade may be the way forward; plumber, decorator, gardening, electrician. So, you would have to find an apprenticeship and formal training.

If you are already paying for private education then you clearly value what education can bring.

Do they have career paths in mind? If so, that will in part determine your answer. For example, mine wanted teaching, law and medicine, so that was the answer off the bat, none of those careers are open to those without degrees.