Introduction:

Welcome. You're reading a transcript on Links at Bain and Gray, a catalogue of podcasts centred on all things business support in the workplace. Our aim is to bring you interesting and relevant content that will keep you up to date and thriving in your role.

Emily: Hello and welcome to Links Bitesize. My name is Emily Bain, and today my guest is Andrea Freeman from the Oxford Media and Business School. Welcome, Andrea.

Andrea: Well, thank you. Welcome.

Emily: It’s great to have you here with us today. We wanted to discuss a contentious subject, but I can't think of anyone better placed than you to have this dialogue with.

The Degree Dilemma: Should I Get a University Degree?

Emily: We're talking about candidates who are school leavers and are considering entering the workplace, pursuing a degree, or opting for an apprenticeship scheme. I'd love your thoughts because you cater to many students who are school leavers or have started university, helping them learn skills to enter the workplace.

So Andrea, tell me, what are your thoughts on pursuing a degree?

Andrea: There is absolutely a place for getting a degree, especially if you want to be a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher, or something specific, you have to have a degree.

The other side of gaining a degree is if you want to delve deeper into a specific subject. Universities definitely have their place, and I'm not here to say do not go to university. But we have to be mindful that university is not right for everybody, and if it's not, individuals should not feel inferior or like failures.

Honestly, I think the government, schools, and parents need to shift away from the idea that all children must go to university. We need to consider the individual's needs—does this person benefit from three more years of education? It is okay not to want to go.

Parental Guidance and Career Counseling

Emily: Do many students and parents seek your advice on this decision, or have they already decided against university?

Andrea: I do have parents who just want to know it is okay not to go, which it absolutely is. I love nothing more than reassuring a parent and their child, showing them their strengths, and that the student might want to fast track into the business world, becoming an entrepreneur or starting their own business.

What I love about the OMBS course is that it allows you to be a student for a year. You can live in the accommodation, experience student life in beautiful Oxford, and acquire skills that will propel you into a career.

The Role of Education in the Job Market

Emily: I read an article yesterday about how competitive it is for graduates to secure roles, especially with many now pursuing postgraduate studies, which seems to saturate the job market for those with just an undergraduate degree.

Andrea: Apprenticeships are a wonderful alternative, depending on what you're looking for. They may not provide the traditional student experience but are certainly valuable. We need to focus more on the individual's strengths and learning style, and understand that not going to university does not diminish one's prospects—you're a testament to that, Emily.

Emily: It’s not right for everyone!

Andrea: Exactly, and what's good is that you recognized it wasn't right for you. It's easy to stay put and complain, but making the decision to leave and pursue what truly suits you is commendable.

Emily: Interestingly, now that I’m older, I think I want to pursue a degree in something I’m passionate about, not necessarily something that will advance my career.

Andrea: That's wonderful!

Emily: It's just interesting how timing and personal growth affect our educational choices. Do you often see students who have tried further education and found it wasn't for them?

Andrea: Absolutely. Nearly a third of my intake every year are students who dropped out of university. Sometimes, they haven’t researched their university courses thoroughly and find that the style and demands of university aren't for them. They come to OMBS, and it's so rewarding to reassure them that they're okay just as they are.

Emily: Where do you think we’re going wrong as a society in communicating the different educational pathways available?

Andrea: It’s the pressure from schools to look at examination results. It's not just about achieving an 'A' grade and going to a specific university. We should focus on what motivates an individual and their strengths, not just their weaknesses. If someone is dyslexic, for example, we should encourage them to pursue what they are good at and see where that can lead them.

Andrea’s Advice on Whether or Not to Pursue a Degree

Emily: You're so right, Andrea. What advice would you give to a student who doesn’t really know what they want to do?

Andrea: I’d say don't rush. Possibly take a gap year. Use that time to explore different interests and gain as much experience as possible. Say yes to different opportunities, even those that might seem boring at first. You never know what you might enjoy until you try it.

Emily: Absolutely. And remember, you can always go to university later in life, not just right after high school or a gap year.

This edited podcast transcript was part of our wider Bitesize series on Links. If you liked what you have listened to/read, please check out the rest of our catalogue here.