Was I right to go to university?

Hi I'm Charlotte, a current editorial intern at TARGETjobs. I have recently read a research report by TARGETjobs’ parent company, GTI Media, which was sponsored by EY. It found many parents seem to think of university as the only route for their children, as only 1% said they know ‘a lot’ about university alternatives such as school leaver programmes. 

During my editorial internship at GTI Media, I have researched and drafted articles for TARGETjobs, which is a graduate careers site, and I have also researched and drafted articles for TARGETcareers, which is aimed at school leavers who are deciding whether they want to go to university or not. I have learned there are many options available to students who have completed their A levels and it has made me think about my decision to go to university: is a degree worth the price tag or are work experience and other ‘earn while you learn’ routes  more valuable in the current employment market? Here are my thoughts.

The benefits of working

I have developed many skills that I can take to a publishing workplace during my four month internship. GTI Media has offered me training in how to conduct editorial interviews, how to communicate with clients, and the basics of search engine optimisation and HTML. I have also learned what recruiters think when interviewing, which will help me with interview processes in the future. These are all great skills and examples to add to my CV.

The best part, for me, has been gaining an understanding about business in general. I’ve had part-time jobs before, but attending weekly meetings at GTI Media about the progress of publications and online content, for example, has given me a commercial awareness and exposed me to how a successful business operates. My experiences have led me consider a business career – something I would never have thought of before. 

The training I have been given has been invaluable. My communication skills have grown from emailing and calling clients as well as interviewing professionals and graduates. My persistence has been tested from not giving up when clients have been hard to get hold of. My writing skills have been developed from drafting articles aimed at different target audiences that are published online and in print. I have learned that I work best when I have many different projects to keep my mind busy, and that I am motivated by visual results, such as seeing articles I have drafted being uploaded online. Surely these examples and skills will appeal to recruiters, not what I think of Dante’s Inferno?

The benefits of university

I have learned a lot of life skills during two years at university that are invaluable for later life. Moving away from home to a new area has allowed me to come out of my comfort zone. It took me time to realise that I'm not going to get on with everyone I cross paths with. I have learned how to pay bills, how to deal with the council, and how to balance my academic studies, extracurricular activities, a part-time job and a social life. How would I have gained these experiences if I did not go to university?

Being an English literature and drama student, I have developed my analytical, research and writing skills from meetings with academics who are experts in their field. University has also given me the opportunity to get involved with extracurricular activities, such as production managing for a theatre company, which has allowed my organisation and management skills to grow. Would I ever have got involved with production managing without going to university? I doubt it.

In conclusion

I have not reached an answer to my original question – I believe there are many options available to students and that all are valuable for different reasons. I do not regret my decision to go to university, as I will have three years’ worth of great memories and friends, and have accepted I will start my working life with a lot of debt. However, I do think that being in the workplace (whether via an internship or apprenticeship) teaches you how to apply your skills in a professional, working environment. Everyone has different desires and needs – students need to explore the variety of routes available to make sure their decision is the best one to suit their aspirations and career. 

Article written by Charlotte Wharf, TARGETjobs Editorial Intern. Connect with Charlotte on LinkedIn. 

Five top tips for students heading on a year abroad

If your course involves spending your third year abroad, let me just start by letting you know that you’ve hit the jackpot. I’m a Durham student who spent my third year abroad, working with the British Council in Paris. Whether you’re about to head abroad to Europe, South America or even the Middle East in the next month, there are a few tips you should follow to avoid disappointment or disaster!

1. Live with natives.

You’ve probably heard your lecturers banging on about the importance of having housemates who speak the “target language”. Yes, it’s definitely easier to sort out accommodation with a mate from your course, but as much as you swear to one another that you’ll both chat exclusively in the “TL”, you won’t – trust me, you just won’t. It might seem daunting at first, but living with locals is really the only way to truly experience the culture and fully develop your language skills.

2. Have money to set yourself up.

You’ll realistically need about €1,500 (about £1,100 or $1,700) to get everything sorted in the first few weeks ­­– the last thing you want to be stressed about is money, especially when you’re traipsing around unknown territories, trying to find flats that are only a little bit grimy (you know, in a charming kind of way). You’ll most likely need money for the first month’s rent, plus a deposit, money for a travel card, basic house supplies, and enough to tide you over until your Erasmus grant comes in or you get paid, either of which is unlikely to be before the end of your first month.

3. Be wary of the banks.

Not that they’ll try to swindle you, but you should be aware that their work culture is very different to that of the UK. Often, they tend to lack any sense of urgency with general admin procedures. You can expect those in France, Italy and Spain to close up shop for two hours on weekdays, and not to be open to the public on Mondays. They don’t like Mondays. In France, it is normal to pay an annual fee for a current account and to not have any interest rates in return. Research what system the banks use in the country in which you’ll be living before you go to get an idea of what’s normal and which banks have the best rates.

4. Make a to-do list.

You might experience a shock to the system to find yourself living in a foreign city where you don’t know a soul, having become accustomed to living with and being surrounded by friends approximately 24/7 at university for the past two years. It’s normal to get a bit lonely (*sob*) at first, so don’t panic if you feel it. A good thing to do is to make a list of all the fun things you want to do and places you want to visit during your time abroad before you go. Your year will fly past, and on days when you’re not sure what to do with yourself, it’s good to have a list of activities at hand.

5. Get Facebook stalking!

There are groups set up every year for Erasmus and other university students who are planning to spend a year abroad. Groups include those for students heading to a particular city, for students who will be working for the British Council in specific regions, and for students who will be spending a year studying at another university. These groups provide a great support network, and are a good way to meet people and learn about different events and parties that are taking place in your area for students. 

Good luck!

Article written by Ruth Thompson, TARGETjobs Editorial Intern. Connect with Ruth on LinkedIn.