Deciding what to do after school is a big decision. And if you're wondering whether university is the right choice for you, you're certainly not alone.
With the cost of living, concerns about the cost of studying and the opportunity to start earning straight away, it can be tempting to think that getting a job is the more sensible option. You might also be considering an apprenticeship, further study at college or taking some time to work out what you want to do next.
There isn't one right route for everyone. But if you're considering university, it’s worth looking beyond the immediate costs and thinking about what you could gain from the experience, and how it could help you reach your longer-term goals.
Here are some things to consider when deciding whether university could be right for you.
1. A degree can open doors to careers you're interested in
For some careers, a degree is an essential first step. For others, it can give you an advantage when you're starting out and help you develop the knowledge and skills employers are looking for.
At QMU, our courses are designed with careers in mind. Many have professional accreditation, placements or other opportunities to apply what you're learning in real-world settings. This means your degree isn't just about gaining a qualification. It's about developing the knowledge, practical experience and confidence you can take into your future career.
Before deciding whether university is right for you, think about the career or careers you're interested in. What qualifications do they require? What kind of experience would help you get started? And could a degree help you get there?
Explore QMU's career-focused courses
2. University can help you gain experience and skills for the workplace
There are many misconceptions about university and outdated stereotypes that it's all lectures, essays and exams.
However, university learning is increasingly hands-on, practical and connected to the real world. Depending on what you study, you could find yourself learning through practical sessions, projects, placements, fieldwork, work experience or working with real organisations and communities.
These experiences can help you gain confidence, develop skills and get a better understanding of what it's like to apply your knowledge beyond university. You'll also have opportunities to develop skills that employers value such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, research, organisation, critical thinking and presenting your ideas.
And these skills don't only come from your course. Joining a student society, volunteering, taking on a student role or simply meeting and working with people from different backgrounds can all help you develop skills that you can take into the workplace.
At QMU, our courses are designed to connect what you learn with the world beyond university, with many offering opportunities for practical learning, placements and professional experience. Through QMUEmpower, our package of support, opportunities and experiences designed to help you make the most of university, you can also access internships, mentoring, student roles and study abroad opportunities.
So, when you're comparing university with going straight into work, don't just compare a degree with a first job. Think about the experiences, skills and confidence you could build during your time at university too.
3. You don't have to have your whole career figured out at 18
You might know exactly what you want to do. Or you might have absolutely no idea.
Both are fine.
University can give you the opportunity to explore a subject you're interested in, discover areas you hadn't considered before and learn more about the careers connected to your degree.
And your first job after graduation doesn't have to be the job you do forever. The skills, knowledge and experience you develop at university can give you a foundation for different career paths as your interests change.
At QMU, our Careers and Employability Service can support you throughout your studies, whether you know exactly where you're heading or you're still figuring it out. You can speak to an adviser about your options, get help with applications and interviews, explore different careers and connect with employers.
Careers and Employability Service
4. University is about more than your degree
A university experience isn't just about what happens in lectures, seminars or exams. It's also an opportunity to meet new people, make friends, try new things and become part of a community. For many people, university is also where they meet some of the friends they'll have for life.
You might join a society, volunteer, become a student ambassador or student content creator, take part in activities, study abroad or simply get involved in something you've never tried before.
These experiences can help you become more independent, build confidence and learn more about yourself as well as developing skills you can take into your future.
At a smaller university like QMU, you can become part of a close-knit community where you're more than a student number. You can get to know the people around you, from your classmates and lecturers to the wider staff and university community, and have opportunities to make your experience your own.
5. You don't have to work everything out on your own
Starting university can be exciting, but it can also come with questions and challenges. You might be worried about keeping up with your studies, managing your finances, finding your feet somewhere new or balancing everything that's going on in your life.
That's why support matters.
At QMU, QMUEmpower brings together a range of services designed to support students throughout their university journey, including academic skills support, careers and employability, wellbeing, disability support and financial guidance.
Every QMU student is also assigned a Personal Academic Tutor who can provide guidance throughout your studies and connect you with other support when you need it.
Whether you need help with your studies, want to talk through your career plans or need some advice about a personal or financial issue, there are people at QMU who can help.
You don't have to navigate university on your own.
6. Think about the longer-term picture, not just the next few years
Cost is an important part of deciding whether to go to university, and it's something you should think about carefully, but it’s worth weighing this alongside the support available to students.
If you're comparing university with going straight into work, it can be useful to look at the bigger picture too.
Ask yourself:
- What qualifications does the career I want require?
- What experience could I gain while studying?
- What skills would I develop?
- What opportunities could help me build my CV?
- What support would I have while I'm studying?
- Where could a degree take me after graduation?
It's also worth finding out what financial support you may be eligible for and making a realistic plan for your finances. You may also choose to work part time alongside your studies. If you're looking for part-time work, our Careers and Employability Service can help you search for opportunities and provide advice on applications and interviews.
At QMU, financial advice and funding opportunities are available because we recognise that financial circumstances can affect your university experience and the opportunities you can take part in.
7. University isn't the only route, but it could be the right route for you
There are many valuable ways to build a career. The important thing is to choose the route that fits your goals, interests and circumstances
If you enjoy learning, want to explore a subject in greater depth, need a degree for the career you're interested in or want help to build the experience, skills and connections you'll need for the world of work, university could be a great next step.
And if you're looking for a university where you won't get lost in the crowd, where your course is designed with your future career in mind and where support extends beyond your academic studies, QMU might just be the place for you!
Ready to explore your options?
Take some time to explore the courses you're interested in, think about the kind of university experience you want and consider where you could see yourself thriving.
We are always here to help! If you have questions about university life or any of our courses, please contact our Student Recruitment team.
