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Many people believe that going to the university will offer them a good career after completion of studies. During their higher education program, they develop skills and knowledge to prove their future employment prospects. However, going to university might not be the right path for everyone due to various factors.

You need to consider the pros and cons of going to university before making your decision to help you know whether it will be the right path for you or not.

Pros:

1. Develop skills: Going to the university helps you develop skills and knowledge in the field you aspire to be established in. universities equip students with skills that can enhance employability compared to candidates who have not acquired these transferable skills.

2. Interact with many people: In university, you can meet different people from all walks of the world. You can make friends and connections with people with whom you share similar experiences.

3. Broaden your mind: University gives you a chance to move to a new place, meet new people with diverse backgrounds, and learn fascinating ideas, art, politics, and culture. This helps broaden your mind.

4. Increase your earning potential: Having a degree can increase your earning potential although the amount of salary received depends on the field you’re in and your experience in that field. You have a higher chance of gaining promotion and climbing up the career ladder.

5. Large list of academic programs: Public universities offer a wide range of academic programs you can choose from. It is also essential for those students who decide to change their career path while in school.

6. Gain independence: Once you enter university, you have made a major decision to improve your future prospects and this can motivate you towards your goals and aspirations. You will live away from home, experience life as an adult, and a new level of independence.

7. Reputation: Some universities are well known for the various programs offered such as the University of Texas which is known for engineering programs whereas the University of Michigan is known for business-related courses.

8. Student activities: University offers various activities to suit the large student population. Students can join organizations or support groups that suit their interests.

9. Student resources: Large public university offers great resources to students compared to smaller colleges. Some of the resources offered include; tutoring services, and counseling, huge fitness centers among others.

10. Job opportunities: Some companies partner with reputable universities and seek interns and employees from these universities. This opens various job opportunities to the students.

Cons:

1. Expensive: University is very expensive; you have to pay a high tuition fee, accommodation money if you attend a university far from home, and money for other daily expenses like food.

2. You may not gain practical experience: Most university programs teach a lot of theory and, therefore, you might not gain practical experience in a subject you studying. Many university students don’t have hands-on experience relevant for employment.

3. Lack of employment skills: University prepares students on a particular career path and students lack the skills they need in the workplace like problem-solving, communication, creative thinking, and teamwork skills.

4. Intensive workload: Attending various lectures, seminars, and independent study can be demanding. Each student is responsible for their own workload and should commit a certain amount of time towards their studies.

5. Commit at least three years of your life: Most bachelor programs can take you at least three years to complete. Therefore, you need to commit yourself to three or more years of academic study.

6. Higher lifetime earning with an apprenticeship: Those who have a level 5 apprenticeship or higher tend to earn more money in a lifetime than a university graduate.

7. Peer pressure: There is a lot of peer pressure in the university and it may take a lot of self-discipline and respect not to fall into temptation.

8. Change mind: If you decide to change your career path in between your study program, you have to wait for a new semester to start afresh. The previously acquired credits may not be considered in your new academic program.

9. Doesn’t guarantee a job: A university degree can give you a competitive edge but it is not a guarantee you will get a job in your field after completion of studies.

10. Finish degree in debts: Taking students loans to finance high tuition fees and other expenses live you with a lot of debt by the time you complete your studies.