Is university right for you?

There are lots of options for the route you could take after college, from apprenticeships and university degrees, to gap years and the world of work.

Still considering whether university is really for you? That's ok! It's important not to make any rushed decisions.

If you've given some thought to what kind of career you might like, hopefully you have a clearer idea of what it is you want to do (or at least the kind of lifestyle you want to lead). The next step is to think about how you're going to get there.

Going to university

Firstly, it's worth remembering that a fair few professions will require you to have a degree. If you have your heart set on one particular field, make sure you do your research. Some professions require a specific degree, such as nursing, whereas others have more options. For example, you could study business with different specialisms. This means that after graduating, you could use your degree to go into different fields or gain a master’s.

Of course, there's more to being a student than getting the academic qualifications. There are lots of other good reasons why university is worth it and transferable skills that come from studying - critical thinking, research, project management, work-experience to name just a few - are valued by employers in all industries.

Some people love the student experience too - gaining independence, meeting like-minded people, joining societies, or even learning to cook!

If you’re wondering if uni is much different from college, it’s worth understanding that while you have more responsibility, you’re not on your own and there’s plenty of support too. For more insight, check out our article, studying at uni compared to college.

Having a degree could make you more employable in certain industries, even if it's not an essential requirement. University will give you three years to grow as a person, try new things, and really work out what you want from your career.

Leap into the world of work

It's worth remembering that you don't need to go to uni to become a success. For some, three more years of education just doesn't appeal, but stepping straight into the world of work does. Some careers place a lot of emphasis on 'learning on the job'. If you've got good grades at GCSE, BTEC, A-Level, or T-Level, there are a wide range of professional roles that would be more than happy to take you on without a degree.

Check out this helpful UCAS video to further consider your options.

And just because you've gone straight into work after college, it doesn't mean you can't study for further qualifications later on. Lots of people decide to go to university later in life - either using their existing experience to do a 'top-up' degree, which takes a year, or taking the time out to do a three-year undergraduate degree. Or you can study for professional qualifications in areas like marketing, accounting, HR, and computing, after you've worked in your chosen field for a few years and gained 'on-the-job' experience. Some change their path completely and do a foundation year so they can gain entry onto a degree in new subject areas.

Take a look at apprenticeships

If you want to work in a specific role in a specific industry and gain a degree, why not consider an apprenticeship?

There are tons of opportunities in lots of sectors, from construction or engineering to healthcare and management. Higher and degree apprenticeships mean you can study for a qualification while still getting paid to work in your chosen profession.

You can apply for a higher or degree apprenticeship while you're still at school or college. First you need to find an employer running an apprenticeship scheme in the field in which you want to work. You can do this on the GOV.UK website.

You'll need to attend an interview, as with any job. If you're successful, you'll not only be in paid employment, but you'll be given the time to work towards a university qualification at the same time. And you'll be earning some money without having to pay any tuition fees, whilst gaining key skills needed for a specific job.

Learn more about apprenticeships in week 31.

Set sail with a career at sea

If you're looking for a job which will take you all over the world, the chance to leave education debt free, and a well-paid career with some great prospects, a career in the shipping industry could be for you!

There are many exciting careers both at sea and ashore and, like an apprenticeship, studying costs are covered by the organisation you will work for. While many people who join the Merchant Navy will aim to reach the ranks of captain, chief engineer, or chief electro-technical officer, others may choose to work ashore in areas such as logistics, law or finance.

So, if you're looking for an alternative to university, it might be worth exploring joining the Merchant Navy for a career at sea.

Find out more about a career at sea and how to apply for a cadetship.

Do something different

What about a gap year? Taking a year out to go travelling, volunteer, do an internship, or try something different is a great way to really think about what you want to do, and could help you make a better-informed decision.

Taking a gap year could help you gain valuable work experience and develop your transferable skills, not to mention increase your confidence and independence before taking the next step to uni.

Make sure you plan, though - what you want to achieve, finances, how will it benefit you in the long run. Check out GoAbroad for some good tips on planning a gap year.

One thing to note: if you're thinking of applying to uni first and then taking a gap year, you'll need to find out if you can defer your place for a year. You'll need to show that your gap year is constructive and that you'll gain something from it that'll benefit your degree studies. Alternatively, you could apply any time after your gap year and if you've opted to do something related to what you'll be studying, this may help strengthen your application.

Do what's right for you

Basically, there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Family, carers or teachers can always be helpful with good advice, but it’s important to do what feels right for you. By taking the time to research the best way to get to where you want to be, you'll be in a great position to take that next step, in whichever direction it may be.