Redefining Success: The Impact of University Education Beyond Degrees
Razan Hamadeh
NDU
ENG213: Research paper
Dr Maya Ezzedine
May 19, 2024
Redefining Success: The Impact of University Education Beyond Degrees
As more and more people seem to believe that a college degree is how to achieve
success, the argument regarding its real influence is still being debated. Observe that
diplomas are only superlative as they are triggering precious opportunities with a lot of
potential! Envision a world where the achievement stands not just for the set of qualifications
you can portray on a resume, rather on the life experiences you have acquired and how you
have grown. This shift in our way of thinking is of the essence for finding the right balance
between two newly addressed challenges – a shifting global economy and a highly
interdependent world. Both society and individual students in this modern, industrial world
owe to education, as it is the means to view a person’s social status, economic growth as well
as a survival. In the past, it has been assumed that the walls that the university woke up
against were established to create diploma forums; they have been associated with success in
the working world. The way to success for the students was the key that could open the door
to a secure job and financial stability. Nowadays, some ambitious youths will rather quit the
thought of spending so many years to finally hold a piece of a paper only to add to the pool of
student debts they will carry. Alternatively, they doubt that the same ends can be attained as
there is, the Internet and its available boundless opportunities for them and discredit having a
degree any more. While there is a possibility to succeed without the formal education,
universities unknowingly confer the values that are paramount in character education such as
discipline, teamwork, and respect which are equally important for complete personal
development. In fact, this will be an opportunity to give college success a new definition and
in turn to discover lifelong benefits and use the college impact that can bring us this great
success.
The unfamiliar tight schedule as a result of attending university every day teaches
students how to develop a reasonable regulatory habit that is so important in daily life for
long-term positive results. Students master the skill of efficient time and workload
management by following classes as they learn to handle both academic matters and personal
commitments at the same time, which is the precursor to their professional achievements
thereafter. In addition to that, one of the vital components of university life which is of great
concern in university discipline is deadlines. Meeting deadlines for assignments and
timeframes for project not only builds up a reputation for reliability but also creates a setting
for obligations and sense of responsibility, which are desirable traits in the workplace. By
emphasizing timely completion of duties and tasks within the university framework, students
can discover their effectiveness in the process. The training they receive will help them to
actualize their capabilities while transitioning from the schoolgrounds smoothly into the
professional world. As a result of the order and discipline that is practiced at university, the
students acquire more than just what is required for success in the classroom. Their imbued
character and competitive edge will be of great help to them in future as they pursue their
ambitions.
To foster engagement in university life, one has to join in group work which is in
effect a bulwark of vital interpersonal skills like collaboration and teamwork that will have a
wide application across multifarious professions. These partnerships within educational
sector not only put the student at the center of knowledge but also create a culture where
cooperative work is promoted and rewarded. Also, any initiative towards engaging in clubs,
societies and extracurricular activities generates different platforms for building networks and
for learning empathy and mutual cooperation. As per a study published in Norwegian
University of Science and Technology which spans across the industries, it has been found
that 8 out of 10 successful entrepreneurial undertakings had their success attributed to the
collaboration or teamwork that were their core skills learned in college education. Such
endeavors noted that the collaboration skills which they developed, primarily through
university group projects and extra-curricular activities, were greatly responsible for the
success of their business. In the process of working together, students are not just sharing
knowledge but also creating a teamwork oriented atmosphere, which continues to benefit
them beyond the university and is a valuable asset for their future careers. Consequently, the
university is like a training ground for learning how to co-exist and function alongside others,
transmitting the spirit of these traits in a cooperative and teamwork environment, enabling
students to compliment the collaborative nature of their future work.
University activity engagement is a unique sandbox where in-depth learning and the
development of respect takes place simultaneously in respect to oneself and to other people.
Feedbacks about students from their tutors act as support for the development of excellent
communication skills, which builds a space where different peoples’ opinions are given and
can be debated on. Moreover, performing leadership tasks of campus organizations multiplies
the cloud of respectful communication, empathy, and inclusivity making students focused on
different views’ attention. In the same manner, within university activities there are
encounters with situations such as group projects and group-based assignments which
requires an environment where the team appreciates each other's inputs. This environment
nurtures the glue of mutual respect because different ideas and talents blend which ultimately
lead to innovative outcomes and successful projects. Conduct codes in the university are not
just for the sake of having them. They steer the university community to develop ethical
standards that, additionally, require admiration for oneself and others. These fundamental
morals comprise part of the social structure and are devoid of negligence. Moreover, an
exposure to a multicultural network of college environments aids in establishing a culture of
tolerance through the process of acceptance and understanding of different notions. Through
this exposure, students gain awareness and appreciation of the values and feelings that
diversity brings to public dialogue, thus encouraging them to accept, value, and agree on the
true essence of an issue Furthermore, it requires students to pay attention, to think carefully,
and to reply empatheticily and succinctely to others, which ultimately hones their initiative to
interact with one another in a good manner even if there is a dispute between them. Thereby,
a wide variety of encounters are felt in the university setting thus etching into students the
value of deeming others, peers, different points of view and norms in such a way that they
base their respectful and inclusive engagements with the larger community outside academic
world.
Even though traditional learning still holds relevance, it's also worth noting that many
people have begun to prioritize practical experience over theoretical study. These changes in
the standpoint show the significance of hands-on expertise and skills that arise from the direct
working of these learners in the real-world of the business dealings. Keeping in mind that
most fresh graduates leave university with heavy debts, financial challenge is an area that
needs to be outlined. Many times the weight of paying back their loans can slow down the
early stage of the career and economic life of those pursuing higher education and this makes
them to consider other solutions to enter their dream profession without grossing in debt.
Also, some companies and positions highly value particular skills and certifications,
preferring them instead of traditional degrees, demonstrating the shifting nature in job
requirements. These industries enable candidates who have in-demand skills which can be
applied in their specialist field, favoring technical competence and specialized training over
fundamental academic qualifications. Therefore, while the steady worth of the traditional
education institution recalls that of the quaint village school, the innovative needs of
particular fields force workers to search for alternative routes.
In the wake of frequent campus changes– notably a shifting mindset involving career
options– the provision of essential resources like career centers, internships, and research
avenues remain fundamental to the employment success of students and skill enhancement.
This resource may work as the practical stepping-stones between learning in theory and
putting it to practical application. They also make career aspirants self-reliant when it comes
to seeking real-life experience in an experience-driven economic environment. Also, such
financial supports as scholarships and grants decrease the financial difficulty to obtain higher
education, which is an important part of a student's life relying not on the significant debt
burden. In the case of a plethora of industries regardless of an experience being emphasized,
a degree stands for value and serves as a most effective tool for achieving one's goals in a
various ways. It is important to mention that a degree is often the combination of theory and
practical experience, and it creates a significant distinction by proving that a candidate has
nothing but commitment, dedication, and a wider view of the field. The integrative education
that universities provide together with financial assistance and other advantages of a degree
are incomparable assets that influence one’s journey of employment in diverse areas.
To summarize, the university contributes to student growth through more
than simple academic skills as it gives them opportunities to plant discipline,
teamwork, and respect that are key elements for personal development. While
studying at the university serves as a tool for further career building and success, it
gives a wide range of practical skills that are essential for the students’ future. By all
means, despite potential difficulties and a continually altering opinion on higher
education, the overarching positive impacts it has to offer is strong evidence of a
balanced
position.
There
is
an
increasing
preference
towards
non-traditional
learning systems. Thus, we may redefine the narrative that college degrees hold by
recognizing their merits, but also, appreciating alternative roads to success.
References:
1. Kaloudis, A. (2019) How Universities Contribute to Innovation: A Literature Reviewbased Analysis. rep. Norway, Norway: Aristidis Kaloudis, pp. 1–144.
2. StudyInTurkey.com. (2021, April 17). IMPORTANCE OF a DEGREE - study in
Turkey. Study in Turkey. https://studyinturkey.com/importance-of-adegree/#:~:text=A%20degree%20can%20help%20you,your%20earning%20and%20e
mployment%20potential.
3. 10 benefits of having a college degree. (2023, May 19). Bachelor’s Degree
Completion. https://bachelors-completion.northeastern.edu/news/is-a-bachelorsdegree-worth-it/