When it comes to the point of leaving school, for some people the last thing they want to think about is carrying on in further education. After having spent most of their life in an educational environment, many just want to get out of it. However, going to university is a completely different experience from the education system that most of us are used to during our schooldays. If you’re undecided about what to do next, we’ve outlined a few factors to consider – here are 5 reasons why you should go to university.

1. Learning what ‘YOU’ want

University is a chance for you to study a subject that you like and are interested in. Up until this point you are pretty much told what you’re going to be studying, but now you can choose something that you like. Moreover you will have different modules within that subject to choose from. This will make for a better and more interesting learning experience. In this way you will be able to see how you are shaping your own future.

2. A Vocation – A career not just a job

There are some jobs where having a degree (or more) is absolutely essential f you want to do them. Positions like doctor, lawyer, pharmacist, teacher and many many more require a long time in university. Granted these jobs are not for everybody, however if you are thinking of pursuing any of these, you won’t see them advertised in the job centre. These are careers, so you can effectively do them anywhere in the world.

3. The Money

The main reason people would want to go to university and get a qualification is the long term financial gain. Having the piece of paper that tells an employer you are qualified means you can demand a better salary than someone without the qualification – it also puts you a mile ahead of other candidates. The average graduate now has a starting salary of £26,000, which is a nice place to start. As you progress in your career this will obviously get better.

4. Meeting People

One thing many people may not realise at the time is that university is a great place to meet new people. You will come into contact with lots of interesting characters who may become friends for life. It is also a great way to make new contacts for the future. It is also where a lot of people form their business ideas. Businesses like Google and Facebook were started at university.

5. Career Satisfaction

If you are to leave school and  go straight into employment in a basic level role, you might find that some years down the line you don’t like your job. You may even get a new job but a few more years go by and you feel the same again. If however you go to university and study something that you enjoy and end up working in that field, the likelihood is that you will continue to enjoy your working life. So the sacrifice you make now will pay off in the long run.

We hope that by outlining these reasons why you should go to university, we have helped a few of you make that all important decision as to what to do next.

Penned by Dermot McBride