My Problem with University

Article originally appears on my LinkedIn page.

Bill Gates.

Walt Disney.

Mark Zuckerberg.

Richard Branson.

Steve Jobs.

Few names could conjure grander thoughts of success, vision and wealth in our minds. The foresight and entrepreneurship shown by these men have turned them into near-deities of the business world. I can understand the grounds for such reverence; their empires are collectively valued at around US $2 trillion. 

Besides founding Herculean companies worth incomprehensible sums of money, these men share another intriguing achievement: they did it all without a university degree. In fact, Branson and Disney didn’t even make it to their high school graduations, both dropping out aged 16.

With the knowledge that degrees do not always equal achievement, I find myself struggling to comprehend just what it is that gives tertiary education the reputation as being entirely necessary for career success. 

My year-and-a-bit of university caused me to realise a few unfortunate things. Perhaps the most disturbing discovery of all is that university is no longer the bastion of education that it might have been. We aren’t there to learn – not purposefully, at least. We are just expected to memorise a plethora of information we pray will prove relevant upon graduation. “Assessment” was basically regurgitating all the information we had crammed into our brains, which we might vaguely recall by the time we’re working. 

It saddened me that there was hardly any encouragement for free thinking. As well as being student number 11688330, I felt like a cash cow being prodded along through the stocks. It’s as if my open-mindedness wasn’t of benefit. Our collective thoughts were to be funnelled into one, correct answer. What was of value was our tuition fees. Regrettably, tertiary education feels like the new societal obligation for those with even the most modest dreams of success. Many friends of mine who went on to complete their studies are rightly proud of their achievements; it showcases the effort they’re prepared to put into their careers. However, even they have expressed to me the frustration towards parts of the system that waste valuable time and do not prepare them for the workforce.

Granted, I can only speak from my limited personal experience with higher education. It is not useless, particularly when teachers endeavour to educate their pupils via the application of vital skills. But higher education is not always as necessary as it is portrayed to be. Arguably, the most important skill to develop is the ability to continually adapt and self-educate. Technology and markets are constantly morphing. We must keep ourselves agile and astute. It is for this reason that I wholeheartedly support education. However, genuine education is ongoing, coming from a variety of sources and best learnt practically. It is unlikely that three years of a bachelor’s degree would be a more practical asset in the workplace than three years of relevant experience. With companies like Google, Apple and Ernst & Young (UK) forgoing the requirement of a traditional degree for job candidates, this is something businesses are starting to realise. 

Unfortunately, this could not be appreciated by a high school teacher of mine when I bumped into her at a shopping centre. As most teachers would, she inquired after my latest goings-on. I am happy with my decision to withdraw from my studies, as it no longer aligned with what I wanted from my own life. I’ve had the privilege of working hard in incredible teams with purpose while volunteering the other half of my time. Her response to my update included the words “disappointed,” and “I expected more of you.” This view is likely endemic to the elitism promulgated within New South Wales’ academically selective high schools. The ideology that success comes solely from wealth or career achievements seems to have been inculcated at every available opportunity. It’s a tremendous shame that oftentimes the more knowledge one possesses, the more prone they are to condescension. 

Perhaps our assessment of the value of others needs more considerable attention in our society. Projecting our own biases around what makes someone successful or qualified onto others is not the best idea. When we pigeonhole people according to our inherent preconceptions, we squander the opportunity to appreciate them for who they are and what they can achieve. We can start small and enact the changes we’re seeking. We can be invigorated by the example of most entrepreneurs and visionaries. Imagine it: a future where we encourage and empower each other to conceptualise and chase our own destinies.