There is debate over whether higher education leads to a successful career, while others believe that gone are the days when tertiary education was necessary for prosperity. Although there are some necessities for studying in higher education, especially in fields like medicine and teaching, I firmly believe that not attending university does not prevent one from becoming a successful person.
It is true that university education is essential in some professions, such as medicine and teaching. For example, these fields provide students with experiential learning opportunities and networking prospects prior to becoming professional doctors or educators. Before applicants can engage in experiential learning, they must first become university students, which prepares them for practical learning. For instance, a medical student might learn about human anatomy in lectures, but their true understanding deepens when they perform surgeries or assist in patient care, directly applying their knowledge in real-world settings. In teaching, students are required to engage with school pupils and take advantage of networking opportunities with professional university teachers, learning methodologies through communication and the sharing of ideas. Put simply, some professions require students to earn university credentials.
Despite the fact that academic qualifications are needed in some fields, I believe these do not pose an obstacle to people pursuing a successful career, meaning higher education is not as crucial as it once was. Success in many modern industries depends on practical skills rather than formal degrees. In addition, university tuition fees and the length of study are significantly costly and time-consuming, which means people in skill-based careers may benefit from cost and time efficiency. For example, fields like digital marketing, graphic design, and content creation prioritize skill over credentials, proving that self-taught individuals can thrive without university education. Elon Musk—the richest man on Earth—has emphasized that companies like Tesla value skills and experience over degrees. Another example is entrepreneurs like Richard Branson and Mark Zuckerberg (who dropped out of university early) who focused on their ventures instead, achieving success through hands-on experience. Therefore, one’s achievements are not only related to higher education, but practical skills also contribute to accomplishment significantly.
In conclusion, while higher education diploma is essential in certain fields, I strongly believe that not attending university does not hinder one’s potential for success.