Degree or skills? A Guideline for the Youth
The youth is indecisive. The discourse over whether a university degree is imperative or are skills more crucial has been going on for the longest time; especially since the evolution of technology and the introduction of the concept of work from home and freelancing (blog writing, copy writing, digital content creating etc.).
There are various explanations and opinions regarding this. Some say that as you progress further in your career, the qualifications you gain at school or college become less relevant, while your experience, soft skills and the behaviors (communication skills, commitment, and accountability) you develop become key. A degree is only a piece of paper proving that the person applying for the post has the required knowledge of work and can manage the functioning of the position. It makes a person more confident in his/her approach and outlook, which are an essential part of personality development. A degree earns an individual respect and social reputation. A person is assessed by his qualifications, which are reflected by his/her degree.
While the contradictory opinions say that every degree holder is not necessarily skilled. It is the skill-set that helps to achieve the objective and not the degree. Skill is a theoretical term which cannot be evaluated on bits of paper. It is a broad spectrum which is groomed within the individual and nurtured through the repeated practical implications in life. It is not the degree but the skill that achieves success. A degree can just earn the job, but it cannot help to grow further without the skill. The great people from history were all skilled people, but they didn’t have the certifications for their knowledge.
Conclusively, in my opinion, degrees and skills are two sides of the same coin. To succeed in the race of today’s life, a person needs to have a degree along with the skills. A degree without skills would be as empty as the skills without the degree. Both need to go together to survive in the race of the fittest. In Pakistan, getting a degree has traditionally been seen as a ticket to a successful career and a luxurious life. However, in today’s fast-paced and rapidly altering market, having a degree alone is not enough to secure your desired job. The job market in Pakistan is highly competitive, with a large pool of qualified candidates applying for a limited number of jobs. This means that having a degree may no longer be enough to set you apart from the competition.
In addition, employers in Pakistan are increasingly looking for candidates who have a diverse set of skills and experiences because the job market in Pakistan is evolving rapidly, with new industries and professions emerging all the time along with high numbers of populace. Therefore, the skills and knowledge that were in demand a few years ago may no longer be relevant today. To sustain yourself in the job market, you need to be adaptable and willing to learn new skills and knowledge. Another contributing factor to take in consideration is that the job market in Pakistan is heavily influenced by social connections and networking. So, it’s profoundly crucial to build a strong network.
One hack to achieving all the above goals is to start early, in the late teens. Working gradually while simultaneously getting a degree will help you achieve both in a short span of time. By the time you graduate, you will be able to land the job successfully along with the skills. While the young adults work on themselves, the government of Pakistan, the ministry of education and other concerned policymakers must investigate this concerning matter of the major population that is of the youth, being directionless and confused about their upcoming years. The future of this country depends highly on the young adults. Career counselling programs and seminars must be introduced in schools and colleges as early as possible because even our graduates are uncertain about their decisions.
Sukkena Afzal is an aspiring writer and a common Pakistani.