What's the value of a degree?: Amanda French

Job: Specialist Physiotherapist
Left education: 1982


"When I qualified in Physiotherapy in 1982, it was a diploma course at that stage; it became a degree course within years. Therefore I do not hold a degree, unlike most physiotherapists in the workplace. This has not been detrimental to my career up to now, but may have some impact on my job prospects in the future. Most posts are now advertised as requiring a degree qualification!


I think in this uncertain world, where job prospects may become challenged, a degree will give a potential employee the edge over others, as it demonstrates a certain level of achievement, ability and aptitude to work hard.


It’s a very interesting question now that I come to think about it; one of my daughter's friends went straight from college to an accountancy firm to train over a 5 year period. If my daughter gets the job she wants (to train as an accountant), after her Law degree, she will be one year behind in terms of time to qualify, and will have her student debt also. On the plus side, she will have expanded her horizons by meeting all the diverse people; surely her friend (the trainee accountant) will not have had this wonderful life experience sat in an office (probably with a grumpy old man for company!)


The debt is undoubtedly a burden to young people starting out in life and can only be justified (in my opinion) if there are suitable jobs out in the work place which graduates are eligible to apply for. I believe the culture for young people has been to expect and to enjoy the “university lifestyle” and that may be the main attraction when applying, rather than an added benefit. Therefore, some courses that do not hold good job prospects may not justify the debt at the end of the three years.


I remember watching a documentary on TV a few years ago, in which mid-twenty something’s were interviewed and spoke about qualifications they had and what they were currently earning. It was clear even then that the top earners did not necessarily have a degree. The moral of that one is that if you have your head screwed on, can think outside the box and are prepared to work hard; you can make it happen no matter what.


My nephew is currently doing an apprenticeship to be a heating engineer. So he is earning on the job and will have a good qualification at the end of his time. I don’t believe he is disadvantaged by not doing a degree and his earning expectation will only be limited by his imagination.


Thinking of someone who lived in Manchester and passed his degree course by the skin of his teeth, I do not think it has been or will be useful to him at all. I don’t believe his employment prospects have been aided or that they ever will be due to having the degree (Heck, that sounds very judgmental and I hope he proves me wrong!)


I think that due to the increases in fees, potential students will consider more carefully the benefits of going to university and that is a good thing (Do we really need so many sports journalists?) I also foresee the downfall of Mr Property owner who charges a lot of money for student accommodation and will soon have fewer students giving him a fat income. Bring it on!!


Although I believe that a degree is respected and valued in the work place, in conclusion, and against my initial reaction, I think in the majority of cases a degree is not always a worthwhile addition to someone’s education."