Last Updated on September 30, 2024 by Monty Savage
I honestly feel bad for every unsure 17 year old currently pondering each day about this.
At that age you’re constantly hounded. “Degree or apprenticeship?? Go! Choose! Now!”.
Well I’ve done both. So here’s my advice.
Apprenticeships
Now obviously the biggest benefit of an apprenticeship is you’re getting entry level experience for the industry you want to work in.
This at any age is invaluable.
You’re proving to future employers you’ve done some hard yards getting paid £2 an hour (not exactly but not far off) making coffees and organising folders.
The opportunities that are presented to you help build your portfolio.
Say yes to learning some new software. Say yes to managing the Instagram account. Say yes to help build the new website your manager so desperately wants/needs.
The best part is when you make mistakes (which you will) it’s not the end of the world because you are an APPRENTICE!
Oh and did I mention… you get paid. Okay not much but at least you’re not having to pay thousands for this qualification.
Degrees
Yeah you want that social life don’t you??
You want those clubs, bars and parties.
I don’t blame you.
I did too.
The social life is second to none.
But…
First you’ve got to fork out a hefty student loan and get those tuition fees covered (and this is rising and rising at the moment).
If you know exactly what degree you want to do then you’ll love it.
The experience you get from University (mostly academic of course) does apply a lot to the real world (as long as you pick the correct course for you).
Plus the lie ins are always welcome…
But what’s my advice??
Look this is my advice so if you disagree (THAT’S FINE).
I did the apprenticeship first.
Through that I discovered the Marketing industry is EXACTLY my type of industry to work in.
So what did I do??
I then went and got two degrees in it at Derby University.
I wouldn’t change it for the world.
University is a lot of money. Why not explore the industry you want to work in before you invest thousands into it?
