Is The Traditional Education System For Everyone? | Qadees Nasir
Did you know Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and many more successful individuals share one thing In common? It’s that they either never went to university or they dropped out. This simply shows how university is not the only means to success. With the world changing, universities which were once the holy grail of education are now an institution with high tuition fees and never-ending debt.
“You need to go to university to be successful.”
Ever since a young age, we have all come across this quote one way or another. We have had it etched into our minds that university is the only way to become successful in our society. However, this is not always the case. Yes, universities provide some individuals with the opportunity to succeed. Yes, specific professions require a degree and yes, Some individuals may prefer universities for personal reasons. However, the question that keeps coming up in my mind is…
Does this apply to everyone?
Can Anyone Do An Apprenticeship?:
Being an apprentice myself, I was once in the situation of feeling Lost. I felt as if all doors were closed. Not knowing about apprenticeships at the time, my mind automatically went to my last resort: University. Ever since a young age, I knew university was not the only means to success. Yet, at the time this was the only option I knew of. However, this all changed when I came across Multiverse: A company that strives to help young professionals develop into future leaders.
From working 50-60 hour weeks as a Shift Manager while balancing my A-Levels to working within one of the UK’s Largest Banks, Multiverse provided me with the means to get away from the traditional education system and still make it in the professional world.
Before Multiverse & Barclays Bank PLC, I had no idea about apprenticeships, nor did I know anyone who did one. Multiverse allowed me to see higher education from a different perspective. Now that I am an apprentice, I can wholeheartedly say this was the best decision I have made for my career progression. Through hard work and determination, I was able to get into Barclays Bank and a role filled with technology & data.
So how does this apply to you?
Why Should You Choose To Do An Apprenticeship?:
As a young professional apprentice, I have been able to analyse and compare apprenticeships to university. Some of you may be reluctant to choose this career path rather than university, so I am here to help you navigate and understand the endless benefits that apprenticeships can offer. Here’s 3 reasons why I chose an apprenticeship;
- Apprenticeships allow you to gain real-life experience in your chosen industry
- You can earn while you learn
- It can Improve your employability
- No Student Loan
Ultimately, Apprenticeships can provide an individual with the means to become a well-skilled professional. Did you know apprenticeship qualifications go all the way up to Level 7 which is equivalent to a degree? There is always something that will be able to suit your needs and requirements. If we were to compare the reasons above to the traditional higher education system, it can be argued that apprenticeships are the more favourable route for some individuals, showing why the traditional education system is not suited for all.
How Do I Create My Personal Brand & Build My Network?
Having a social life outside of the office and education is something every student wants. One of the things I thought I would miss out on was the social life outside of university. I had questions like; “Will there be others my age?”, “Would I still be able to enjoy myself outside of work with apprentices?”. These were things that popped up in my head too and I’m sure you are thinking the same thing. I get it, it can be scary. However, I was able to prove myself wrong massively when I took the leap of faith into the apprenticeship world.
By expanding my network internally within Barclays Bank PLC and externally with apprentices from different companies, I was able to meet new people as well as build my personal brand. I used social media platforms such as LinkedIn which allowed me to build my network massively. Platforms such as LinkedIn and Instagram are vital for an apprentice as they allow you to join communities. These communities hold networking events which you and your fellow apprentices can join in on. From Mini Golf and Go Karting to eating at a restaurant, it allows you to meet new people from different professional backgrounds.
Creating your personal brand is one of the most important things you can do as an apprentice. Barclays Bank PLC is a worldwide organisation and online platforms can help massively to get your name out there. This also applies to getting to know other apprentices, which is always a great thing! There are loads of opportunities for you to network and attend social gatherings/events. Building your personal brand will not only help you to know other apprentices but will also help you understand your industry better.
Do You Still Think University is the Way to Go?
Now if you are still thinking about going to university, then that’s great and I wish you the best of luck! On the other hand, if you are now considering doing an apprenticeship then don’t hesitate and start applying.
Qadees Nasir is a Digital Business Accelerator apprentice at Multiverse, based in Manchester, United Kingdom, and is writing for The Apprentice Lens. Here's more about them:
Hey! My name is Qadees, I currently work as a technology apprentice at Barclays Bank. I would like to say, I am a Technology expert however that would be a lie. Fuadannily enough, my role at Barclays was my first-ever Technology role! My journey in this industry has been a great experience and I have had the opportunity to learn from highly skilled individuals. I want to give guidance to those who may be in the same situation as me when I started. I hope you have found my blog interesting and I look forward to writing many more.