It is more important to invest in further education rather than to gain work experience after finishing university in order to find a good job. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (sample)

As the numbers of university graduates continues to increase, it can seem that there is no alternative but to continue one’s studies in order to be more attractive in the job market, rather than to seek to gain practical work experience. To see how valid this argument is, we have to look at both sides of the debate.

First of all, let’s take a look at the first traditional route for university graduates. The main reason why people undertake an undergraduate degree is to give them a competitive edge in the job market, as gaining a degree is seen a guarantee of a certain level of mental ability. It is then seen as necessary to combine this intellectual training with practical, real world work experience in order to become a viable and strong contender in the job market.

The alternative view however argues that it is no longer enough merely to possess a standard university degree and practical work experience. The sheer numbers of graduates entering the labour market each year means that it is vital to gain an additional competitive edge when applying for the more sought after positions with selective employers.

So where does the truth lie? On the one hand there is the time honoured view that has long been the conventional and practical route to career success for young ambitious individuals. On the other hand, the view that the job market has never been more competitive and it is essential to aspire too much higher levels of competitive excellence. With current lack of jobs available in the labour market it seems inevitable that one has to gain additional qualifications which will prove to a potential employer that one is the right candidate for that very job.