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Is uni worth is it?

I'm going into sixth form in september, but I get the impression my parents really want me to go to uni after. I just feel like universities are not the place for me. I'm really academic, but I feel like going to university means I will only meet a few, generally privileged people, whereas I would like to do a job where I can help lots of people from all different backgrounds. I'm interested in going into politics, but every politician has gone to university, and I'd rather not follow that trend, I'd also like to get some actual life experience, and going to university doesn't seem to fulfil that? Any suggestions. Thanks
Trust me, university isn’t just for the 1% any more, though Oxbridge still have a long way to go to be more inclusive. In fact, a lot of people have their minds opened by attending universities where they live, work and socialise with people from a range of diverse backgrounds.

However, that doesn’t mean you have to go to university. There are lots of apprenticeships in more academic areas where you can work some days and study for a qualification in other areas. My friend is doing an accountancy apprenticeship which he started after sixth form. I don’t really know much about getting into politics, but it sounds like it would do you good to do something else first and get some real world experience before moving into that world. You don’t have to study PPE to get there!
(edited 4 years ago)
Plenty of time during sixth form to ponder this.

Whatever one thinks of university and there are a wide range of views, it isn't an either/or. A lot of courses have very low contact hours and there is nothing stopping someone getting a lot of voluntary experience or jobs in a wide variety of things whilst at university.

If you are going to a sixth form, you are by UK standards already attending somewhere relatively privileged. Some would say uni isn't really that different demographically to that (which is true roughly of quite a lot of unis, but you can pick ones out with very high percentages of private schools).
Original post by kali8603
I'm going into sixth form in september, but I get the impression my parents really want me to go to uni after. I just feel like universities are not the place for me. I'm really academic, but I feel like going to university means I will only meet a few, generally privileged people, whereas I would like to do a job where I can help lots of people from all different backgrounds. I'm interested in going into politics, but every politician has gone to university, and I'd rather not follow that trend, I'd also like to get some actual life experience, and going to university doesn't seem to fulfil that? Any suggestions. Thanks


You're in for a surprise then. Most universities have a diverse range of students from all walks of life.

As for going into politics, getting a relevant degree can help you out sure. Makes it easier to secure jobs in that field. What 'real life experience' would you want? Another job prior in an unrelated field?
Reply 4
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kali8603
OP
14
Original post by MrDystopia
You're in for a surprise then. Most universities have a diverse range of students from all walks of life.

As for going into politics, getting a relevant degree can help you out sure. Makes it easier to secure jobs in that field. What 'real life experience' would you want? Another job prior in an unrelated field?


Most likely. I really want to do something in the emergency services, maybe a firefighter, because I can also get involved in unionism. I'd be interested in going into the ambulance service, I think you may still need a degree, but I'm not sure if you just want to be a technician or someone. The only real job I'd be interested into going into in politics would be an MP, and obviously you are elected on your character, the party you represent, and your actual views. I'm already a member of the labour party and getting involved in activisim locally so that's a start
Original post by kali8603
Most likely. I really want to do something in the emergency services, maybe a firefighter, because I can also get involved in unionism. I'd be interested in going into the ambulance service, I think you may still need a degree, but I'm not sure if you just want to be a technician or someone. The only real job I'd be interested into going into in politics would be an MP, and obviously you are elected on your character, the party you represent, and your actual views. I'm already a member of the labour party and getting involved in activisim locally so that's a start

You can become a trade union rep in any job. If you're interested in activism then you can join unions such as UNITE (others are available) as a student and get involved in campaigning and branches. Some branches are good ways of getting involved.

I wouldn't ever recommend anyone on earth being a trade union rep, but if you are interested then plenty of avenues open.
Reply 6
Avatar for Jono*
Jono*
18
If you just wanna help poor people I'd recommend becoming a social worker, you won't really be able to help people as a politician. If you want a successful career though I would definitely recommend uni (stem course).

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