The university of life
It's hard to believe but Gemma is coming to the end of her four-year journalism degree in DCU...
As I embark upon the last semester of my final year at university, I don’t feel an overwhelming sadness, which has been expressed to me by others. I look forward to the last few months, to closing the chapter and seeing where the following months and years to come will lead me.
Recently I watched a video that completely changed my perspective on university. In it, a guy was explaining how employers don’t care about what you achieved your degree in, but more that it proves you can show up, do what is required of you, submit tasks on time and be able to obtain information and execute work based on this to a high standard. I agree to a certain extent - yes to an employer these things are important. However, having studied journalism and submitted numerous assignments on time, I wouldn’t feel confident executing brain surgery therefore I wouldn’t apply for this position. I think the video was trying to say that education begins outside the classroom, a sentiment I agree with.
Recently I had this debate on the importance of having an education ‘on paper’. Without it, I think it is hard to ‘get your foot in the door somewhere’ without knowing somebody, which is a whole other topic. However, in saying this, a piece of paper is not reflective of somebody’s education, their ability to work or fit in with the objectives of a workplace. As we were having this debate, a shining example of how university education lacks practicality became evident.
In the office, in which we were speaking, an individual who has graduated with a bachelor and master education and is currently embarking on their second master, was asked to keep an ear out for the door and answer the phone for five minutes. Immediately the person panicked, asking what they should do if somebody comes, how they should greet them, who they should take them to? The individual completely lacked confidence when it came to practical, everyday tasks such as answering the phone, opening the door and welcoming guests to the office. I understand that this task was outside of their duty yet, in most working environments, one will be required to communicate with strangers and form working relations with them.
It was timely that this event was happening in the background while we were having this conversation. I really don’t think any kind of degree reflects a person’s work ethic but I do think it is important for the initial interview to, not only explain who you are, but have it on paper. I once had a business teacher who explained the importance of keeping receipts as your proof of purchase. Your graduation certificate is your receipt (an expensive one at that)!. It has no expiry date but, upon entering the workplace, it loses its value. I am using the receipt example because I believe, in some ways, you do pay your way into a career. I know many people who did not go to university who are succeeding in life just as well, if not better than those who did go. For each person, it depends on their goals and what they hope to achieve.
I would say the lack of practical experience within university, and this is from my experience, is a negative aspect. Catching up with people from my school who decided to pursue internships or work, I consider them streets ahead compared to those of us who decided to go to university. While my course did have a mandatory six-month work placement, I don’t believe this is enough to prepare you for the future.
In saying this, university pushed me to leave Ireland. Without it, I may never have travelled, studied, or worked in different countries. I can easily say this has been one of the highlights of the last four years of my educational journey. As for the rest, I will remember being exposed to new ideas in lectures, discussions and debates on writings that I never thought existed, the rush for the library during exam period – instant black coffee in hand, campus walks, nights out and library lunches.
I will also remember the pressure to meet deadlines, the stress of balancing part-time work and university, the annoyance of failed group projects and the monthly rent payments that seem to go up every year. It’s a mixed bag of bitter-sweet emotions.
In my final semester, I have friends on my course whom I will have for life. I recognise how grateful I am to have the freedom to go to university and study anything I want. That I can go into the library and pick a book on any topic and have the support of my lecturers to pursue this is an honour. I enjoy my time as a student, I don’t think university is an essential element of life. My advice is to try and find what you love doing and go with it.
* Gemma Good is from Killeshandra and a fourth year journalism student in University of Limerick
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