Why choose university?
Whatever your circumstances, there are many reasons why university is a great idea.
Career prospects
Possessing a degree boosts your career prospects. It enhances your future employability and overall earning potential.
Some careers require a specific degree eg a doctor would need to study for a degree in medicine. However, more and more careers do not require a specific degree, although you may need to take a postgraduate qualification later on to specialise in certain careers eg solicitor, accountant.
Employers know that if you have a university qualification you'll have experienced a higher standard of learning, and will have acquired the broad range of transferable skills and competencies they look for. So, possessing a university qualification is an advantage both in terms of your career prospects, and in the future, your career progression.
The University is dedicated to raising students' employability. After the 2006-07 academic year, 93.8% of our graduates gained employment or were in further study within six months of graduating(*).
(*) Source: Higher Education Statistic Agency, First Destination Survey
If you would like to find out more about the different careers our students have obtained upon graduation, check out our Graduate Stories| section.
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Need career advice?
If you're uncertain about university or simply don't have a clue what you want to do career wise, don't panic! If you're still studying in school or college you should go and speak with your school's/college's personal adviser (with a careers specialism). They are there to help and will be able to suggest the various options most suitable for you.
If you're an adult not in current study then it's worth looking at the Next Step| website. This provides a comprehensive list of courses in the local area, as well as opportunities for you to seek careers guidance.
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Jobs4U website
To give you an idea of how many careers that there are out there, Connexions has put together a great website which looks at many different careers. This website profiles these careers and tells you everything you'll need to know: what the work is like, what you can expect to get paid, what skills and personal qualities you'll need, and most importantly, how you get into that career. Check it out for yourself and visit Jobs4U|
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Changing direction
Another point to remember is that you may change careers in the future, so what you start off doing or planning to do may not be what you end up doing. With a university qualification behind you changing your career direction is often much easier, because university will teach you a broad range of skills and competencies that you will be able to draw from.
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Future investment
Undertaking a university course is an investment in your future. Although an amount of debt is inevitable (currently on average £13,000), the benefits you will reap far outweigh this figure. Graduates earn a greater starting salary than non-graduates and can expect their salary to rise at a faster rate. Ten years later, on average, men earn 30% more and women 46% more than non-graduates.
Student quote: "As well as academic achievement, the course provided invaluable experience and insight into the industry." Richard
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New life
The student life is not all about studying; it's also about meeting new people, forming new friendships and making the most of the opportunities it can provide. There are loads of clubs and societies to join while at university. At Southampton Solent University we have clubs for anything from kickboxing to windsurfing, and societies including the circus society, afro-caribbean society and law society, among others. To get a full picture of the variety available, visit our Students' Union sports| and societies| web pages. We also have excellent sports| facilities that you can enjoy while studying.
Southampton is a student-orientated city offering a wide range of pubs, clubs, restaurants, theatres, cinema and art galleries, all within easy reach of the University. With all this to do, you'll rarely be bored!
Student Quote: "Being away from home for the first time and having to be independent has taught me a lot. I really feel I have been getting some life-experience as well as making loads of new friends." Jennifer
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Develop yourself
Whether you choose to move away from home or stay local, university will increase your life experiences through the learning of new skills, the developing of new interests, not to mention the increase in self confidence you will gain from this.
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