In this modern era, education and skills have become an interesting topic of debate in the world of work. The question that often arises is: is a degree worth more than a skill? These two aspects have an important role in determining a person’s success, but each has different advantages and disadvantages. This time I will explore this dilemma by looking at the benefits and limitations of higher education as well as skills training and trying to find a balance between the two.
Higher education is often considered the ultimate ticket to success. Obtaining a degree from a university or college can open doors to better career opportunities. There are several reasons why higher education degrees are considered important, among others, formal recognition, better career opportunities, professional networking, and the develoment of critical thinking.
Many students have an orientation that when they graduate from college, the degree they earn will provide fprmal recognition of their academic achievements. This degree is official proof that a person has completed a particular course of study, giving recognition to the knowledge and skills they have acquired during their college years. In addition, many companies still consider a degree as one of the main criteria in the hiring process.
Having an undergraduate or graduate degree can increase one’s chances of landing a higher-paying job and a better position. With this degree, graduates are considered to have a solid knowledge base as well as critical and analytica thinking skills needed in various fields of work. Therefore, even though the world of work is constantly evolving, a higher education degree remains a valuable asset to many individuals in pursuit pf a successful career. During their studies, students have the opportunity to build a valuable professional career. Connections with faculty, alumni, and fellow students can open up futurecareer opportunities. Higher education not only teaches technical skills, but also develops critical and analytical thinking skills. This is a highly valued skill in many areas of work.
However, higher education also has some limitations to consider such as, high cost. Continuing education to higher leve requires a lot of money. Tuition, books, and living expensescan be a significant financial for many families. Currently, Indonesia is in turmoil because many universities are experiencing a drastic increase in UKT (Single Tuition Fee). This adds financial stress to students and their families, making access to education even more difficult for some.
In addition, the time required during the study process to obtain an undergraduate or postgraduate degree is quite long, often taking years. During this period, students may miss out on employment opportunities or opportunities to gain practical experience that could be gained through other pathways. In addition, the relevance of curriculum in some higher education institutions is not always in line with current industry needs. Technological changes and rapid job market dynamics can make some courses less relevant. As a result, graduates will find that the skills and knowledge they gain are not fully in line with what modern industry requires, so they will have to look for ways to catch up through additional training or self-study after graduation.
On the other hand, skills training also offers many benefits. First, skills training typically focuses more on practical, hands-on application, allowing individuals to master skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace. Secondly, many skills training programs are more affordable compared to higher education, making them a more economical option for many. Third, skill training programs are often shorter compared to degree programs, allowing individuals to enter the workforce faster and start gaining practical experience. Lastly, skills training programs are often more flexible and can be quickly adapted to changes in industry or technology.
Nonetheless, skill attainment also has some limitations. First, a lack of formal recognition can be an obstacle. Although practical skills are essential, the absence of a formal degree can deter individuals form gaining employment in some areas that pay close attention to academic qualifications. Secondly, there are restrictions on career opportunities. Some companies still value higher education degrees more than skills certificates, so career opportunities for those with only skills training can be limited. Third, the limitations of professional networks. Skills training programs may not provide the same opportunities for professional networking as those found in higher education, where students can interact with faculty, alumni, and fellow students who can be valuable contacts in their future careers.
To overcome the dilemma between degree and skills, the best approach is to find a balance between the two. Higher education and skills training do not have to be mutually exclusive, but can complement each other. Such higher education institutions can integrate practical skills training into their curriculum. That way, graduates not only have theoretical knowledge but also practical skills relevant to industry needs. In addition, continuing education can also be an alternative, in the sense that professionals can continue to update their skills through additional training programs and certifications, even after earning a higher education degree. This can enable them to remain relevant in an ever-changing job market. On the other hand, cooperation between educational institutions and industry can also help create programs that are more in line with the needs of the job market, such as internships, practical work, and collaborative projects can provide valuable practical experience for students so as to enrich their knowledge with skills needed in the real world of work.
For example, as is happening in Indonesia today, the Minister of Education has implemented the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program. In this program, students can collaborate with the outside world during their studies. Students can get involved in a variety of off-campus activities, such as corporate internships, research projects, or community service, all of which are tailored to their major. The aim of the MBKM program is to bridge the gap between theory and practice, so that students gain not only academic knowledge, but also practical experience relevant to their field. Thus, graduates are expected to be better prepared to face challenges in the world of work and able to adapt quickly to changes in the industry. It also encourages students to develop important social and professional skills, such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, all of which are invaluable in their future careers.
It can be concluded that, when we are faced with a choice between obtaining an academic degree and developing practical skills, it is important to acknowledge the role each plays in shaping career success. Higher education provides a solid foundation in terms of knowledge and critical thinking skills, while skills training provides opportunities to apply knowledge directly in the context of work. By seeking the right balance between these two approaches, one can maximize their potential for success in an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing work environment.
By: Siti Alda Ibrahim
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