Job Prospects, Writing Skills, Student Research, and Academic Degree

In today’s world, a high school diploma is simply not enough to be successful professionally. A university degree is a critical element for a promising future. However, an academic degree only does not guarantee a successful career. There are other factors that are also important, such as experience and attitude.

An academic degree is important because it can provide the foundation and the knowledge necessary to embark on a particular profession. Even the university experience in itself can be an educational one that will provide useful skills for the workplace. In order to earn a degree, learning and understanding of the relevant material is required. The student’s level of knowledge is tested through a combination of assignments and exams. Based on these results, a degree may or may not be awarded and the level of the degree will depend on the student’s academic performance. However, a successful professional cannot rely on academic performance alone. There are other elements that must be present in order for an individual to do well in his / her career. Academic learning cannot provide a person with all the tools necessary to compete within the workplace. An overreliance on theory learned from books will not lead to a promising career. Instead, an individual has to rely on a combination of factors and not solely an academic degree.

An important element for success in one’s profession is experience. Practical experience can build upon the academic knowledge base to provide an individual with the resources necessary not only to acquire a job, but to also climb the corporate ladder. Experience is extremely useful because it allows the individual to put into practice what has been learned at university. There is no substitute for the lessons that can be learned in the workplace, regarding technical ability, social courtesies, upward mobility and customer service, among other things. A real-life work setting cannot be fully replaced with university lectures and academic books. Academic learning is based largely on theory, therefore practical experience can provide the realistic approach that is necessary for a successful career.

There are many companies that do not hire based on the type of degree or the experience held. They are more concerned with the applicant’s attitude to work and perhaps life in general. Once hired, the company invests its resources in the individual to ensure that they are given comprehensive on-the-job training, as well as assistance with any professional qualifications. Companies like these operate under the premise that if the employee has the right attitude, then anything is possible. If their work ethic and values correspond with those of the company, once they undergo the necessary training and further education, they can have the potential to become future managers.

There can be no real guarantee of professional success. However, an individual is more likely to embark on a promising career, if a combination of factors is in place. An academic degree is an excellent foundation, and the university experience can teach the principles of hard work, dedication and ethics that can be displayed in the workplace. However, academic theory alone cannot give a professional the mobility needed for a successful career. Therefore, the other elements of experience and attitude are also important for success. Individuals need to build on their experience in order to apply their on-the-job knowledge in their daily interactions at work. In addition, their attitude needs to fit in with the corporate culture and the company’s approach to work. With this powerful combination of factors, an individual’s professional success can be almost guaranteed.