Time flies. One moment, you’re carrying toddlers on your shoulders, and the next, those same kids are starting their academic journeys. Watching this new generation, predominantly Gen Z, approach life has been eye-opening. It’s clear that they don’t see the same value in a University degree that many of us once did. This shift is largely fueled by the rise of social media and alternative income opportunities that promise quick cash through hobbies, investments, or digital entrepreneurship. Platforms like online trading, cryptocurrency, and content creation have opened doors that didn’t exist a decade ago.
I once met a student who wanted to drop out of University to become a full-time social media influencer, streaming video games online. Another student told me he’d rather focus on online trading courses than spend years in school only to chase a job that might barely cover his bills. As an academic, I find these ideas fascinating but also concerning. While these paths might work for some, I firmly believe that a University degree remains relevant in today’s world.
Here’s why: for most companies, a University degree is still the minimum requirement to get your foot in the door. Think of it as a ticket to the first stage of the selection process. But a degree alone isn’t enough. Employers also look for skills, which can often be acquired outside of university. However, the qualification itself is something that only a university can provide.
So why do many young people believe that University isn’t necessary? From what I’ve observed, this misconception is fueled by the internet and flashy marketing schemes that sell shortcuts to success. How many times have you seen a YouTube ad promising to teach you how to make thousands in just three months? These schemes appeal to what I like to call the “microwave generation” a generation that craves instant results. Companies like Uber and McDonald’s have set the standard for speed and convenience, and this has shaped expectations across the board. For these young individuals, a three- or four-year degree feels like an eternity. They want results now, financially, professionally, and personally.
Another factor feeding this mindset is the glorification of self-made icons like Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and superstar athletes. The narrative often oversimplifies their stories, leading many to believe that anyone can replicate their success without formal education. What this generation often forgets is that history remembers the winners, not the countless others who tried and failed. Figures like Messi are rare perhaps one in a decade and shouldn’t be viewed as the norm. Unfortunately, many young people only realize the value of a University degree when it’s too late, after opportunities have slipped away and life commitments make returning to school difficult.
But are young people entirely to blame? It’s hard to fault them when influencers and athletes earn far more than doctors, engineers, and lawyers who spent years studying. Why wouldn’t they be drawn to careers that promise shorter paths, bigger rewards, and more fun? Let’s face it a career in civil engineering, for example, is no walk in the park. It requires long hours of study, and even then, job security isn’t guaranteed, especially in a country like South Africa with high youth unemployment rates.
Ultimately, the confusion young people face today stems from a combination of factors: economic challenges, aggressive marketing schemes, and rapid technological advancements. As the older generation, we can’t just stand by and criticize. Instead, we need to step up as mentors and create a fair, supportive environment where young people can find their footing whether they choose University or an alternative path.
A University degree may not be the only path to success, but it’s still a valuable one. Balancing education with practical skills and embracing lifelong learning might just be the key to navigating this fast-paced, ever-changing world.