University Isnt The Be All End All - Theres More!

University Isnt The Be All End All - Theres More! You may feel as though its the common norm to go to University, its not. In England, less than half of 18-year-olds go to University, theres no need to feel obliged to go. Some people are glad that they went for the life experience and the degree but there are other ways to gain this level of experience and qualifications. Degree Apprenticeships Although this is pretty similar to going to University, there is a slight twist. Through Degree Apprenticeships you are able to work in the industry whilst gaining a qualification. This is a great way to get your hand in experience whilst learning. Degree apprenticeships are usually in Tech related courses so if you want to end up doing  Tech in the future (why wouldnt you) these are definitely worth considering. Apprenticeships Apprenticeships are great options if youre someone who knows what you want to do or what sector you want to go into. You gain the equivalent to what you do at A levels but you also get to actively try it out rather than just learning about it. With some apprenticeships, you get a job at the end of it, which is extremely beneficial and a lot more secure than some things you study at Uni. Some colleges also provide Higher Apprenticeship courses, enabling you to gain the equivalent of a bachelors degree without the fees. Junior level jobs You may just want to start earning straight away and you know where you want to work and why.  Lots of managers of big brands talk about how they started from the bottom. Its pretty impressive being motivated about starting work as soon as you finish school. You may work for a couple of years as a junior then decide to  do something completely different, you may even move Cities. Either way, going straight into work isnt for everyone but to those that it is, its very impressive. Internships An internship is a good way of trying out your desired career and seeing if its suited to you. Some companies ask their interns to work voluntarily but then you are given the option to progress further and get paid in a permanent role. Some may pay you from the start, it may be a temporary role but this is definitely a good  place to start. You might decide to move away to an internship abroad or in a different city. This is a great way of getting the same sort of experience that you would at University. Gap year There will be lots of you who are unsure about what you want to do. Some of you may take some time out to work anywhere in order to earn some easy cash or you may just want to take a year out of working life and relax. Those of you that like to travel may fulfil your dream of travelling before settling back into education or work. Last  Tip mind the gap, whatever you decide to do. Make sure you dont leave too much of a gap on your CV. Recruiters and employers  sometimes look down on this so its best to avoid them.