The Forum > Article Comments > Credentialism high > Comments
Credentialism high : Comments
By Brian Holden, published 24/1/2012The economy does not need the number of university graduates it is getting.
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http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/statistics_explained/index.php?title=File:Students_in_tertiary_education,_2009_%281%29.png&filetimestamp=20111117133441
As it happens, I have such a 'soft' degree. I am an English and history teacher and, in keeping with the demand that teachers have deep knowledge of their subject areas, I have both undergrad and postgrad qualifications in my fields. I also don't object to learning for the sake of learning - I think that collective knowledge in a wide variety of fields enriches our country.
I will say, though, that the notion that university education is an essential component of success needs to be put to rest. My dad, who has successfully managed - and even turned around - companies for the past 25 years, is now undertaking undergrad studies because his experience and know-how no longer open doors for him. He can rise close to the top of a company, but usually sits below some clown who calls the shots without really knowing what he is doing. My mum is in a similar position in her field. Despite being at the top of her game for many years, she sits alongside smug and condescending uni graduates who make more mistakes, do a sloppier job but have a firmer career path because they have more letters after their names.
I think many of our degrees are 'broken', too. A teaching degree is a four-year qualification and, having undertaken that course, I'm of a firm belief that it's only four years to ensure a suitable age gap between graduates and the students they will teach. I did an entire subject revolving around the question of 'what is a school?', and another that explained how to use students as unwitting guinea pigs in educational research. Neither has helped me in my work, and both seem to be part of the 'padding' to justify the degree's duration.
Just some thoughts there.