After three, four or more years studying many graduates who have found themselves unemployed or are working in low paid starter jobs are beginning to ask themselves: ‘What is the value of a college or university degree?’ . Well according to government ministers in the UK quite a lot.

In 2010, David Willets MP, the University and Science Minister said that graduates ought to contribute to their education as they can expect to earn more than “100,000 pounds over the course of their working life than those without a degree”. However true this might be, it can sound a hollow boast if you’ve just received another rejection letter, you have no social life and you've had to move back with your parents to keep your living costs low.

Many graduates are feeling quite disillusioned with the lack of opportunities and choices in the job market. That's not very surprising because government ministers have consistently pushed the advantages of a university education and have never given the same weight to vocational qualifications. Now some of those students feel betrayed by the system.

In my view, part of the problem is their lack of understanding of the job market and the skills employers are looking for as well as having completely unreasitic ideas about what they have to offer - believing that a college or university degree offers a natural gateway into a very good job of their choice.

There are some professions that you can't enter without a degree - so the value is fairly clear. Get a degree and follow the profession of your choice. But it's not always that clear cut. However, no one can tell you what the true value of a college or university degree is because it will depend on your own particular value and belief system as well as some of the choices you make. All I can say is that if you decide to pursue a degree you need to make it work for you.

The way to do that is to do some forward planning and make sure that you not only have a good degree but you have the skills which will make you very attractive to potential employers. Here are some of the things to consider if you're thinking of taking a college or university degree.

Which degree?

When choosing a degree think about what you’re going to do with it when you graduate. You may have a strong idea of what degree you want but if there’s no obvious path through to a job you may want to think about adjusting your choice.

What employers look for?

It’s really important that you understand what employers are looking for. It’s not just your degree that they’ll be interested in. Your subject specialist skills will be important but they’ll also be looking for generalist skills (IT, basic accounting, problem solving skills ...) and connected skills (negotiating, networking and management skills ...) and self reliant skills (your ability to manage your own professional development).

Plan ahead

You need to understand the sector or industry you want to work in all through your degree. Find out what skills or qualifications they’re looking for. Explore whether you can find some work experience. Keep a note of the skills you acquire through your different activities whilst at college or university. It’s no good thinking about it in your final year.

Don’t kid yourself

Although employers want confident employees – don’t kid yourself. They won’t be over impressed just because you’ve got a degree, offer you a huge salary and a company car. That will only happen to a very, very small number of people. They don’t owe you a living and if you don’t show the right attitude – you won’t get a job. If you haven't got the skills you need then do something about getting them.

Do I take any job or a job I love?

Everyone wants their ideal job. If you’ve completed a four year degree you’ll be thinking that it’s right that you should get a job in your chosen field. Yes it would be nice, but these days it’s ofen unrealistic. If you are going to make the three or four years of studying worthwhile, you have to be flexible. All jobs have something positive to offer.

Summary

Only you can decide the value of your college or university degree. You may think it’s worth it before you embark on one and then feel disappointed when you graduate. In order to make it of value to yourself, think carefully about your choice of degree, make sure that you acquire all round skills including, generalist, connected and self reliant skills and plan ahead so that you are aware of what’s happening in the industry or sector you hope to work in.

What do you think a degrees worth?