Of Degree and Work

Hey folks,

I am here to ramble and rant about the importance of having a degree. I do not intend to degrade, insult or even assault anyone who does not posses any forms of degree, however, i would like to state that i am here to write about the importance of a degree.

Recently, one of my beloved friend, whom i shall identify him as ayul, is in his 5th semester of his degree decided to quite (or was it post-pone) his studies because he wanted to work. Well, prior to furthering his degree studies, he holds a diploma in automated system and maintenance engineering.

Ayul, honestly and truthfully, i am against your decision in deciding to work rather than finishing your degree. You see, i am no expert in financial nor life-destiny planning, however, as someone who cares about you, i am of the opinion that you should not quit your degree studies. As you should know, you in the middle of your studies and to quit your studies is just too sad. If you were in the first semester of your first year of your studies, then i think that you should quit. However, don't quit while you are on your way. It looks bad and your action are deemed as unwise.

Unless you are so poor, then that leaves you no choice but to quit your study and help your family. Otherwise, don't. Just don't. You are not (and does not) have financial problems, so i see no reason why you should quit your studies.

You see ayul, even though that Prophet Muhammad SAW (PBUH) says that 99% of our rezeki or daily-bread comes from business, but you should also not forget other famous sayings "learn from the day you were born (or in the cradle) until the graveyard". Business, i think may not be good for you as of now. During this untenable economic situations, i strongly believe that you should continue your studies. The reason is simple: now that you have a MARA loan, then i believe that you should continue ytour studies. MARA is giving you monthly allowance, and the amount is quite shockingly huge: RM 700 (approximately) per month. But if you work now, not only you would misses out on some important lesson, but you are also missing out on many hell of good things: seminars, short-courses, friendships and many more.

If you argue on the premise that you can always do your studies later, then i don't think it wil work out for you. Ayul, the best time to study is now. At this age, say 23, your mind is still fresh and you ace in your studies, if you work really hard and strive for the best. Furthermore, after you graduated with a bachelor's degree, then you don't need to consider about pursuing your masters.

There comes a lot of benefits just by having a degree. A degree will means that:

1. you are smart - even though your CGPA is around 2.5 or even less, but by having a degree, people will perceive you as a smart man.
2. you can get whatever job you want - having a degree will open the door of opportunity to you in ways that will increase your potential in landing a great job in the field of preferred study. Many employers prefer hiring someone with a college degree of some sort, some employers even require than every candidate have at least an associates degree. For example, if an employer has a choice of two candidates with equal experience and skill but one has a degree and the other doesn't the employer will most likely choose the person with a college degree.
3. you can (or supposed to be able to) think outside the box - it is true. During the process of your degree studies, your lecturer will give you assignments in which you are supposed to think beyond the horizon and outside the box.
4. you can apply for credit cards (yes, just by having a degree) - especially for CIMB's Direct Access Credit Card. This credit card is exclusively offered to those who possess a degree. Furthermore, if you were to apply for any loan or scholarships or whatsoever, then people will consider your education background. I have to reiterate here that you do not necessarily need a degree for any type of bank loans, however, by having a degree, it will just help and make things easier.
5. people and society will respect you more (and so do your children) - this is true. This will definitely set an example for your siblings and your children in the future.
6. you can climb up the ladder in your career - having a diploma is not enough and does not qualify you (in most cases) if you were to apply or being promoted to a higher position. Unless you have your own business and company(ies), then it is best that you pursue your degree first. Also ayul, if you were to set-up and establish your company, then surely you would want the appointed person to have a "decent" and established background, right? Say that you are the owner of an international and profitable multinational company. Would you want to employ those who have a qualification of Standard 6 to be company's managing director?

Owh, and furthermore, look at our Prime Ministers and successful entrepreneurs in the world. Most of them have at least a university degree. And the number of successful individuals posessing a university degree certainly outnumbers the one who don't have the necessary degree.

So, i really hope that you can consider my advise. Ayul you are uin the 5th semester and it will be a pity for you to quit now. As the Malay saying goes "alang-alang menyeluk pekasam, biar ke sampai ke pangkal lengan".

You may wants to read more on the benefits of having a university (or college) degree. Here's a link for you to browse on:

http://www.search-colleges.com/articles/12/1/benefits-of-a-college-degree

or else you can googled it on the net by searching "benefits of college degree".

In the end, you are the only one who will be making a decision, and i hope that you will make a best decision for your future life. Whatever it is, i will always be behind you and supporting you all-out!

Good luck, ayul!