Kahlil Hutchinson | What are tangible benefits of tertiary education?

It is the moment we as university students, parents, guardians and wellwishers were waiting a number of years for – graduation. It is one milestone which only a small percentage of our population manages to reach, evidently, this is a great achievement. However, what exactly are the tangible benefits associated with this achievement – a (good) job? Stability? Social elevation?

As a recent university graduate and youth leader I note the difficulties being faced within this particular segment of the population. There are graduates who are struggling to find jobs, there are graduates who have worked numerous years to complete their studies, yet landing a job in which their CXC qualifications would have suffice and there are also graduates who have simply left the island in search of better. Hence, what are the tangible benefits associated with completing university education?

In order to answer this question a poll was conducted with over 160 recent university graduates. The poll highlighted a number of tenets such as employment rate, unemployment rate, probability of migration, among other tenets. The results of this poll are as follows:

The first question asked respondents to identify their employment status, 42 per cent said that they were unemployed and searching for a job, hence would be considered to be a part of the labour force, while 58 per cent highlighted that they are currently employed. This therefore means that roughly six out of every 10 university graduates are able to find employment after graduation.

ANOTHER FACTOR

Another factor to consider relating to employed university graduates is whether or not employment is in the field of their studies, as such the poll sought to identify; the results are 67 per cent indicated employment in the field of their university studies while 33 per cent indicated employment in another field. This indicates that majority of workplaces are being equipped with individuals who are adequately trained to perform their duties hence theoretically increasing workplace productivity and overall national development. Quality of job is a very important aspect and as such the poll further went to ask the employed graduates to indicate if they were satisfied with their current occupation, the results are as follows, 50 per cent satisfied and 50 per cent unsatisfied.

Finally, the poll sought to identify the number of graduates seeking to migrate in search of better opportunities. The results are, 78 per cent are actively searching, while 22 per cent are not searching. These numbers speak for themselves, majority of the individuals considered to be the brightest and most skilled within the country do not see Jamaica as where their future lies, at least in the short term.

WHAT IS THE RATIONALE OF THIS?

It is rational that one can’t expect to graduate from university and acquire the most prestigious and highest paying jobs; however it is rational for a graduate to expect a job in a field that will allow for at minimum, the payment of, rent, transportation costs, food costs, student loan, and have a small change left to invest. After which foundational tasks can be done in order to elevate with the aim of living at minimum a comfortable live. However, how long should one work to be able to live a comfortable life? How long should one work to be able to start a family? How long should one work to not worry about student loan?

Another reason for this desire to migrate is due to the fact that many college students participate in the J1 cultural exchange programme which exposes students to overseas culture. Exposing facts such as, working jobs in which they are overqualified (underemployment) provides greater financial flexibility as opposed to working with ‘the Jamaican employment system.’ Let’s observe the facts, many university graduates were able to fund their education and provide general living expenses through this program working these menial jobs, as such there is a great pull factor for migration.

COMPARISON

If we should compare these qualified individuals to many scammers and ‘dunce heads’ we would see a major difference in living standards – this is the type of information which is being presented to at risk individuals when faced with critical life choices…

Tertiary education is a tested and proven avenue to achieve success, it is easy to be lost in the glamour and hype surrounding what life should be like at this stage, however quick money is not always good money and as old people used to say “di harda di battle.. di sweeta di viktry,” therefore, graduates continue pushing for a better future, don’t get trap in what seems to be the normal culture as that will pass.

The questions should be asked though, are we adequately training for jobs of the future? Are the institutions being adequately funded by the Government of Jamaica in order to fulfil their mandates? We already know the answer to one of these questions, the future will reveal the other.

Kahlil Hutchinson is the immediate past president of the UTech, Ja. Students’ Union and is the political awareness and respect initiative chairman for programmes and projects in the Office of the Political Ombudsman. Send feedback to kahlil_hutchinson@yahoo.com