In a world where going to university is often seen as wiser choice compared to opting out, school-leavers can often feel huge amounts of pressure when making the big decision. Throughout secondary school we are very much encouraged to attend university in the future as we all dither on our career options at a young age. In the first year of sixth form we all follow a procedure where we choose our top 3 Universities and the subject we would like to study there, along with writing a lengthy personal statement and organising student finance. The students who stress to their teachers that they don’t feel university is right for them, are often told to apply just in case, which is completely fair enough so as to keep their options open.unibook

But when it comes to results day, while some of us have put our hear and soul into writing a personal statement, others merely follow the social constructs; people who feel they should go to uni, but just don’t feel as though it is right for them. Of course, this decision is always supported by teachers, but as fellow students pack their bags to join their new student homes and begin their new lives as independent young adults, those left behind can feel bewildered by having made a completely different life choice to the majority of their peers.

Now that apprenticeships are on a rise, however university is not being seen so much as the be all and end all. According to workinglinks.co.uk, apprenticeships have increased by 14% since last year, with more than 500,000 apprenticeships running right now. More and more people are accepting that higher education is certainly a necessity for a student who longs to become a doctor or a scientist, but merely an option for someone who would like to explore other career opportunities. With apprenticeships offering paid work experience combined with studies simultaneously, they really are an enticing option. Apprenticeships often offer level 2, level 3, level 4 and are now even looking at developing a level equivalent to a degree. For people who wish to work within the media industry, there are fantastic opportunities to complete apprenticeships with huge companies such as Sky, the BBC and more. Providing a prime example of how apprenticeships can provide a fantastic start to young adult life.

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After being accepted in to Surrey University and my other chosen universities, I almost felt as though I should have to take the amazing opportunity simply because it was given to me. But this shouldn’t be the case when we choose our future; we should always go with our gut instincts and do what makes us happy. I completed Sixth Form with my decision to delve into the working world and began my first job at Post-Production House ‘Clear Cut Pictures’ as a Runner. I soon learned from the other runners that it was the ‘only way in’ to the Media Industry, essentially a way to start from the bottom, and most other runners were a little peeved off that they had completed years at university only to end up in the same role as me. This was my first pointer that I had made the right decision. I then went on to undertake an apprenticeship as a Digital Marketer and now I am a full-time Marketer at a different company: the world’s leading eyewear producer & distributor of huge designer eyewear brands such as Chopard, Police, Carolina Herrera, Nina Ricci and more.

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Since making the decision to make my own way in this world and turn down uni, I have landed myself in my dream job and of course, I blog on the side, which is everything I could have ever asked for as a career. It just goes to show that university isn’t always the be all and end all, and that we shouldn’t force ourselves to go just because society says so. University provides an incredible start to adult life, but needless to say we should base decisions on what makes us feel happiest and what type of environment we feel we will excel in best.

About the author

Having secured a creative writing place at Surrey University, Hannah’s inquisitive personality got the better of her as she was drawn towards an award-winning post-production company in the first working days of her life. The youngest of the Semple team, you could say that a realistic insight into the media industry moulded her into the confident, down-to-earth blondie she is today. A chocoholic, who was once known to pack 38 tops for 2 weeks in Fuerteventura, Hannah can often be found soaking up the latest health & beauty tutorials, partaking in retail therapy or enjoying some good Mexican food with friends. If there’s one thing you can be sure of, it’s that when the world beckons, Hannah will embrace it with arms wide open (and blog about it too!).

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