Continuing to study or obtaining work experience to gain employment is an area which has confused graduate students for many years and is a major decision that many students have to make. I argue that while there are merits to both decisions, personally speaking, the practical aspects of work experience are the most appealing.

The following essay will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of further increasing one’s knowledge of theory in Higher Education, over the more practical application of obtaining experience in the work-place. First of all, the advantage of accumulating work-experience will be discussed. Second, the essay considers the independence gained from independent living based on working. Next, a lack of specialized knowledge will be discussed and finally, there is the issue of the companies’ expectations of their employees that needs to be explored.

The first and perhaps the most obvious benefit of obtaining working experience is the practical application of gaining experience and learning flexibility. Undergraduates usually have sufficient specialized knowledge of a subject but lack knowledge of work practices and the execution of working procedures. Therefore, gaining experience is an efficient way to integrate theoretical knowledge and the practical application.   

In addition, they may be earlier promotion opportunities to climb the career ladder as managers often promote quickly those that show promise with increased responsibility. Work experience can also be added to a resume or CV and may allow an employee to transfer location or even apply for better paid work in other companies.

A further advantage of going onto work is the financial security it may offer. Many students rely on the good-will of family or grants and loans to fund their education. Starting to earn a living means that there is less financial burden than taking additional financial assistance to fund further education, for example, tuition fees and living expenses. Additionally, even though, the salary might often be small, the independence offered by a salary or the opportunity to start planning for a house and family in the future may be a great incentive.

One major issue when considering gaining working experience is lack of professional knowledge. While the experience at university may have been positive, a sense of culture shock may be experienced as positions are usually low.  In addition, the lack of experience may be a barrier to progression, as a certain level of experience is required in some professions or careers and finding opportunities to gain that experience may be limited.

A development of this final issue for graduates is that some companies regard an academic career as a prerequisite, for example, to be a Dean of a university often requires an academic career to be outstanding. Even for entrance into other professions, there may, for example, be a minimum postgraduate requirement, without which an applicant is barred from the application process.

In conclusion, this essay has considered aspects of work experience that include the combination of practice and theory and the advantages of earning a living. However, there are some drawbacks that a lack of specialized knowledge and academic qualification may bar a person from a certain level of profession. I feel that for some, the benefits of gaining experience may satisfy their desire for independence and for making future plans, while for others, their love of learning may be the best and most practical application for their careers, however, on a personal level, the practical aspects of work experience are the more attractive.

Continuing to study or obtaining work experience to gain employment is an area which has confused graduate students for many years and is a major decision that many students have to make. I argue that while there are merits to both decisions, personally speaking, the practical aspects of work experience are the most appealing.

The following essay will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of further increasing one’s knowledge of theory in Higher Education, over the more practical application of obtaining experience in the work-place. First of all, the advantage of accumulating work-experience will be discussed. Second, the essay considers the independence gained from independent living based on working. Next, a lack of specialized knowledge will be discussed and finally, there is the issue of the companies’ expectations of their employees that needs to be explored.

The first and perhaps the most obvious benefit of obtaining working experience is the practical application of gaining experience and learning flexibility. Undergraduates usually have sufficient specialized knowledge of a subject but  lack knowledge of work practices and the execution of working procedures. Therefore, gaining experience is an efficient way to integrate theoretical knowledge and the practical application.   

In addition, they may be earlier promotion opportunities to climb the career ladder as managers often promote quickly those that show promise with increased responsibility. Work experience can also be added to a resume or CV and may allow an employee to transfer location or even apply for better paid work in other companies.

A further advantage of going onto work is the financial security it may offer. Many students rely on the good-will of family or grants and loans to fund their education. Starting to earn a living means that there is less financial burden than taking additional financial assistance to fund further education, for example, tuition fees and living expenses. Additionally, even though, the salary might often be small, the independence offered by a salary or the opportunity to start planning for a house and family in the future may be a great incentive.

One major issue when considering gaining working experience is lack of professional knowledge. While the experience at university may have been positive, a sense of culture shock may be experienced as positions are usually low. In addition, the lack of experience may be a barrier to progression, as a certain level of experience is required in some professions or careers and finding opportunities to gain that experience may be limited.

A development of this final issue for graduates is that some companies regard an academic career as a prerequisite, for example, to be a Dean of a university often requires an academic career to be outstanding. Even for entrance into other professions, there may, for example, be a minimum postgraduate requirement, without which an applicant is barred from the application process.

In conclusion, this essay has considered aspects of work experience that include the combination of practice and theory and the advantages of earning a living. However, there are some drawbacks that a lack of specialized knowledge and academic qualification may bar a person from a certain level of profession. I feel that for some, the benefits of gaining experience may satisfy their desire for independence and for making future plans, while for others, their love of learning may be the best and most practical application for their careers, however, on a personal level, the practical aspects of work experience are the more attractive.