Main Advantages

• Networking opportunities and valuable connections
• Enhanced knowledge and skill sets
• Access to exclusive job openings
• Potential visa benefits for work in major IT hubs

Main Disadvantages

• Consumes a considerable amount of time
• Many IT jobs do not require a formal degree
• Academic education can sometimes feel outdated, filled with bureaucracy, and disconnected from industry realities

We will explore these points in greater detail later, but first, I’d like to share my personal perspective on this matter.

Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in IT typically requires three to four years of commitment. This is a substantial investment of your time. Before making such a decision, it's crucial to clarify your personal goals. The purpose of any long-term commitment should be meaningful and worthwhile—this also applies to university education. Ensure that your reasons for attending are not simply societal or familial expectations.

Historically, obtaining a degree was essential for securing a good job, which offered higher status and financial security. However, in the 21st century, this is no longer universally true, especially in fields like IT.

The Internet has fundamentally transformed access to information, making academic credentials less exclusive. Many universities have not adapted to the rapid evolution of the industry, often relying on outdated teaching methods and professors who may not be in tune with current trends. Consequently, universities are sometimes perceived as conservative institutions, burdened with bureaucracy and irrelevant practices.

Of course, some universities are innovative and offer valuable education, but they often come with high costs and limited enrollment.

As we stand on the brink of an AI revolution, the future of education holds potential for significant changes. So, as you ponder the decision to pursue a degree, ask yourself: What do you hope to achieve, and will attending university aid in reaching those goals?

To assist in organizing your thoughts, let me share my journey of returning to university in my 30s.

What I Did Not Achieve

Starting my degree during the pandemic meant my first year was entirely online. Balancing a full-time job with part-time studies was challenging, as classes were condensed into weekend sessions every two weeks. This format limited my ability to connect with fellow students. Many attendees seemed primarily focused on completing the program with minimal engagement.

The professors appeared to share this mindset, often doing just enough to get by. Earning good grades was relatively easy, but the lack of inspiration and enthusiasm made the environment feel uninspiring.

I invested considerable time in projects due to my overachiever tendencies, but often questioned if it was worthwhile. This leads to a critical question: Is it beneficial for students to develop a habit of merely meeting minimum expectations?

The overarching message seemed to be that there’s little value in striving for excellence.

Additionally, bureaucratic hurdles plagued my educational experience. With so many important tasks in my life, engaging in unnecessary administrative processes felt like a drain on my time and energy.

What I Did Achieve

Despite these challenges, I learned valuable skills in organization. Juggling a full-time job and family life sharpened my ability to manage my time effectively. One significant takeaway was reinforcing my habit of dedicating at least an hour daily to learning, along with other strategies that helped during challenging times.

Subjects such as math, electronics, and computing theory are often difficult to explore outside a structured environment. The deadlines and exams provided the motivation I needed to learn these concepts.

What Can You Do to Maximize Learning?

Instead of dwelling on the shortcomings of my university experience, I focused on my personal goals:

• Engage in projects I had long wanted to pursue.
• Dedicate time to understanding foundational concepts—there’s value in this.
• Tackle my weaknesses directly.

Ultimately, I believe my university experience was worthwhile. While I encountered many disappointing moments, I also emerged as a more organized and self-aware individual. In our current system, the degree should open some doors that align with my ambitions.

What Would I Change?

If I could redo my university selection, I would aim for a more reputable institution where I could engage with passionate professors and peers, learn about cutting-edge technologies, and access innovative projects. This might have required even more time, but I would welcome the challenge if it meant engaging in meaningful learning.

This account reflects my perspective and experiences, and I recognize others share similar sentiments. If you’re considering an IT degree, especially while already employed in the industry, take the time to align your decision with your life goals.

Thank you for reading this article. If you found it helpful, please consider giving it a clap and following me for more insights.