In fact, since I left university at the age of 21, I can't think of one job I've done that actually demanded any of the skills or knowledge that my degree gave me. And yes, that most certainly includes being a chief executive.
It causes me a great sense of guilt to be part of a generation who benefitted from full tuition and maintenance grants for my study, while today's young people face such intimidating sums in personal debt, and their repayment long into adulthood, for the same right to education that I enjoyed at taxpayers' expense (which included my parents). If I'd faced such huge personal debt to study, I honestly doubt I'd have gone to university at all. I like to think that I'd still have been able to have the career I've followed anyway, based on my competence, passion and commitment to the roles I sought out. But if entering today's employment market without a degree, I would not have been able to do any of the amazing jobs I've been able to, ranging from senior practice to policy, campaigns and senior management.
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