Why a University Degree Isn't Always Worth It

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1. 01Why a University Degree Isn't Always Worth It

   Good morning, everyone. For many years, going to university has been the default path after high school. Today, I'll argue that a degree is not always worth it, and that we should think more carefully before we choose it.

   大家早安。多年來，上大學一直是高中畢業後的預設選擇。今天，我要提出的觀點是：大學學位並不總是值得的，我們在做選擇之前應該更仔細地考慮。

2. 02The Rising Cost

   First, the cost has become very high in many countries. Some students graduate with large debts that take decades to pay back. That's a heavy burden at the start of your career.

   第一，在很多國家，上大學的費用已經變得非常高。有些學生畢業時揹著鉅額債務，要花幾十年才能還清。在職業生涯剛開始的時候，這是一個很沉重的負擔。

3. 03Not Every Degree Pays Off

   Second, not every degree pays off. Earnings depend a lot on the field of study, and many graduates end up in jobs that don't require a degree at all.

   第二，並不是每個學位都能帶來回報。收入很大程度上取決於所學的專業，而且很多畢業生最後從事的工作根本不需要學位。

   Source: Burning Glass Institute & Strada Education Foundation, "Talent Disrupted" (2024)

4. 04Skills Over Diplomas

   Third, the job market is changing. Some large companies have removed degree requirements for many roles and now focus on skills. A 2024 Harvard study found that real hiring has changed slowly so far, but the direction is clear. Today, people can learn many of those skills through online courses and certificates.

   第三，就業市場正在變化。一些大公司已經取消了很多崗位的學歷要求，現在更看重技能。2024年哈佛大學的一項研究發現，到目前為止，實際招聘的變化還比較慢，但方向是很明確的。如今，人們可以透過網課和證書學到很多這樣的技能。

   Source: Harvard Business School & Burning Glass Institute, "Skills-Based Hiring: The Long Road from Pronouncements to Practice" (2024)

5. 05Other Paths

   There are also other paths. Vocational schools, apprenticeships, and online learning can lead to good jobs, often with less time and less debt.

   此外，還有其他的道路。職業學校、學徒制和線上學習都可以通向好工作，而且往往花的時間更少，背的債務也更少。

6. 06To Be Fair

   To be fair, degrees still matter for some careers, like medicine or law. But that doesn't mean university is the right choice for everyone.

   公平地說，對某些職業來說，比如醫生或律師，學位仍然很重要。但這並不意味著上大學對每個人都是正確的選擇。

7. 07My Position

   My position is this: university should be a choice, not a default. Students should compare the costs, the benefits, and the other paths before they decide.

   我的觀點是：上大學應該是一種選擇，而不是預設的道路。學生在做決定之前，應該比較一下成本、好處和其他的道路。

8. 08Conclusion

   In the end, there is more than one road to success. The best path is the one that fits your goals, not the one everyone else takes. Thank you.

   總之，通往成功的道路不止一條。最好的道路，是適合你自己目標的那一條，而不是別人都在走的那一條。謝謝大家。