Completing a university education is thought by some to be the best way to get a good job. On the other hand, other people think that getting experience and developing soft skills is more important.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

In the contemporary world, the pathway to securing a good job is a subject of heated debate. Some advocate that practical experience and the development of soft skills outweigh the significance of completing a university education. Conversely, others believe that the traditional route of achieving a degree is pivotal for obtaining a promising career. Personally, I contend that completing university education is the optimal means to secure a good job in the modern world due to its multifaceted benefits and broader career prospects it offers.

Supporters of gaining experience and soft skills argue that practical knowledge acquired through work experience often proves more valuable in the professional sphere. By engaging in real-world scenarios, individuals can acquire critical competencies such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, which are perceived as essential in many workplaces. For example, an individual who has climbed the ranks in a company may possess substantial practical insights and networking connections, providing them with an edge in securing a job compared to fresh graduates.

However, while practical experience undeniably offers valuable insights, obtaining a university degree furnishes individuals with comprehensive knowledge and a strong educational foundation. University education not only imparts specialised knowledge but also instils analytical thinking, research abilities, and a deep understanding of a particular field. This comprehensive learning equips graduates with a broad spectrum of skills applicable across diverse industries, enhancing their adaptability and potential for career advancement.

Moreover, in today's competitive job market, many employers prioritize candidates with formal qualifications. A university degree often acts as a prerequisite for entry into certain professions, thereby opening doors to a wider array of job opportunities.

In conclusion, while experience and soft skills hold value, the overarching benefits of university education, including specialised knowledge, critical thinking, and enhanced career prospects, make it the superior pathway to securing a rewarding job in the contemporary world.

Model Answer 2: [Opinion: Getting experience and developing soft skills is more important for a better career.]

The quest for a secure and fulfilling career throws two divergent paths – the university education and job experience. While some advocate for the undeniable weight of a university degree in securing desirable positions, others endorse the crucial role of experience and sharpened soft skills. My opinion is that job experience and soft skills are far more helpful in securing a fulfilling career.

Those who support university education for a better career say that in an increasingly knowledge-driven economy, academic credentials remain a passport to entry for many fields. Specialized degrees equip individuals with advanced knowledge, analytical skills, and the ability to critically evaluate and innovate within their chosen domains. A research scientist, for instance, would require the theoretical foundation and meticulous training offered by a university programme to make groundbreaking discoveries and have a great career.

Advocates of the experiential path point to the invaluable lessons learned from real-world work. Training programmes and volunteer initiatives offer opportunities to hone practical skills, build resilience, and develop a keen understanding of industry nuances. A young entrepreneur, for instance, may find the lessons learned through trial and error in launching a start-up far more valuable than textbook entrepreneurship concepts. Additionally, soft skills, from communication and teamwork to adaptability and problem-solving, flourish in the dynamic environment of real-world challenges, often exceeding the reach of traditional classroom settings.

In my opinion, university graduates may be armed with specialized knowledge to get a job, but with honed soft skills and real-world experience, their counterparts also emerge as formidable candidates. Honed soft skills and job experience often offer avenues of career options that a simple degree fails to offer.

In conclusion, even though both experience and university education hold undeniable value in the equation of career success, the key to securing a "good job" and building an enviable career lies in choosing to gain soft skills and practical skills.