A university degree was once widely seen as the default gateway to a stable career. For decades, it was the expected next step after school, rarely questioned and strongly tied to ideas of success. Today, that certainty feels far less fixed. For many young people, especially Gen Z, a degree is increasingly viewed as an advantage rather than a guarantee, something helpful in many cases, but no longer the only route to a good career.
There is no doubt that certain professions still require formal education. You cannot become a doctor, lawyer or architect without years of structured academic training and accredited qualifications. However, beyond these regulated fields, more young people are now questioning whether spending three or four years at university is always the most effective path to success, particularly when compared to gaining skills and experience earlier.
In Bangladesh, this debate is especially relevant. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), graduate unemployment remains in the double digits, while underemployment is also a growing concern. Many graduates find themselves in jobs such as tutoring, call centres or entry-level administrative roles that do not match their qualifications. This has led to growing uncertainty about whether a degree alone still guarantees career stability.
At the same time, the job market is evolving quickly. Employers are increasingly prioritising practical skills, adaptability and real-world experience alongside or even above formal qualifications. As a result, many young people are choosing alternative paths. Some are building portfolios through freelance work, others are learning through online platforms or entering the workforce earlier to gain experience. With rising tuition fees, especially in private universities, higher education is also becoming a significant financial burden, and for some families, the return on investment is no longer clear.
“I am not sure a degree guarantees a job anymore. Skills and experience seem to matter more than just a certificate,” said Rafia, 22, a university student from Dhaka, reflecting a sentiment that is becoming increasingly common among graduates.
Another private university student, Alif, 23, pointed to the financial pressure of higher education, saying, “University is important, but I also feel like we are paying a lot just for uncertainty in return.”
Still, it would be misleading to dismiss the importance of a university degree altogether. In Bangladesh and many other countries, a bachelor’s degree remains a minimum requirement for consideration in a wide range of sectors. Even in industries that value skills, a degree often acts as an initial screening tool in recruitment. While alternative routes are growing, having a degree still statistically improves access to opportunities and provides a more structured entry into the job market.
Universities also offer benefits that go beyond academic learning. They provide exposure to new ideas, structured learning environments and, importantly, networks. Friendships, mentorships, alumni connections and interactions with diverse groups of people often play a significant role in shaping both personal and professional growth. As the saying goes, “your network is your net worth”, and for many, university is where that foundation is first built.
However, the global employment landscape is gradually shifting. Large companies are increasingly rethinking traditional hiring models. Apple has publicly stated that not all roles require four-year degrees, while IBM has expanded apprenticeship programmes and skills-based recruitment in areas such as data science and technology. These changes reflect a broader trend where demonstrated ability and practical skills are becoming as important as formal academic credentials.
The rise of digital learning platforms, remote work and freelance economies has also widened access to opportunities that previously required formal education. Today, a young person with strong skills, consistency and a solid portfolio can compete in global markets without following a traditional academic route. This shift is slowly reshaping how success is defined.
“For some careers, a degree is essential, but for many others, you can learn faster outside the classroom now,” said another student, Faiyaz, 21, highlighting the growing confidence in alternative learning paths.
“I think the system is changing. Degrees are still useful, but they are no longer the only way forward. What really matters today is not where you studied, but what you can do,” he added, reflecting a more balanced view among young people.
So, is a university degree necessary? The honest answer is that it depends. It depends on the career path, the industry and individual circumstances. For some professions, it is essential. For others, it is becoming increasingly optional. What is clear, however, is that a degree alone is no longer a complete guarantee of success.
For the new generation, the challenge is not choosing between education and ambition. It is about understanding that success no longer follows a single fixed path. Instead, it is shaped by a combination of learning, adaptability, skills and experience. In that sense, the question is no longer simply whether a degree is necessary, but what truly prepares someone for a changing world.
