Are you wondering if a university education is a smart choice for your young one's future?
Helping support your young one with their future stirs up a whirlwind of emotions, as does navigating their journey to university and helping to answer their questions around whether it's the right choice for them. From the pride you feel in their achievements to the anticipation of what the future holds, it's a rollercoaster of excitement and curiosity. While sending them off to univeristy comes with its challenges, both emotionally and financially, the rewards of their university experience can be immeasurable, shaping their lives in ways we could have never imagined!
We know it can be difficult to answer their questions (and your own!). So to help you navigate this period of change, we've got you covered with 10 amazing benefits that they will experience through embarking on not only a university education, but an Essex education!
1. Exploring passions
University offers a unique opportunity for students to explore their passions, dive deeper into subjects, and chart a well-researched career path—all within a supportive environment. Plus, with so many of our degrees here at Essex offering a placement year, the chance to study abroad, and participate in industry internships amongst many other opportunities, students can choose to learn more about their subject in professional working environments both in the UK or internationally. They’ll gain practical skills, critical thinking abilities, develop their confidence and independence, and build a professional network that can last a lifetime.
2. Personal development
University is great for personal development. Beyond academic knowledge, university teaches crucial life skills like financial management, independence, and a cultural understanding. And with a strong support network of peer mentors, career services, and access to our wellbeing services amongst many others, students at Essex have the resources, guidance, and support they need to thrive both academically and personally throughout their time with us. Our Student Services Hub at Essex truly have everything covered.
3. Networking and lifelong friends
University isn't just about studying—it's about building lifelong friendships and connections. From joining our various clubs and societies, to supporting or even joining our famous sports team (shoutout to The Essex Rebels!), there's something for everyone. These connections can be invaluable in navigating future career opportunities, and also act as a great place to make like-minded friends. At Essex, we’re a tightknit community, and celebrate everyone’s individuality.
4. Enhanced Career Opportunities
An Essex education opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities. If your young person's career doesn't require a degree, many professions especially within the business, marketing, financial, and related industries will still highly value the mixture of skills that graduates gain through various opportunities they’ve experienced at university.
For example, throughout the course of their degree, many of our students at Essex, and within our Essex Business School have taken advantage of internships both across the UK and abroad, have carried out placement years within the industry of their choice, and benefitted from developing real life, practical work experience making them ideal candidates to hire straight into the workplace.
Your young one will have access to our dedicated Careers Service, so whether they need professional guidance with getting their questions answered, help finding work or securing placements, or advice on future careers, they will be well supported throughout the course of their degree. Essex Business School also supports students with career guidance in the business world and surrounding industries including entrepreneurship, marketing, business and management, accounting, and finance and banking.
5. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
University assignments challenges students to think critically, analyse complex problems, and develop innovative solutions. These cognitive skills are invaluable not only in academic settings but also in professional environments, where adaptability and problem-solving abilities are highly sought after.
6. Exposure to Diversity and Global Perspectives
Our Colchester and Southend campuses are melting pots of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. Essex is represented by many countries, whether that’s students studying their full degree here, or students who live abroad and are completing an international placement here at Essex. Engaging with peers from different walks of life builds a cultural understanding, empathy, and tolerance, which are all essential qualities in today's interconnected world. Luisa came to EBS on her semester abroad, and loved it here so much she hopes to return to the UK to live and work. She said, ‘not only did I get the chance to benefit from many helpful contacts at the university but I also made friends with people from the UK and all over the world who took part in the exchange.’
7. Research Opportunities and Academic Excellence
Essex University is a hub of research and innovation, providing students with opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research projects alongside expert faculty members. This exposure to cutting-edge research not only enhances academic rigor but also prepares your young person for careers in academia and industry.
Did you know that 100% of our business and management research environment is world-leading or internationally excellent, and we are ranked 20th in the UK for research power in business and management (Times Higher Education research power measure) in the Research Excellence Framework 2021.
8. Leadership and Teamwork Skills
Through group projects, extracurricular activities, and student organisations, your young person has the opportunity to develop leadership, collaboration, and teamwork skills. Learning to work effectively in teams and lead diverse groups prepares students for leadership roles in their future careers.
9. Access to Resources and Facilities
Essex offers state-of-the-art facilities, including libraries, laboratories, and specialised equipment such as our Bloomberg trading floor within the Essex Business School, where students can access real financial data in almost real time to help them build company profiles for project work, as well as experiencing how to execute trades and terminal commands. Access to these facilities enhance their learning experience, and empowers students to explore their interests, conduct experiments, and pursue creative endeavours.
10. Mentorship and Guidance
At Essex, our welcoming and friendly staff serve as mentors and guides, offering invaluable support and encouragement to students throughout their journey both personally, and academically. Their expertise, wisdom, and mentorship shape students' intellectual and personal growth, setting them on the path to success.
Ultimately, a university education is a lifelong investment in your young person’s success. It's a personal and professional launchpad that can support them long after graduation. So, as you weigh your options, consider the long-term benefits that university, and an Essex education can offer.
