Personal Development for Smart People Forums - View Single Post

Chris Norris · 07-11-2007, 11:48 AM

Hi,

I'd like to add some support for what Joe is saying about the choice of universities, but first a little on me.

I'm 24 and another Brit. I certainly never considered leaving school at 16 and I would strongly advise you to stay and do A levels whether you are going to university or not, if only because of the stigma attached with not having a post-16 education should you ever need to get a 'job'.

I started off doing four A levels with a mix of the more vocational (business, computing) and academic (maths and physics). At the same time I was involved with a group of friends in establishing what would become a very successful website which is now quite well known. Originally, I wanted to go to Cambridge to study Computer Science, but about half way through decided I actually wanted to go down a social sciences route and dropped Physics. This gave me more time to concentrate on the website, another part time job, but did mean I realistically was not going to get into Oxbridge with 2 out of 3 A Levels being non-traditional.

In the end I went to Nottingham (still a top university) and studied business/economics, later taking a sabbatical year to do an elected students' union role and then going on to do a masters in a subject which I am very passionate about (corporate social responsibility). When I went to university, I ended my involvement with the website.

Now, on the face of it I could have a number of regrets. I gave up on a business which I could probably now be earning a living from full time, and I didn't go to Oxbridge. What I did have were the best five years of my life, growing as a person at a fantastic university in a great city, meeting new people, and involves in issues and activities which I was passionate about. If I had gone down the route of focusing on the business I would never have become politically engaged or had the opportunity to find and study a topic I am genuinely interested in. I don't think Oxbridge would have provided what I got at Nottingham either.

I suppose the point I am trying to make is that the choices you make now are important, but you never know what could come along and your priorities now might not be your priorities in 5 or 10 years. Also, education is not just about career progression - it is about personal development, both socially and through enjoying learning.

Chris

07-11-2007, 11:48 AM	#16 (permalink)
Chris Norris Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1	Hi, I'd like to add some support for what Joe is saying about the choice of universities, but first a little on me. I'm 24 and another Brit. I certainly never considered leaving school at 16 and I would strongly advise you to stay and do A levels whether you are going to university or not, if only because of the stigma attached with not having a post-16 education should you ever need to get a 'job'. I started off doing four A levels with a mix of the more vocational (business, computing) and academic (maths and physics). At the same time I was involved with a group of friends in establishing what would become a very successful website which is now quite well known. Originally, I wanted to go to Cambridge to study Computer Science, but about half way through decided I actually wanted to go down a social sciences route and dropped Physics. This gave me more time to concentrate on the website, another part time job, but did mean I realistically was not going to get into Oxbridge with 2 out of 3 A Levels being non-traditional. In the end I went to Nottingham (still a top university) and studied business/economics, later taking a sabbatical year to do an elected students' union role and then going on to do a masters in a subject which I am very passionate about (corporate social responsibility). When I went to university, I ended my involvement with the website. Now, on the face of it I could have a number of regrets. I gave up on a business which I could probably now be earning a living from full time, and I didn't go to Oxbridge. What I did have were the best five years of my life, growing as a person at a fantastic university in a great city, meeting new people, and involves in issues and activities which I was passionate about. If I had gone down the route of focusing on the business I would never have become politically engaged or had the opportunity to find and study a topic I am genuinely interested in. I don't think Oxbridge would have provided what I got at Nottingham either. I suppose the point I am trying to make is that the choices you make now are important, but you never know what could come along and your priorities now might not be your priorities in 5 or 10 years. Also, education is not just about career progression - it is about personal development, both socially and through enjoying learning. Chris